Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions. It involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to be connected to energy channels, or meridians, that run throughout the body. By stimulating these points, acupuncture is thought to help improve the flow of energy, or qi, and promote healing.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions, including:
Pain : Chronic pain, such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis, headaches and migraines, menstrual cramps and postoperative pain
Mental health conditions : Anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Digestive disorders: Nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Other conditions: Allergies, asthma, infertility, menopausal symptoms, PMS
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine hair thin needles on or near the surface of the skin in acupuncture points. When stimulated, these acupuncture points have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological functions. With the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters primarily from the brain, a wide variety of disorders that are physical, mental and emotional are affected.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY FIRST VISIT?
During your first treatment we will spend 20-30 minutes going through an intake, and 45-50 minutes giving you a treatment. Treatment will involve acupuncture as well as cupping and bodywork if the conditions permits. In total, the first treatment lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. You have the option to fill out paper work prior to your first appointment or arrive 15 minutes before your initial treatment.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of health issues. At SBA we specialize in utilizing acupuncture as an effective treatment for stress, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and digestive issues. In addition to these conditions acupuncture will address acute and chronic pain, gynecological issues, musculoskeletal issue, respiratory problems, symptoms of autoimmune diseases, dermatological conditions and more.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I RECEIVE TREATMENTS?
One treatment per week is considered maintenance, while two or more are considered curative. One treatment per week is still effective for chronic conditions however results may take longer to present. Your treatment frequency and recommendation will depend on your individual needs, schedule and preference and will be discussed following evaluation of your needs and health concerns.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, stainless steel and disposable. They are very different than the needles used in medical offices to draw blood. While you may feel some sensation as the needles are inserted, it’s not described as painful. During your acupuncture treatment you may experience a heavy, achy, electric, tingly or warm sensation upon needle insertion. Although acupuncture can illicit some unusual sensations, it should not be painful.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual states’ medical board. One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects. On very rare occasions a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of an acupuncture needle.