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How Does Acupuncture Work?

Eastern Perspective: The foundation of Oriental medicine is that Qi (pronounced chee) flows through the body through channels known as meridians that connect and influence all of our major organs. A harmonious balance, or homeostasis, is maintained in each system and organ if Qi is abundant and flowing freely. Qi is defined as the 'life force' or 'vital substance' that controls the energy and functions of all living beings. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the flow of Qi becomes unbalanced or is blocked. There is a famous Chinesesaying, 'Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong,' meaning 'free flow: no pain, no free flow: pain.' In other words, any kind of pain, illness, or imbalance represents an obstruction in the normal flow of Qi. Acupuncture moves and balances qi, which restores proper functioning and health. Acupuncture treatments are cumulative, where the benefits of each treatment build upon the previous one. Over time, the body's immune system and all other systems improve their function and ability to work harmoniously.

• Initial Consultation & Treatment (75 minute session) - $125
• Follow-up Visit (45 minute session) - $85

Western Perspective: According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), many studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, both locally at the site of insertion and a distance through sensory neurons to structures within the central nervous system. Acupuncture points are areas of electrical sensitivity that have been clinically effective in the treatment of specific health conditions. This response leads to the activation of pathways affecting the brain and systems in the periphery. Acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which results in a wide range of systemic effects. One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus also controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and circadian cycles. The pituitary gland, called the 'master' gland of the endocrine system, controls the functions of other endocrine glands and produces certain hormones like growth hormone, TSH to stimulate to the thyroid gland, and ACTH to stimulate the adrenal glands.

• Relieves pain: A focus of research supports the claim that endogenous opiods, or pain relieving substances similar to narcotics but produced by the body, are released during acupuncture.
• Improves circulation: Central and peripheral changes in the regulation of blood flow have been documented during acupuncture, including increased circulation to the skin, muscles, brain, and internal organs.
• Reduces Inflammation: Acupuncture may stimulate the brain to produce endorphins. Endorphins are produced naturally in the brain and block pain sensations while reducing inflammation.

What can acupuncture treat? The World Health Organization lists over 40 medical conditions that may benefit from the use of acupuncture including:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders & Pain Management: headache / migraine, upper & lower back pain. sciatica, shoulder & knee pain, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain (of any kind), acute injury (sprains & strains), toothache & post-extraction pain.
• Mental/Emotional Disorders: insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression.
• Reproductive & Genitourinary Disorders: infertility (men & women), oliguria & polyuria, urinary tract infection / cystitis, nocturnal enuresis - 'bedwetting' (primary & secondary), menstrual irregularity (dysmenorrhea & amenorrhea), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), impotence, low libido.
• Neurological Disorders: trigeminal neuralgia, bell's palsy, neuropathy / radiculopathy, paralysis / post-stroke recovery, Meniere's disease, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, intercostal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease.
• Respiratory Disorders: bronchial asthma, allergies, acute sinusitis & rhinitis, common cold, acute tonsilitis, acute bronchitis.
• Addiction: substance abuse, eating disorders, drug dependence, smoking.
• Gastrointestinal / Digestive Disorders: nausea, vomiting, hiccough, indigestion, gastritis, diarrhea (acute & chronic), constipation, acid regurgitation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, gastritis, bacillary dysentery, duodenal ulcer (pain relief).
• Eye Disorders: acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, myopia (in children), cataracts (without complications).
• Other: anesthesia, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension (low blood pressure), chronic fatigue syndrome, gingivitis, pharyngitis, and countless more!

What is ear (auricular) acupuncture? The surface of the ear is viewed as a microcosm of the entire body. Stimulating appropriate ear points often effectively treats pain and disease in the corresponding structures or organs. Some practitioners use auricular acupuncture exclusively due to its effectiveness.

What is the smoking cessation / detoxification program? There is an empirically recognized 5-point ear protocol, called NADA, that has been carefully developed and researched for the treatment of smoking and addictions. There is strong evidence to support the effect of the NADA protocol in improving patient addiction program retention, reductions in cravings, anxiety, sleep disturbance and need for pharmaceuticals. According to 2000 data from the US government, more than 700 publicly licensed addiction treatment programs in the country include acupuncture as a therapeutic tool. NADA estimates that more than 2000 such sites exist worldwide including North America, in nearly every European country including Russia, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, Australia, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico. Globally, more than 25,000 health workers have completed the NADA training.

