acupuncture

Acupuncture helps your body heal itself.

Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is one of the oldest systems of healing still in use today. It is used to:

  • Improve health and vitality

  • Alleviate pain

  • Balance emotions

  • Prevent and treat disease

  • Increase fertility

HOW IT WORKS: Hair-thin, single-use needles are gently inserted into points on your body chosen according to your specific Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. This stimulates balance and health by activating the natural healing mechanisms of your body. In TCM, we call this balancing Yin and Yang and harmonizing Qi, or vital energy, and blood flow. From a Western medical view, acupuncture has been scientifically proven to:

  • Increase microcirculation to help reduce pain and repair tissue with increased oxygen and blood flow.

  • Relax and balance the nervous system to help reduce stress and anxiety.

  • Stimulate the immune system to increase vitality and fight disease.

  • Release endorphins to help you feel good.

LEARN ABOUT CORE SYNCHRONISM

Harmony of the Yin and Yang, the opposite elements and forces that exist within us, can bring health, wellbeing and sustainability.

ACUPuncture tools / manual therapies

  • Fine, sterile needles are placed into specific points on the body. This stimulates balance and health by activating the nervous system, moving qi and increasing blood flow.

  • Tui na, which can be translated as “pinch and pull,” is used to address pain and other patterns of disharmony in the body. Finger and hand pressure are used instead of needles to stimulate the acupuncture points and treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal problems. Tui na or acupressure can be taught to patients to continue care at home.

  • Therapeutic cupping involves placing glass or silicone cups with suction on specific areas of the body. This promotes blood flow and releases toxins within the superficial muscle layers, promoting cell repair and reducing pain.

  • Moxa introduces the element of heat into the body with the herb mugwort. Sticks of the prepared herb are burned close to the skin to stimulate acupressure points, warm the channels and improve the flow of qi or energy. In women’s health, moxa is often used to help with breech presentation.

  • E-stim uses a gentle flow of electricity to enhance a traditional acupuncture treatment. Small electrodes are attached to the needles to create a gentle vibration that stimulates the flow of qi in the body. This can help reduce pain, warm the muscles and increase blood flow. It’s commonly used to speed the healing of musculoskeletal issues, and also to increase fertility by stimulating the ovaries.

  • In addition to providing a warm, radiant heat, far infrared heat lamps help to increase microcirculation and loosen the connective tissue to reduce pain and promote relaxation. The heat may be applied to any part of the body, but is frequently used on the abdomen to ease pain, correct digestive issues and increase blood circulation in the uterus.

  • Gua sha uses a smooth-edged tool on oiled skin to scrape and stimulate painful areas of the body. This is believed to move stagnant energy or qi, which can reduce inflammation, improve circulation and reduce pain.

What to expect during an acupuncture session at Stillpoint Acupuncture

Your initial consultation will include a review of your health history, current symptoms and your healing goals. A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse and tongue diagnosis will be taken to create your personalized TCM diagnosis and establish a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Relaxation with needles in our private, comfortable treatment room will follow this assessment. Many people feel a deep sense of relaxation when the needles are in, and some even fall asleep. Acupuncture sessions are often enhanced with Core Synchronism once the needles are in place. This gentle, energy-based work often brings people to a deeper state of relaxation and balance.