The insertion of fine needles into carefully selected points on the body. The goal of acupuncture is to elicit a natural healing response using the body’s own energy or qi (pronounced “chee”). Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and flexible. Upon insertion, one may feel a sensation of heaviness or tingling. Patients often report feeling relaxed or even euphoric after acupuncture treatments. All needles are single use and disposable.

Herbal Supplements – Chinese herbal supplements usually contain between four and twenty herbs. Pre-made pills are used for their convenience. Herbs are used alone or in conjunction with acupuncture. Herbs at Holistic Care Approach are from MayWay and Evergreen.

Moxibustion – Smoldering mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris) near the body is quite common in acupuncture. There is an old saying that for problems that acupuncture can not help, use moxa. With a little instruction, patients are sometimes asked to use moxibustion at home between treatments.

Cupping – Using a partial vacuum, glass jars are applied to the body. By increasing the local circulation, cupping helps relieve muscle tension and pain.

Massage – Tui Na (Chinese massage) and Acupressure are commonly used with acupuncture. Many patients report that massage is much more effective when combined with acupuncture.

Let’s start with the traditional Chinese explanation: The body contains as many as 20 invisible pathways, called meridians. Qi (pronounced “chee”), a form of energy, flows constantly through these pathways. When meridians are obstructed by poor diet, bad posture, or unhealthy habits, qi builds up in some places and is depleted in others, leading to illness and pain. Some 365 acupuncture points on the skin connect with the meridians. By gently inserting needles in a select few of these points, acupuncturists remove the obstructions and restore the flow of qi.

American medical researchers have not been able to link the meridians to the body’s network of blood vessels or any other observable system, nor can they tell exactly what qi might be. But imaging studies of the nervous system have shown that the insertion of needles triggers the flow of electromagnetic signals through the body. These signals, in turn, stimulate the release of natural painkillers and other substances that can help the body heal.

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health say acupuncture is an effective treatment for many acute and chronic health conditions and provides preventive care. The following disorders may benefit from acupuncture treatments:

Muscle and Joints – Arthritis, back and neck pain, bursitis, fibromyalgia, joint pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, shoulder pain, sports injuries, sprains, TMJ, tendonitis

Digestion – Low appetite, food allergies, peptic ulcer, constipation, colitis, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, vomiting, gastritis

Mens and Womens Issues – Endometriosis, infertility, menstrual problems, menopause, PMS, prostate problems, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infection, vaginitis

Respiratory/Ear Nose Throat – Allergies, asthma, bronchitis, common colds, emphysema, eye diseases, flu, hearing loss, vertigo, sore throat, laryngitis, sinusitis,

Emotional – Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress

Nervous System – Bell’s palsy, dizziness, headaches, migraines, neuralgia, stroke, paralysis, tics, tremors

Heart and Blood – Angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, anemia, hypertension, palpitations, coronary heart disease

Skin – Acne, dermatitis, eczema, herpes, hives, facial acupuncture (wrinkles)

Miscellaneous – Chronic pain, diabetes, fatigue, hemorrhoids, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, immune deficiencies

Addictions – Smoking, alcohol, food, drugs