Acupuncture is an ancient tradition in Chinese medicine that uses very small needles inserted in specific places along the body. The needles are used to remove blockages in the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or life energy, through the body.

The needles also stimulate physical responses, such as pain relief and relaxation.

In addition to needles, modern acupuncturists use lasers, magnets, and electrical stimulation to affect change in your health.

Meridians and Qi

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds a common core belief that Qi flows through your body along specific and predictable pathways, known as “meridians.” There are special points at various places along these meridians that affect other body parts on the same pathway. These places are commonly known as “acupressure points.”

An acupuncturist will place needles in these acupressure points based on your symptoms and the goals of your treatment.

The flow of Qi through your body can be redirected and balanced via not only specific placement, but by the order in which the needles are placed.

Emotional Balance

Another fundamental belief of TCM is that your body is greatly affected by your emotional health. Psychological trauma can be “stored” in your muscles and organs, causing pain, dysfunction, and disease.

A common real world example of this occurs in patients who are under a tremendous amount of stress due to work or personal circumstances. This stress becomes tension in the shoulders and neck, leading to headaches, loss of range of motion in the shoulder, and back pain.

Acupuncture & Holistic Care

Traditional Chinese medicine looks at all of the factors in your life that can affect your health including nutrition, posture, movement, emotional well-being, personal support network, and general stress levels. The state of your entire body will be assessed by our acupuncturist. You may be given recommendations for dietary supplements, healing herbs and teas, or salves and poultices for joint pain.

Acupuncture, in addition to chiropractic care, can be a wonderful way to treat stress and restore balance and movement to your body.