What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are comprehensive systems of medicine that are capable of diagnosing and effectively treating a wide range of conditions. Instead of suppressing symptoms, it works with your body to produce true healing. Below is a general overview of conditions we commonly treated in our clinic; you can also see a more comprehensive list of conditions here.
Pain Conditions
Acupuncture is known for its ability to offer pain relief from accidents, shorten surgery recovery time and treat many chronic pain conditions. Pain is the body’s alarm system indicating that an imbalance exists When the body is in a healthy, balanced state, it is able to recover from pain quickly. But as we all know, the body can sometimes be stuck in a pattern of pain. Acupuncture is an effective, drug-free modality for the treatment of pain and painful conditions. Our practitioners have effectively treated a wide variety of chronic pain conditions and acute injuries. As more people experience acupuncture, they understand that acupuncture should not only be considered as a last resort, but as one of the first interventions to employ when they are injured or in pain.
7 Ways That Acupuncture Treats Pain:
- Relaxes muscles and tendons
- Promotes blood circulation
- Stimulates nerves located in muscles and other tissues
- Stimulates the immune system
- Changes the processing of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord
- Breaks up scar tissue
- Produces endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and other nuerochemical messengers
Mental/Emotional Health: stress, anxiety, depression
Modern life puts tremendous stress on us mentally and physically. Stress is becoming such an epidemic that some studies indicate 4 out of every 5 doctor visits are for stress-related complaints. Our body responds to stress by releasing chemicals into the blood which increases our heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. These chemical changes are beneficial when we need to act fast, prepare to speak in public, or flee from an attacker. However, chronically high stress levels can become pathological, leading to headaches, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, poor libido, decreased fertility and problems sleeping.
Most of us live under some form of constant stress, leaving us susceptible to not only the physical ailments mentioned above, but also to psychological problems. These include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, poor concentration, poor memory, irritability, insomnia and feeling disconnected from ourselves and loved ones. Acupuncture can provide tremendous relief from stress, help you become more aware and grounded, and feel a greater sense of purpose. Even if you are currently taking prescription medications, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help.
Immunity
For most of us, daily modern life puts significant stress on our minds and bodies which can impact our sleep, energy, and immune systems making us more susceptible to fatigue and illness. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine relies on a unique diagnostic system allowing detection of subtle imbalances. Using herbs, acupuncture and electro-medicine we can correct these imbalances and deficiencies and restore vitality. This in turn supports a stronger immune system that is capable of targeting and eradicating illnesses quickly and effectively.
Specific acupuncture points have been shown to increase the production of red blood cells and to activate white blood cells so that they can destroy viruses and bacteria.
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
When the digestive system is not functioning well it can negatively impact one’s work, home, and social life. Our digestive health has a strong correlation not only to our immunity and skin health, but also a strong association with many chronic conditions and auto-immune disorders.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can correct or alleviate many chronic, complicated digestive problems – even when other interventions haven’t worked.
Gynecological Disorders & Fertility
We help women feel great and live healthy lives by alleviating imbalances – resolving PMS, menstrual related migraine headaches, excessive menstrual cramping and stress and fatigue.
Our practitioners are trained and experienced in using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to successfully support fertility and healthy pregnancies and to manage the symptoms of menopause and many menstrual problems. All aspects of Chinese Medicine work together to promote a healthier and more balanced state, which will better lend itself to conception. Many women/couples wait to explore acupuncture and Chinese medicine until after they have already been trying for several months. While starting acupuncture at any point is still beneficial, we recommend three months of preparation to increase chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture Can Help:
- Promote healthy, pain-free cycles
- PMS relief
- Migraine relief
- Regulate menstrual cycle
- Enhance fertility
- Regulate hormones to produce a larger number of follicles
- Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining
- Increase chance of conceiving
- Enhance the chances of successful implantation
- Decrease chance of miscarriage
Allergies, Colds, Sinus Congestion
Our acupuncturists can help you manage your allergies, colds/flus, and chronic congestion naturally by using Chinese medicine and acupuncture to improve immune function and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture works by treating and strengthening the respiratory and immune systems. When the lung is functioning more optimally then the immune system’s hypersensitivity is calmed. Acupuncture also works by controlling inflammation and reducing aggravation of the mucus membranes in the ears, nose and throat. Many sufferers of chronic sinus congestion have found relief with acupuncture and herbal medicine that they otherwise we unable to achieve.
Systemic balance is critical to one’s health and wellness, in western medicine this is known as homeostasis. The body is constantly striving to maintain internal stability; coordinating the response of various physiological systems (i.e. circulatory, nervous, immune and endocrine systems) in response to any situation or stimulus. Modern life, with all its stressors, puts the body in an almost constant state of “fight or flight” mode, making it difficult for our bodies to maintain balance. Imbalance can result in disorders such as pain, injury, insomnia, digestive issues, gynecological disorders, allergies, depression, susceptibility to colds, and a myriad of other complications. Acupuncture helps restore one’s natural balance so that organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own optimal health.
FOUR GATES ACUPUNCTURE
How It Works
Book Your Consult
At this evaluation, the acupuncturist will analyze your presentation and give you an estimate of the number of treatments likely needed based on clinically evidence based data. The number of procedures you will need will vary based on your specific condition, the amount of time you’ve had it, etc.
Active Treatment
Acupuncture treatment is repeated 1-3 times a week until maximum improvement is seen. Then a maintenance regimen is often prescribed to prevent recurrence. Maintenance may be as liitle as 1-2 times per month.
See Results
Acupuncture can and often results in a complete absence of symptoms, even in severe pain conditions that have been present for years. You will likely also notice increased energy, better mood, restful sleep and more mental focus. Our patients regularly remark on how our knowledge, skills and therapies helped change their lives. Will you be next?
Our Mission is Simple: To Lead you to a place where you feel at peace in your body.
Ready to live pain free?
Schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for acupuncture. At this 15 minute consultation you will meet with one of our acupuncturists to go over your health goals and ensure we are a good fit to work together.
After your consultation you will have the opportunity to schedule your intake appointment. At the intake appointment your clinician will review your health history in detail, develop your customized treatment plan and administer your first acupuncture treatment.