TRADITIONAL ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture originated from traditional Chinese medicine over 5,000 years ago, and aims to alleviate pain, suffering, and various bodily ailments.

By addressing the body's internal energy flows (circulations in Western understanding, and Qi in Eastern philosophy) and its self-healing mechanisms, acupuncture can diminish swelling and inflammation, alleviate pain, and exert a positive influence on organ function.

The “Huang Di Nei Jing” or “Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine” is one of the earliest books on the foundation of TCM, originating around 1000 B.C. Over time, the practice spread to various parts of the world, branching into different traditions such as Korean Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture, and more.

Modern acupuncture gained prominence after the publication of The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the 1300s. The first recorded instance of acupuncture in Europe dates back to 1810, and its popularity in the United States increased notably after President Nixon's visit to China in 1972.

In 2003, following a comprehensive review of numerous acupuncture studies, the World Health Organization officially recognized 28 diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture has been proven to be an effective form of treatment

Acupuncture entails the insertion of hair-thin needles just below the skin at specific points. These points hold energetic significance for the body, triggering responses in the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. It is often used to address a wide range of conditions, including pain management, stress reduction, digestive disorders, and emotional imbalances, among others.

Practitioners of traditional acupuncture undergo extensive education and training, encompassing the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well as a foundational understanding of anatomy and pathophysiology in Western medicine to skillfully administer treatments customized to individual needs.

How Acupuncture Works

While the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are not fully understood, several theories attempt to explain how acupuncture works:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective:

In TCM, acupuncture is based on the concept of balancing the flow of vital energy or "qi" through pathways called meridians. Needles are inserted at specific points to unblock or redirect the flow of qi, restoring balance and promoting health.

Neurotransmitter Release:

Acupuncture may stimulate the release of various neurotransmitters, such as endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin (a mood regulator). This could contribute to pain relief and improved mood.

Nervous System Modulation:

Acupuncture may influence the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions. It can have a calming effect on the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the "fight or flight" response) and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for relaxation and healing).

Blood Flow and Circulation:

Acupuncture may enhance blood circulation in the surrounding tissues. Improved blood flow can deliver oxygen and nutrients to cells while removing waste products, this process not only alleviates pain but also promotes the body's self-healing mechanisms.

Connective Tissue Stimulation:

Acupuncture may stimulate connective tissues, influencing cellular communication and promoting healing responses. This includes the release of growth factors that contribute to tissue repair.

Gate Control Theory of Pain:

Acupuncture may activate nerve fibers that inhibit pain signals through the "gate control" mechanism. This theory suggests that stimulating certain nerve pathways can block or modulate the perception of pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

Acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects by influencing the release of cytokines and other immune system components. This can be relevant in conditions.

How Our Acupuncturist Treats You

An acupuncturist employs a holistic and personalized approach to treat patients. The process typically involves the following steps.

Initial Evaluation:

The acupuncturist conducts a thorough assessment, considering the patient's medical history, current health issues, lifestyle, and any specific concerns.

Diagnosis:

Through traditional Chinese medicine principles, the acupuncturist may diagnose imbalances in the body's energy, or qi, and identify specific meridians or energy pathways that require attention.

Treatment Plan:

Based on the assessment and diagnosis, the acupuncturist develops a tailored treatment plan. This may include the number of sessions needed, the frequency of treatments, and any complementary therapies.

Needle Insertion:

Hair-thin, sterile needles are gently inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points correspond to energy channels believed to influence various organs and bodily functions.

Needle manipulation:

The needles are manipulated to stimulate the flow of energy and Qi and restore balance. This process may lead to the alleviation of pain, reduction of inflammation, and improvement in overall well-being.

Holistic Approach:

Acupuncturists often integrate additional therapies, such as cupping, tuina, liniment, herbal medicine or lifestyle recommendations, to complement the acupuncture treatment and address the patient's individual needs.

Follow-up and Adjustments:

After each session, the acupuncturist may discuss the patient's response, make adjustments to the treatment plan if necessary, and provide guidance on post-treatment care.

Continued Support:

Depending on the nature of the condition, multiple sessions may be recommended. Acupuncturists may also offer ongoing support to help patients achieve and maintain optimal health.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Our acupuncturist has successfully used acupuncture treatments to address the following:

Pain-Musculoskeletal

Pain-Neurological

Emotional/Sleep

Gastrointestinal/Digestive

Respiratory/Cardiac/Urinary

Eye, Ears, Nose, Throat

Skin Disorders

Woman's Health/Infertility

Children and Teens' Conditions

Other Conditions; Auto Immune Disease, Addiction and Substance Abuse, Side Effect from Chemo, and more

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?

We create our acupuncture treatment plans to address your individual needs, ensuring there is no set number of treatments to balance your qi and address your concerns. During your initial 60-90 minute appointment, our acupuncturist conducts a comprehensive health evaluation to identify your main complaints and determine areas that would benefit from acupuncture treatment.

Subsequent one-hour appointments adapt as your health progresses. While you may find relief in the initially treated area, we remain attentive to evolving needs. It's not uncommon for various ailments to be interconnected. Our goal is to identify imbalances and address all affected areas throughout your body. In general, acute issues tend to show faster progress compared to chronic ones. Patients typically start feeling a difference or experience healing after 1-4 sessions for acute cases. However, in chronic situations, initial results may last only a few days within the first 1-2 months. With continued, longer-term treatment, the results become more stable, working gradually to promote healing.

What Other Treatments Do You Offer?

At AcuGene acupuncture center, we treat your whole body. This means that acupuncture is combined with other treatments in order to maximize your results. Our acupuncturist Dr. Lianchun Piao is trained and certified to couple the following treatments with your acupuncture session and achieve the best-possible outcome:

Electroacupuncture

Laser Acupuncture Cupping Gua Sha Tui Na

Liniments

Moxibustion

Infrared Heat

Herbal Medicine

Ear Seeds: In Chinese Medicine, the ear is a microsystem of the whole body. Ear seeds are tiny beads placed on the ear’s acupressure points. Auriculotherapy has been researched to be effective for pain & stress relief.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Our treatment philosophy prioritizes minimizing additional pain for patients already experiencing discomfort. We employ various needling methods, including shallow and deep needling, trigger point needling, and Western needling, showcasing our excellent skills in delivering pain-free services.

How To Prepare For Your Acupuncture Treatment

Preparing for your acupuncture treatment involves a few simple steps to ensure a comfortable and effective session:

Hydration: Stay well-hydrated before your appointment. It helps with the flow of energy and ensures that your body is in good condition for the treatment.

Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing that allows easy access to areas where the acupuncture points are located. This makes it easier for the acupuncturist to place the needles.

Light Meal: It's advisable not to have a heavy meal immediately before your acupuncture session. A light meal ensures that you're not overly full or uncomfortable during the treatment.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol on the day of your treatment. These substances can affect your body's response to acupuncture.

Communicate with Your Acupuncturist: Inform your acupuncturist about any changes in your health, medications you are taking, or if you are pregnant. Open communication ensures a personalized and safe treatment.

Relaxation: Arrive a bit early to allow time for relaxation before the session. Stress and tension can impact the effectiveness of acupuncture, so taking a few moments to unwind can be beneficial.

Bring Information: If it's your first visit, bring any relevant medical records, a list of medications, and details about your symptoms. This information helps the acupuncturist tailor the treatment to your specific needs.