Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive system of health care that has been in existence for over 3000 years. Although Acupuncture is the most well known aspect of Chinese medicine in the US, other forms of treatment include Acupressure, Herbal Medicine, Tui Na (massage therapy), Nutrition,Qi Gong, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua Sha and various other methods of stimulation to the energetic system.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the energy points located along the meridians of the body that facilitate the movement of qi. Ancient Chinese believed that the root of all disease was caused by the blockage of qi, by removing the blockage and promoting the free flow of qi on the meridians, the body is able to heal itself. Acupuncture works on strengthening the bodies own natural healing abilities, increases circulation, and stimulates immune function.
What to Expect
Your first visit will start with a thorough intake of your medical history. A physical exam may include vital signs and a detailed analysis of the tongue and pulse as well as abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis. Michelle will then discuss with you what you would like treated with Chinese Medicine and what you can expect from the treatment. Other Chinese therapies will be discussed that may be effective for you such as moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, or bioelectrical stimulation. Dietary, nutritional, and lifestyle options may be presented to you based on your constitution and chief complaint. You will receive your first treatment that day.
You will be placed in a comfortable position and sterile, single-use acupuncture needles will be inserted into various points along the meridians. Sensations may vary; you may feel a sense of heaviness, warmth, achiness, numbness, or tingling in the area of insertion. The acupuncture needles may be left in for twenty minutes or longer while Michelle provides complementary treatment with Reiki energy healing. Most patients find treatments very relaxing and many fall into a dream like state during sessions.
Depending on your health concern and your individual pattern, you may also receive complementary treatments like Tui Na or Shiatsu massage after the needles are removed.
Continuing Visits
Treatments may be recommended anywhere from twice per week to twice per month, depending on the problem. During each session, Michelle will discuss with you changes that may have occurred since the last visit, re-evaluate objective signs, and revise the treatments as the presentation evolves.
Many conditions can be alleviated rapidly by Acupuncture. However, some conditions will be relieved with slow and steady progress. Herbal Medicine may be added to speed up the healing process