• Initial Consultation & Treatment (75 minute session) - $125
• Follow-up Visit (45 minute session) - $65
• Follow-up 5 Visit Package (Five 45 minute sessions) - $300 Save $25!
• Follow-up 10 Visit Package (Ten 45 minute sessions) - $600 Save $50!

Is acupuncture safe? Acupuncture is one of the safest treatment options available when performed by a licensed practitioner. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA, despite the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. The incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than many drugs or medical procedures used for the same conditions. Acupuncture needles are solid, stainless steel, disposable, and are no bigger than a human hair or piece of thread. They do not contain a pharmaceutical agent. The government requires acupuncturists to follow very strict sterilization procedures. In addition, pre-sterilized acupuncture needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers. There are virtually no negative side effects from acupuncture. Most people feel very relaxed and often fall asleep during a treatment. Following an acupuncture treatment many report feeling 'euphoric', which is likely due to acupuncture stimulating the central nervous system to release opiods (pain relieving substances) and serotonin (the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter in the brain).

Does it hurt? No. Acupuncture can sometimes feel dull, achy, heavy, warm, and is usually not painful. Most people are quite relaxed during treatments and often fall asleep.

How deep are the needles inserted? Depending on the location of the point and the intention of the practitioner, the needle can be lightly touched on the surface or at a deeper level to get a stronger qi sensation. The patient is always in a safe environment where the number of needles and needle depth can be modified if necessary.

Can I get acupuncture if I'm using another form of treatment? Absolutely. Integrative medicine and the combination of the best aspects of both Eastern and Western medicine are ideal. Acupuncture is a powerful system that alone can produce profound results. However, massage therapy, herbal medicine, physical therapy, counseling, and other modalities may also be needed. Please consult with your primary care physician regarding any questions or concerns that you may have.

What should I expect from my initial consultation / treatment? The initial consultation / treatment may take up to 75 minutes while the follow-up treatments are closer to 45 minutes. We discuss a comprehensive medical history and perform any necessary orthopedic and / or physical exam tests. The medical history includes a wide range of questions such as physical / emotional symptoms, diet, sleep patterns, bowel/urinary function, activity level among many more. Next there is careful attention made to the tongue and pulse, which are critical to Chinese medical diagnosis. The tongue is the 'sprout of digestion', and similar to the ear, different parts of the tongue correspond to different organs. We look at the tongue body, coat, color, shape, and quality. The pulse is taken using the practitioner's first three fingers on each wrist. Each finger corresponds to an organ/energy system within the body, and gives us valuable diagnostic information. After a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan is discussed and points are selected accordingly, along with any additional modalities such as herbs, massage, exercise, or dietary suggestions.

How many treatments will I need? Just like every human is different, each individual case is unique and the course of treatments will vary. A person's age, activity level, health history, lifestyle, diet, emotions, occupation, and environment are all factors that contribute to the healing process. The results and benefits of a treatment course are cumulative over time, yet it is not uncommon to have immediate results. Acute conditions often have sudden onsets accompanied by intense symptoms. This treatment course usually is 2-8 treatments, with occasional follow-up visits for prevention and maintenance. Chronic conditions that have persisted for years or have not responded to other forms of treatment usually take 8-10 weeks or more to treat. Herbal medicine, massage therapy, exercise, diet recommendations and other healing modalities can be prescribed for added benefit, quicker recovery, and better overall health.

Why / when do I need a 'maintenance' treatment? TCM is designed equally to treat conditions and prevent illness. With people's busy lives, work, and family, we often look to solutions far after they have compromised our health. It is common practice in China to receive 'maintenance' acupuncture treatments to preserve good health. One of the foundations of Chinese medicine is observing nature and its subtle affects on the body during different times of the year. It is therefore especially important to get a seasonal 'tune-up' at the beginning of each season to promote resilience within the body.

