Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of medicine that has been successfully treating people for over 5,000 years. It is a dynamic and integrated system of health care with the goal to activate the natural, self-healing abilities of the body.
Acupuncture is one therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the insertion of tiny sterile needles in the body at specific points and combinations to regulate the qi (or energy) in the body, thereby leading to better health.
Many people are skeptical or afraid of acupuncture because they don’t know what to expect. Let me reassure you that it is WAY more relaxing than going to see a doctor or dentist. And, you’ll actually feel really relaxed when you leave!
Typically a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner will interact with you in several ways even before the acupuncture treatment begins. First, we talk because I want to hear your story about what’s going on, signs and symptoms and how your ailment is impacting your life. After that, I’ll ask questions about things that you may think are unrelated; however, your answers help give me an overall picture of how your body is functioning. Then, I will feel your wrist pulses, look at your tongue and maybe palpate your abdomen. All of these mini exams are diagnostic tools to further inform me as to how your unique body is functioning and what needs to be addressed during the acupuncture treatment.
Probably the most common question I get is “Does acupuncture hurt?” My reply is that acupuncture needles are extremely thin – unlike hypodermic needles at the doctor’s office or a flu shot. Occasionally there may be a sensation upon needle insertion, but any discomfort experienced is fleeting and less than plucking a hair. While you’re resting during the treatment most people report a feeling of deep relaxation.
Another question I commonly hear is “How many treatments will I need?” This question is difficult to answer because the answer varies from patient to patient. Generally, the longer a problem has existed, the longer it will take to re-balance the body and restore health. This timeline also depends on how severe the illness or injury is, how often you will be getting treated and what sort of things you are doing outside of the acupuncture treatment to promote or hinder your path to better health.
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of ailments. In my practice I specialize in treating stress and anxiety, headaches and migraines, sleep problems (insomnia, night sweats, frequent waking, difficulty falling asleep), digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation, IBS, nausea, vomiting), skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis), pain, fatigue, women’s health (PMS, painful periods, irregular cycles, infertility, menopausal symptoms) and cosmetic facial rejuvenation.
Please visit www.JadePathAcupuncture.com for more information of feel free to contact me at (773) 669-5724. Be well!
