Clinic Blog

What type of pain does acupuncture help?

Acupuncture has been used for the management of various types of pain, both acute and chronic. While individual responses may vary, acupuncture has shown efficacy in relieving pain associated with the following conditions: Musculoskeletal Pain: Acupuncture can be effective in treating musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries. Headaches and Migraines: Acupuncture has been used to alleviate tension headaches, migraines, and other types of headaches. It may help reduce the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches. Postoperative Pain: Acupuncture may be utilized as an adjunctive therapy to manage postoperative pain and reduce the reliance on pain medications. Dental Pain and TMJ Disorders: Acupuncture can be beneficial for dental pain, including toothaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and jaw pain. Menstrual Pain: Acupuncture has been shown to help relieve menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) and associated symptoms such as abdominal cramps and lower […]

Treatment of Patterns not Diseases

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the approach to diagnosis and treatment is based on identifying patterns of disharmony in the body rather than focusing solely on specific diseases or symptoms. TCM views health and illness as a reflection of the balance or imbalance within the body’s systems. Here’s how TCM treats patterns rather than diseases: Individualized Diagnosis: TCM practitioners take a holistic approach, considering the individual as a whole rather than focusing solely on the disease or symptoms. They assess the person’s signs, symptoms, medical history, constitution, and overall pattern of disharmony. This includes observing physical characteristics, listening to the patient’s description, asking detailed questions, and palpating specific points on the body. Through these diagnostic techniques, TCM practitioners aim to identify the underlying patterns of imbalance or disharmony unique to each individual. Pattern Differentiation: Based on the diagnostic findings, TCM practitioners classify the individual’s condition into specific patterns of disharmony. […]

Where does acupuncture hurt the most?

The sensation experienced during acupuncture can vary from person to person and depends on several factors such as individual sensitivity, the specific acupuncture points being used, and the technique employed by the acupuncturist. However, in general, the discomfort or pain associated with acupuncture is usually minimal or mild. Acupuncture needles are typically very thin and flexible, much finer than hypodermic needles used for injections. Most people describe the sensation as a slight prick, tingling, or dull ache, rather than intense pain. Many individuals actually find the experience of acupuncture to be relaxing and soothing. That being said, certain areas of the body may be more sensitive or prone to discomfort during acupuncture. These areas can include: Fingertips and Toes: Acupuncture points located on the fingertips and toes may be more sensitive due to the high concentration of nerve endings in these areas. Face and Head: Some acupuncture points on the […]

What is dry needling vs acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture are both techniques that involve the insertion of thin needles into the body, but they have distinct differences in terms of their origins, underlying theories, and applications: Origins and Cultural Background: Acupuncture: Acupuncture originated in ancient China over 2,000 years ago and is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, with a focus on balancing the flow of Qi (vital energy) in the body. Dry Needling: Dry needling is a more recent technique that evolved from Western medicine practices. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and gained prominence in the field of physical therapy. Theoretical Framework: Acupuncture: Acupuncture is based on TCM principles, which emphasize the flow of Qi along meridians (energy pathways) in the body. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the balance and harmony of Qi to promote health and […]

Acupuncture Near Me: Your Path to Wellness

Are you searching for a natural, holistic approach to health and wellness? Look no further than acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture offers a gentle yet effective way to treat a wide range of health issues and promote overall well-being. What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is based on the principles of TCM, which views the body as a complex system of meridians, or energy pathways, through which qi (vital energy) flows. According to TCM theory, disruptions or imbalances in the flow of qi can lead to pain, illness, and other health problems. Acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote healing by stimulating specific points along these meridians. Benefits of Acupuncture: Pain Relief: Acupuncture is well-known for its ability to alleviate pain, whether it’s due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute injuries. Stress Reduction: Acupuncture can help reduce stress […]

Tenants of Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is based on a set of fundamental principles and tenets. These principles guide the theory and practice of acupuncture. Here are the key tenets of acupuncture: Qi (Chi): Qi is the vital energy that flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians. It is believed that an unobstructed and balanced flow of qi is essential for health, and disruptions or imbalances in qi can lead to various ailments. Acupuncture aims to regulate the flow of qi and restore its balance in the body. Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang are complementary and interconnected forces in nature. Yin represents the cooler, nourishing, and more passive aspects, while Yang represents the warmer, active, and dynamic aspects. In the body, yin and yang need to be in balance for optimal health. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance between yin and yang energies to promote […]

Acupotomy and Pain

Acupotomy, also known as acupoint knife therapy or needle knife therapy, is a specialized technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat pain and various musculoskeletal conditions. It combines principles from acupuncture and surgical methods, involving the insertion of a thin, specialized needle or knife into specific acupoints, muscles, or soft tissues. Here’s how acupotomy is believed to help with pain in TCM: Dispersing stagnation: Acupotomy aims to address areas of stagnation or blockage in the body’s energy flow (qi) and blood circulation. By inserting the needle or knife into the affected acupoints or tissues, it is thought to help disperse stagnant qi and blood, relieving pain and promoting healing. Stimulating acupuncture points: Acupotomy targets specific acupuncture points associated with pain relief and healing. The insertion of the needle or knife at these points is believed to stimulate the flow of qi and activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. It […]

Exploring the Parallelism Between Osteopathy and Chinese Medicine: The Rule of the Artery and Qi/Blood

Osteopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may seem worlds apart in terms of cultural origin and theoretical frameworks, yet beneath the surface, they share fundamental principles that underscore their holistic approach to healing. One such principle is the concept of “the rule of the artery” in osteopathy, which bears striking resemblance to the notion of Qi (or “life force energy”) and Blood in Chinese medicine. Understanding Osteopathy’s Rule of the Artery Osteopathy, founded by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes the interrelationship between the body’s structure and its function. At the heart of osteopathic philosophy lies the principle known as “the rule of the artery,” which asserts that proper blood flow is essential for optimal health and wellbeing. According to this principle, when blood circulation is obstructed or compromised, it can lead to various health problems and musculoskeletal imbalances. […]

How does acupuncture heal pain?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, there are several proposed theories on how acupuncture may help relieve pain: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Theory: According to TCM theory, acupuncture aims to balance the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which is believed to be the vital energy that circulates throughout the body. Pain and illness are thought to arise from imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi. By inserting needles into specific acupuncture points, acupuncture is believed to stimulate and restore the proper flow of Qi, thereby alleviating pain. Endorphin Release: Acupuncture may stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving substances produced by the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation. Neural Modulation: Acupuncture may […]

What is cupping therapy?

In Chinese medicine, cupping is a therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It is believed to help improve blood circulation, alleviate pain, and promote healing. The technique has been used for thousands of years and is still widely practiced today. Here’s how cupping works according to Chinese medicine: Creating suction: The cups used in cupping therapy are typically made of glass, bamboo, or plastic. They are heated with a flame or a pump is used to remove the air inside the cup, creating a partial vacuum. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, and as the air inside the cup cools down, it creates suction, causing the skin to rise and redden. Promoting blood flow: The suction created by the cups helps to stimulate blood flow in the area. This is thought to remove stagnation and congestion in the body, improving the circulation […]