Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. It consists of the insertion of thin, single-use sterile needles into specific acupuncture points in the body.
According to TCM, the body has channels or pathways through which energy, also known as qi (pronounced “chee”), and blood flow. This flow can get obstructed by injury, trauma, infections, poor lifestyle choices, and stuck emotions and can cause pain, disease, or susceptibility to illness. The placement of needles into specific points along these channels helps reestablish the flow of qi and blood, enabling the body to heal itself. That’s why acupuncture is one of the most powerful ways to stimulate the body’s internal healing process naturally.
From a Western medical perspective, the mechanism of how acupuncture works has yet to be fully understood, but based on research, many theories suggest various mechanisms. These are some of them:
- Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release neurotransmitters and hormones that influence our body’s function.
- Acupuncture reduces inflammation by modulating the immune system.
- Acupuncture enhances blood flow, ensuring oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the targeted area.
- Acupuncture stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is part of the nervous system that favors “rest, digest, heal and repair” instead of the commonly experienced “fight or flight response.”
Why get acupunture treatment?
Here’s a non-exhaustive but impressive list:
- Pain of all types (low back pain, sciatic pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, knee pain, elbow pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and more)
- Gastro-intestinal disorders (Acute and chronic gastritis, indigestion, food allergies, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
- Respiratory conditions (common cold, flu, cough, asthma, emphysema, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or hay fever)
- Gynecological disorders (menstrual pain, PMS, menopause, morning sickness, female or male infertility)
- Immune system or autoimmune disorders (Rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto thyroiditis)
- Circulatory disorders (heart problems/palpitations, numbness/poor circulation)
- Endocrine disorders
- Mood disorders and anxiety
- Migraines and headaches
- Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy
FAQ- You have questions, we have answers
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and inserted with a very gentle technique. Often, you will not even feel them.
How long does a treatment last?
Usually, it takes 30 to 40 minutes, but initial appointments last longer.
Is acupuncture safe?
When acupuncture is performed by a trained, licensed acupuncturist, it is extremely safe. We use sterile, disposable needles to ensure no risk of infection.
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is very safe and has minimal to no side effects. Occasionally, there can be bruising or slight bleeding at the needle site.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments depends on age, overall health, and individual needs. Some people can experience relief after the first treatment, but chronic conditions can take longer to respond and might need multiple sessions.
A more precise estimate will be given during your initial consultation.
How should I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid coming on an empty stomach. A light snack before treatment is ideal.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing if possible.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine on the day of the treatment.
Your Body’s Ability To Heal Itself Is
Powerful & Strong.
Let us help awaken these resources with our 100% natural medicine. The name of our Clinic “Alivia,” comes from the Spanish language, and it means to heal, to soothe, to ease, to get better; and that is our mission, to make YOUR life better by helping you be healthy and stay healthy so you can live a fulfilling and happy life.