Acupuncture

What does an acupuncture appointment look like?

During the initial appointment, which is called the TD, or Traditional Diagnosis, a full health history is taken and other questions are asked to begin to learn deeply about who you are, what enlivens you, and where you might be challenged physically and otherwise. This information is all important, as it informs the treatment that will be uniquely tailored to you. After this conversation, we move into the second part of the treatment where I will gather more physical information, take your pulses, which I do by holding your hands and reading six pulses on each wrist, and then, with plenty of warning, we will then begin the first treatment.  Your comfort is of ultimate concern.

Your first appointment will be about 90 minutes to two hours.

All other follow up appointments are 50-60 minutes in length. I will not leave the room during your appointments, which may come as a surprise to some clients. Also, the majority of my needles go in and then come right out, which is different from other ways practicing.

“I visit Amanda for all types of issues now and find that everything from tiredness to pain has been able to be fixed. She truly is a miracle worker with needles.”
– K.E.

How does Acupuncture work?

The human body, like all living things, is an incredibly effective self-healing organism. When in balance, our bodies react swiftly and efficiently to changes in our internal and external environment restoring homeostasis and thus, health.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. It heals by balancing energy within the body. Most patients barely feel a thing as the hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles are shallowly inserted into very precise acupuncture points along meridians stimulating the body’s own natural healing mechanisms. Much like a riverway system, the meridians are interconnected energetic pathways in our body where Qi, or energy, flows. Just as a dam may cause a disruption and buildup in a river, a block in our Qi can cause illness and pain. Acupuncture helps to remove stuck places/blocks and restore the healthy flow of Qi. Acupuncture is not only used to heal, but as a preventive medicine. It is a great complement to other physical interventions and has few side effects.

Acupuncture for pain relief.

Pain relief is the most well-known and well-researched effect of acupuncture treatment, and for good reason! Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work at a deep level to stimulate your body’s own healing mechanisms. Acupuncture increases peripheral circulation, reduces inflammation and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s own natural pain relieving chemicals. I treat pain not only as a symptom but also by exploring and addressing the underlying causes of pain.

Patients often feel a significant reduction in pain during their first treatment and because we are also addressing root causes, with continued treatment  their conditions improve in a fundamental and lasting way.

Acupuncture for mental and emotional wellness.

Extensive research has gone into understanding how acupuncture works with the nervous system.  It is clear that acupuncture has a powerful effect on the brain and the production of neurotransmitters, hormones and endorphins.  If you feel you are not coping well with stress in your life and it is leading to anxiety, depression, fatigue, frustration or any other difficult emotions, or if you just don’t feel like your best self come see what acupuncture can do for you!

A few ways acupuncture can help you:

• Affects hormone levels to bring about balance. This is especially evident when treating menopause, women’s health challenges, and infertility.
• Reduces inflammation which speeds healing after injury or surgery, reduces pain and may prevent serious diseases like auto-immune diseases that have inflammation as a major component.
• Releases endorphins. These are the body’s feel good chemicals. They reduce pain and are a great alternative to opiate-like pain medications like hydrocodone and oxycodone.
• Boosts immune system. It can prevent both recurrence of illnesses and new illness by improving the overall functioning of the body’s immune and organ systems

Acupuncture is commonly used to help in the treatment of the following:

• Arthritis
• Joint pain
• Tennis elbow
• Back and neck pain
• headaches and migraine
• Vertigo and dizziness
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica
• Digestive complaints

It is lesser known that acupuncture can help with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Libido
• Fertility