treatment

Does acupuncture give immediate pain relief?

The immediate pain relief experienced after an acupuncture session can vary depending on several factors, including the individual, the nature of the pain, and the specific condition being treated. In some cases, individuals may experience immediate pain relief following acupuncture, while in other cases, the effects may be more gradual and cumulative over a series of treatments. Immediate pain relief can occur due to various mechanisms: Endorphin Release: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. This release of endorphins can lead to immediate pain relief and a sense of well-being. Neural Modulation: Acupuncture can influence the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. The stimulation of acupuncture points can trigger the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which can modulate pain perception and provide immediate relief. Relaxation Response: Acupuncture is known to induce a relaxation response in the body, promoting […]

Acupuncture and Lower Back Pain

Acupuncture is commonly used in the treatment of lower back pain and has shown promise in providing relief for some individuals. The exact mechanisms of how acupuncture works for lower back pain are not fully understood, but several theories exist: Pain Gate Theory: According to this theory, acupuncture stimulates the sensory nerves, which send signals to the brain, thereby closing the “gate” for pain signals. The stimulation from acupuncture may help disrupt or modulate the transmission of pain signals, reducing the perception of pain in the lower back. Neurotransmitter Regulation: Acupuncture is believed to influence the release and balance of various neurotransmitters in the body, including endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances. By promoting the release of endorphins, acupuncture may help alleviate lower back pain. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acupuncture has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is often associated with lower back pain, and by reducing inflammation, acupuncture may contribute […]

Acupotomy vs Acupuncture differences!

Acupotomy, also known as “acupuncture knife therapy” or “acupuncture scalpel therapy,” or “Dao therapy” is a technique that shares some similarities with acupuncture but has distinct differences. Here are some factors that differentiate acupotomy from traditional acupuncture: 1 Instrumentation: The primary difference lies in the tools used during the procedure. Acupotomy involves the use of a specialized instrument, typically a small, thin, stainless steel needle knife or scalpel. Unlike acupuncture needles, which are thin and flexible, acupotomy instruments have a sharper edge and are designed for specific purposes, such as cutting or scraping. 2 Technique and Manipulation: Acupotomy involves both puncturing and manipulating techniques. The acupotomy instrument is inserted into the targeted acupuncture points or soft tissue areas, and various manipulations are performed, such as lifting, twisting, scraping, or cutting. This differs from traditional acupuncture, where thin needles are inserted into specific points and may be manipulated gently by hand […]

Acupuncture works differently for EVERYONE!

Acupuncture works differently for everyone because each person’s body is unique and may respond differently to the same treatment. Here are some reasons why acupuncture may work differently for different people: Body constitution: In Chinese medicine, each person has a unique body constitution, which includes factors such as their energy (Qi) flow, organ health, and overall health. This means that the same acupuncture treatment may have different effects on different people, depending on their body constitution. Health condition: Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of health conditions, from pain to anxiety to fertility issues. The effectiveness of acupuncture may vary depending on the specific health condition being treated. Individual response: Each person’s body may respond differently to acupuncture due to factors such as their age, lifestyle, and overall health. For example, someone who is generally healthy may respond differently to acupuncture than someone who has multiple health […]

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of dried mugwort (a small, spongy herb) near or on the surface of the skin at specific acupressure points. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture, massage, and other traditional Chinese medical practices to promote healing and balance within the body. Moxibustion is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which views the body as a complex system of energy pathways (meridians) through which Qi (vital energy) flows. By applying heat to specific acupressure points, moxibustion is believed to help stimulate the flow of Qi, promote the body’s natural healing processes, and restore balance and harmony within the body. Moxibustion can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, menstrual cramps, and fertility issues. It is also commonly used as a preventive measure to maintain overall health and wellbeing. […]

“How long will the pain last?”

  • Acupuncture Technique

When patients are in pain from an injury, the first thing they want to know is: “how long will the pain last?” and “will it ever get better?”   I always tell them that recovery time depends on how severe the injury is and how long they’ve had it for.   As a general rule of thumb, injuries can take the same amount of time to heal (undevelop) as they did to develop. So if you succumbed to an injury 3-4 days ago, then it could take 3-4 days to fully recover if you get the right treatment. But if you’ve had an injury that has been lingering around for years, or even decades, then we have to shift gears to control and maintain the issue. In fact, those are our two goals: first, we need to control it, then, we need to maintain it.   To achieve our first […]