What is Acupuncture?

Understanding Acupuncture and TCM

Acupuncture, a key practice within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and alleviate pain. This method has shown effectiveness for issues like back pain, headaches, and arthritis.

Benefits and Applications

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to health by incorporating treatment methods such as acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Gua Sha. These techniques address a wide array of conditions, including:

• Acute injuries

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Stress and anxiety

• Digestive and respiratory issues

• Skin problems

• Immune function

By leveraging natural remedies, TCM aims to provide relief while minimizing side effects. Additionally, acupuncture and TCM are valuable for general well-being and preventative care.

How Acupuncture Works:

Acupuncture involves the use of thin, sterilized needles inserted into specific points that follow the body's meridian pathways. This stimulates the flow to rebalance your body's energies and promoting its natural healing capabilities.

Integration with Western Medicine:

Modern Western medicine has embraced acupuncture for its ability to stimulate the nervous system and fascia, aiding the recovery process. Techniques such as dry needling and Trigger Point Acupuncture are particularly effective in improving range of motion and reducing musculoskeletal pain. The needles are so thin that the procedure is often pain-free, and many patients find the experience so relaxing that they fall asleep during sessions.

Key Benefits of Acupuncture:

• Pain reduction

• Improved sleep

• Enhanced energy levels

• Overall better well-being

Discover the holistic benefits of acupuncture and TCM to support your health and well-being naturally.

ND vs DC:

ND - Naturopathic Doctor

An ND may use acupuncture as part of a holistic treatment plan to address a wide variety of health conditions. Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"), which is the body's vital energy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's believed that the smooth flow of Qi is essential for health, and disruptions to this flow can cause pain and illness.

For NDs, acupuncture is often integrated with other natural therapies, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations, to treat both acute and chronic conditions.

• Diagnoses based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles

• Addresses whole-body health (digestion, hormones, stress)

• Treats based on acupuncture points that correspond to specific health issues

• Balances energy (Qi) through meridians

• Guidance on education and prevention 

DC - Chiropractor

Chiropractors may use acupuncture as an additional therapeutic tool to enhance their treatment plan, especially when managing conditions related to pain, muscle tension, and musculoskeletal issues. While chiropractic care primarily focuses on spinal adjustments to improve alignment and function of the nervous system, acupuncture is used to complement and support the healing process by addressing imbalances in the body’s energy and stimulating specific points to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote well-being.

• Focuses on neuromuscular conditions & pain relief

• Uses anatomical acupuncture based on Western medicine

• Often combined with chiropractic adjustments