About Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to correspond to energy pathways or meridians, which, according to traditional Chinese medicine, are channels through which the body's vital energy, or Qi flows. The practice is based on the idea that health issues can arise when the flow of Qi is blocked or imbalanced. By inserting needles at specific points, acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi, thereby promoting healing and alleviating symptoms.


What does an acupuncturist do?

The acupuncturist begins by taking a comprehensive history of the patient's health, symptoms, and lifestyle. This may include asking about pain levels, sleep patterns, digestion, emotional health, and other factors. They may also perform a physical examination, including checking the tongue, pulse, and other indicators used in traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the assessment, the acupuncturist diagnoses the patient's condition from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine and develops a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific condition and needs. This plan typically includes the selection of acupuncture points to be stimulated during the session.


During the treatment session, the acupuncturist inserts thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the patient's body. The insertion is generally painless or causes minimal discomfort. The needles may be left in place for about 15-30 minutes. The acupuncturist may adjust the needles or apply additional techniques such as moxibustion (burning a herb near the skin), cupping, or electroacupuncture (using mild electrical currents) to enhance the treatment's effects.


Acupuncturists often provide advice on lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and other holistic practices to support the treatment and improve overall health. Acupuncture treatments are often given in a series of sessions, and the acupuncturist monitors the patient's progress and adjusts the treatment plan as needed.


Some of the ways we treat patients with acupuncture are explained below.

Traditional 5-Element Acupuncture

Traditional five element acupuncture is a holistic approach to healthcare that originated in ancient Chinese medicine. It is based on the idea that everything in the universe, including our bodies, is made up of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are believed to be interconnected and to influence each other.

In traditional five element acupuncture, practitioners seek to balance these elements within the body in order to promote health and well-being. This is done through the insertion of thin needles into specific points along the body's meridian pathways, which are believed to correspond to the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy. These pathways are known as the Lung, Stomach, Heart, Spleen, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Gallbladder, Liver, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Triple Heater meridians.

The goal of traditional five element acupuncture is to restore harmony and balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It is often used to treat a wide range of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions, and is tailored to each individual's unique constitution and needs.

Overall, traditional five element acupuncture is a gentle and natural form of healing that can help promote overall wellness and vitality.

Facial Rejuvenation

We use the Aculift™ MicroPen, part of the Aculift™ MicroPen System

Acupuncture facial rejuvenation is not just for wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots. As a part of an overall program of skin health for individuals of any age, you can have treatments much in the same way you would get a facial. The difference being that an Acupuncturist specially trained in facial rejuvenation acupuncture can diagnose imbalances in your organs such as your liver which may cause Melasma or dark spots, in your kidneys which can result in dark circles or premature aging, your large intestine or lungs which can contribute to acne or your spleen which can contribute greatly to sagging and or puffiness.

Facial Acupuncture, done as part as a regular program of skin care can prevent the appearance of crow’s feet, sagging jowls, droopy eyelids and turkey neck before they happen. Once these signs of aging do begin to appear, needles can be used to increase collagen production, stimulate blood flow, relax atrophied muscles and brighten a dull complexion.

Techniques such as facial cupping, facial Gua Sha, micro-needle dermal rollers, and light therapy, are also used to further enhance the effects of the treatments. Treatments are very relaxing and you will look forward to the refreshed, rested, appearance you attain from each and every session.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine technique believed to promote blood flow and reduce inflammation. Glass cups are heated briefly using a flame to create a vacuum inside before being placed on the skin. As the air cools, it creates a suction effect that draws the skin upwards into the cup. This suction can range from light to strong, depending on the practitioner’s technique and the client’s tolerance. Cups are typically left in place for a few minutes, although the duration can vary depending on the purpose of the treatment. Cupping has been found to provide relief for muscle aches and pains, and to improve circulation by drawing blood flow to the treated area. Some people find cupping therapy to be relaxing and it can help alleviate stress.

Cupping often leaves circular marks on the skin, which are caused by the suction and usually disappear within a few days. The coloration of these marks can vary from light pink to dark purple, depending on the amount of blood brought to the surface during treatment.

 

Facial Cupping

For thousands of years the Chinese have used therapeutic cupping for asthma, fever, pain, TMJ, sinus congestion and many other physical concerns. Facial cupping can be transformative to your appearance either as a standalone treatment, or as an addition to acupuncture facial rejuvenation. The benefits include increased local circulation to the skin, drawing nutrients to the surface and enhancing absorption of lotions or serums. Facial cupping also increases blood flow, drains stagnant fluids and eases puffiness. By increasing blood flow and circulation to the skin, cupping can help the skin to regain its youthful appearance.

Facial cups are small and come in various shapes especially designed for your face. After applying a special lotion, a small cup is either “parked” for a few seconds over a deep wrinkle to increase blood flow to the area, or it is moved along the face and down the neck to drain lymphatic fluid and stimulate blood flow.

 

Facial Gua Sha

Facial Gua Sha is a technique in which specially crafted hand-held pieces of smooth jade are used to invigorate the skin, smooth out wrinkles and increase blood supply. Facial Gua Sha can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as Acne, Rosacea, Melasma and dark circles. Facial Gua Sha is used as part of a comprehensive acupuncture facial rejuvenation program for wrinkles, sagging and puffiness. Facial Gua Sha can address areas such as the neck and jowls, which are prone to sagginess. The increased blood circulation, which occurs during Gua Sha, helps to detoxify the face and move stagnant blood and inflammation, which can occur under the eyes. By providing increased blood flow to the face, the skin is better nourished and healthier.

Part of the benefit of the treatment is that acupuncture points on the face are massaged with the Gua Sha tool, which in turn benefits the internal organs. The better your liver and kidney are working, the healthier your skin will appear.

A gentle massaging technique is used for deep lines, such as those between the eyebrows and on the forehead. This procedure relaxes the muscles, increases blood flow and rejuvenates the skin. The more relaxed the muscles are, the more relaxed you feel. Much in the same way that smiling causes you to feel happier, having a tensely furrowed brow can elicit, worry, pensiveness and anger.

I offer Facial Cupping and Facial Gua Sha as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment or as a standalone session.