Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced for thousands of years. It is an ancient system of healthcare that originated in the Far East. Disease is experienced when mind, body, and spirit become unbalanced and health is achieved when balance is restored.
The body is an integrated network of channels, also known as meridians. There are 12 main channels in the body that are all connected to each other as well as connected to the body’s internal organs. Where one ends, another begins. When there is an imbalance in one channel it can create problems in the next. The channels carry and circulate energy through the body. When the body is in balance energy flows smoothly throughout the channels. When there is injury, disease, or an imbalance, the energy can become deficient or stagnated. TCM uses many methods to help the body regain balance and well-being.
TCM theory and practice is very different from Western Medicine. A major difference is the theory and practice of holism. TCM views the body as an integrated whole, when there is disease or injury in one part of the body, others will be affected. TCM treats the whole person and thorough consultations are often required to understand how the condition arose and how to treat it most affectively. Also, TCM treats the root of the problem. There is no masking of symptoms allowing only temporary relief. Symptoms are branches of the imbalance or disease. TCM alleviates the symptoms by healing from the root through to the branches.
Acupuncture is the insertion and manipulation of fine filiform needles into the body in order to treat disease or optimize health & wellness. Acupuncture treatments are based on the underlying imbalances that a patient presents with. This allows for acupuncture to be effective at treating or improving a wide range of diseases or health conditions.
Acupuncture is not a painful practice, certainly not at Elements of Acupuncture. We use the highest quality needles and practice a painless acupuncture with the use of guide-tubes for quick and painless needle insertion. Very fine needles are inserted in to specific points according to the condition being treated as well as the clients specific symptoms. The practitioner will communicate with you during your treatment to make sure you are completely comfortable. Sensations experienced during acupuncture, known as 'qi sensation' is often described as pressure, heavy feeling, tingling, or 'like something moving.' Our treatments are very relaxing sessions, clients often fall asleep.
Acupuncture in our office is preformed using Clean Needle Technique set forth by the CCAOM. All acupuncture needles used in our offices are sterile one time use and disposed of in biohazard sharps containers.