Accessory Modalities

• Electrical stimulation: Electro-acupuncture, or 'e-stim', is the use of small electrical currents (microcurrents) attached and transmitted through acupuncture needles. Microcurrent stimulation is similar to the body's own electrical impulses and is often used in injuries, chronic pain, insomnia, and depression. Many patients describe it as a light tapping or pulsing sensation that is both relaxing and stimulating. Electro-acupuncture has been proved to decrease pain, accelerate tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema, and swelling.
• Moxibustion: Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; and the actual Chinese character for acupuncture means 'acupuncture-moxibustion.' Moxa is obtained from the herbal plant 'Arternisia Vulgaris', also commonly called mugwort. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points, inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi, and to maintain general health. In Western medicine, moxibustion has successfully been used to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth had fetuses that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the Bladder meridian. Other studies have shown that moxibustion increases the movement of the fetus in pregnant women, and may reduce the symptoms of menstrual cramps when used in conjunction with traditional acupuncture.
• Cupping: Cupping is one of the oldest methods of traditional Chinese medicine. In a typical cupping session, glass cups are warmed using a cotton ball soaked in alcohol, lit, placed inside the cup and placed on an area of the body. Burning a substance inside the cup removes all the oxygen and creates a vacuum. The vacuum created by the lack of oxygen anchors the cup to the skin and pulls it upward on the inside of the glass as the air inside the jar cools. Drawing up the skin is believed to open up the skin's pores, which helps to stimulate the flow of blood, balances and realigns the flow of qi, breaks up obstructions, and creates an avenue for toxins to be drawn out of the body. Depending on the condition being treated, the cups will be left in place from 5 to 10 minutes. Several cups may be placed on a patient's body at the same time. In China, cupping is used primarily to treat respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and congestion, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, depression, swelling, and certain types of pain. Cupping has been found to activate the lymphatic system, help activate and clear the veins, arteries, and capillaries. While cupping is considered relatively safe, it can cause some swelling and bruising on the skin, which are usually painless and disappear within a few days. Cupping should not be performed on patients with inflamed skin, high fever, patients who bleed easily, or on the stomach or low back of pregnant women.
• Gua Sha: Gua Sha is a healing technique that uses a round-edged instrument to provide pressure on the skin, resulting in the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha'. Gua Sha is valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness like the common cold, fever/chills; upper respiratory and digestive problems such as asthma, bronchitis, flu, nausea; skeletal and many other acute or chronic disorders. In TCM, raising Sha removes pathogenic blood stagnation and promotes normal circulation. From a Western medical perspective, these fluids contain metabolic waste that congests the surface tissues and muscles. Gua Sha promotes circulation and normalizes metabolic processes. The patient often experiences immediate relief from pain, stiffness, and so on. The Sha petechiae should fade in 2-4 days.

How can I get the most out of my treatments?

• Commit to the treatment plan: Acupuncture has a cumulative effect and each treatment builds upon the last one. In acute cases, it is important to get multiple treatments closer together, while chronic conditions often require fewer treatments over a longer period of time. Healing is a process, and consistency with treatments is optimal for better results.
• Eat Well & Exercise: Our diet is one of the most important lifestyle considerations that can prevent illness and promote our overall health. Whole fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of lean meat and fish, healthy fats such as nuts and avocadoes, and whole grains and legumes should be the basis of most people's diets. Careful consideration should be made for specific conditions and those on medications, and should be monitored by your physician. Movement and exercise is also a key component to a healthy mind and body. It is beneficial to every cell and organ system in the body and has been clinically proven to improve focus and concentration, reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve mood.
• Practice stress management: In our daily lives we often don't pay attention to the daily stresses that can build up in our bodies and minds. Over time, this can lead to sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, skin problems, digestive issues, and a host of other problems. Take a yoga class, meditate, go for a walk during your lunch break, walk your dog on the beach, or go for a bike ride. These daily routines will improve your overall mental, physical, and emotional health, along with mental stability and balance.
• Be aware and conscious of your health: Take note of subtle changes you feel during and after treatments, the ease and stability of your breath, your mental or emotional state, your sleep patterns, what you eat and what activities you do and how that is affecting your overall health. The more you understand and are aware of yourself, the better your body will become at healing itself. The mind and body are interconnected.
• Have goals and intention for good health: What do you want to accomplish during treatment that day? How can you cultivate the feeling of relaxation and clarity during treatment to continue into daily life? Put your intention into letting that happen. Acknowledge that you are taking the time to take care of your health; which is one of the most valuable treasures in life.

Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal

• How does it work? Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal, as taught by the world-renown Mary Elizabeth Wakefield, L.Ac, is a safe, painless, and effective treatment for facial and total body renewal. Deep lines may be reduced and fine lines may be entirely erased, while supporting overall health and vitality. Fine needles are placed at a variety of acupuncture points on the face, neck, and around the eyes. Muscle groups are also addressed on the face itself, therefore toning and tightening the facial muscles while stimulating blood flow and improving facial color.
• What changes can I expect from facial rejuvenation treatments? Increased muscle tone and dermal contraction; Increased collagen and elastin production; Reduced puffiness under the eyes, Reduction of wrinkles; Reduction of fine lines and softening of deep lines or frown lines; Softer skin due to the increased circulation of blood and lymph to the face; Improvement in skin texture and clarity; Reduction in blemishes; Lifting of eyelids; Helps menopause, perimenopause, PMS and other GYN issues; Helps sinus congestion and headache; Reduces symptoms of toothache, TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia, and Bell's palsy; Helps headaches (except severe migraine); Treats diarrhea and constipation (most digestive issues); Helps to eliminate edema and puffiness; Benefits eyes, ears and brain; Can help insomnia and dizziness; Helps depression and aids self-esteem
• How many facial acupuncture treatments will I need? After the initial consultation and treatment, the practitioner will evaluate the patient response and will recommend a treatment plan. Typically, there is a minimum series of 10 treatments over a 5-week period. The treatment plan can vary depending on age, stress level, lifestyle habits (smoke, sun, alcohol consumption, sleep, diet), genetic inheritance and emotional balance.
• Short and Long-Term Effects of Facial Acupuncture After the first treatment there is increased color and glow to the complexion, which is the result of increased qi and blood to the face. The patient appears more rested and wrinkles start to lessen. A significant difference in appearance can be seen following the 5th and 7th treatments, with a marked change in rest and clarity in the face, along with diminished fine lines and wrinkles. By the end of a series, the patient should look and feel 5-15 years younger. The results may vary depending on how well the patient has taken care of themselves in the process and afterward. Maintenance treatments are recommended at least 3-4 times per year to preserve the effects.
• Why should I choose Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal over BOTOX® or cosmetic surgery?
  • Cost-effective: The average BOTOX® treatment price ranges from $350 to $500 for each area injected, and flat rates are usually somewhere between $300 and $1000. Nationally, the average face lift cost is about $6,000, not including anesthesia, prescriptions, or preparatory tests.
    • Initial Consultation & Treatment (75 minute session) - $150
    • Follow-up Visit (45 minute session) - $125
    • Follow-up 5 Visit Package (Five 45 minute sessions) - $575 Save $50!
    • Follow-up 10 Visit Package (Ten 45 minute sessions) - $1175 Save $75!
  • Safe and painless: BOTOX® may cause serious side effects that can be life threatening, including problems swallowing, speaking, or breathing due to weakening of associated muscles, loss of strength and all-over muscle weakness, double vision, blurred vision and drooping eyelids, hoarseness or change or loss of voice (dysphonia), trouble saying words clearly (dysarthria), and loss of bladder control. Cosmetic surgery is an invasive process, with the risk of disfigurement, bruising, swelling, or infection, and the need for post-operative rest and prescriptions. Constitutional Facial Acupuncture Renewal is a natural and safe process, with no side effects or recovery time.
  • Whole Body Wellness: Results not only reflect changes in your external appearance, but you will also experience whole body wellness, balance, and relaxation. By addressing your underlying constitution, your body will naturally function more efficiently.
  • Is Facial Acupuncture for Everyone? For most people it is a safe and beneficial treatment. However, some contraindications include severe high blood pressure, severe migraines (once every 3 months is ok), during pregnancy, colds or flu, acute herpes outbreak, or acute allergic reactions. It is advisable to wait at least 3 weeks after having laser resurfacing on the face and at least 1 week after microdermabrasion before beginning facial acupuncture.