Acupuncture

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At the heart of Traditional Acupuncture is an in-depth understanding of the natural laws governing the movement of energy that supports and maintains good physical and mental health. The Chinese call this energy Ch’i. Through thirty centuries of studying Ch’i, acupuncturists have shown that people experience pain, discomfort, and symptoms of illness when Ch’i energy is weakened, or cannot move freely through the body. By revitalizing and balancing the Ch’i energy of our bodies, acupuncture treatments can not only help clear symptoms, but they can also correct the underlying reasons the symptoms appeared.

Acupuncture is a system of healing that treats the whole person – considering not only the body, but also a person’s unique emotional and spiritual needs. It is this "whole-being" scope of care that can help people successfully deal with a stressful lifestyle which places great demands on their vitality as well as many chronic illnesses and conditions that have resisted other treatment forms. It is often very effective for people with issues western medicine cannot easily diagnose or explain. And because acupuncture looks beyond the physical, it is also used to address a wide array of emotional issues. Perhaps the most powerful aspect of acupuncture treatment is its ability to help people maintain good health and vitality. At the heart of acupuncture is a system of preventive medicine that is unparalleled.

Acupuncture is the use of very fine sterile, stainless steel, disposable needles about the thickness of a hair inserted through the skin into specific points along the channels where the body’s energy can be contacted. Each point has its own function and effect on the body’s Ch’i. The sensation varies depending on the person and the location of the point. It can be so slight that the person doesn’t really feel much. It can feel warm, or itchy, or prick like a small pinch or be as strong as a second-long bee sting. Most people find the treatments very relaxing. In fact, some fall asleep.

In the first appointment, I’ll take a brief health history and we’ll talk about what’s happening in your life and any areas of focus or concern you have. I’ll also be doing a brief physical exam – Chinese style that is designed to evaluate the balance of energy in your body. Together we will establish several markers or symptoms to watch once treatment begins. This appointment is an hour long. Regular appointments are also an hour in length.

Treatments are cumulative, that is each treatment builds on the previous one. They are spaced closer together in the beginning (weekly), then eventually spaced further apart, once we see positive changes holding between treatments. Everyone responds differently but it is my hope that we’ll see these positive changes within a few treatments.

It is a common misperception that you need to be sick to see an acupuncturist! But as stated above, since it is such a wonderful thing for your overall immune system, one can seek treatment for the support of general health and well-being. If you can identify a weakened immune system, treatment can help. As in my own case, most people wait until there is a specific issue that needs to be addressed. Acupuncture treatment can help those who are dealing with:

• Stress, tension, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness
• Pain (headaches, joint, low-back, etc.)
• Depression, irritability, impatience, anger, mood-swings, inability to move past resentment or grief
• Digestive issues
• Hypertension
• Fatigue
• Menstrual or menopause related issues
• Bladder issues and other urinary discomforts
• Side effects of other treatments such as medication, chemotherapy, and surgery
• Withdrawal from addictions to smoking, alcohol, and other chemical substances by reducing cravings and supporting increased sense of well-being

To arrange for treatment or for more information, please contact: Karen Moore, L.Ac., LCSW-C