Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest continuous systems of medicine in history, dating back over 3,000 years. It can be used to treat both acute and chronic ailments, strengthen the immune system as well as to relieve pain. Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of extremely fine needles into specific acupoints along the meridians (energetic pathways) of the body. The insertion of the needles signals the body to correct imbalances, and restore health and well-being. Insertion is usually painless and most patients report a deep sense of relaxation during their treatments.

Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely. Those who receive acupuncture often not only heal physically, but experience new and profound states of peace, clarity and harmony which often have lasting positive impact on quality of life and general well-being.

Auricular Acupuncture

This is also known as “ear acupuncture”. The external ear contains many acupuncture points corresponding to almost every part of the body. Similar to hand or foot reflexology, many conditions, symptoms and diseases can be treated through auricular acupuncture. In auricular acupuncture, the acupuncturist inserts short needles into the external portion of the ear. Sometimes small seeds are applied to the ear acupuncture point to stimulate the area indicated, and may be left in for days after the visit to continue the benefit. Conditions which can especially benefit from auricular acupuncture include smoking cessation, drug detoxification, weight loss and hypertension.

Moxibustion

Moxa is comprised of the herb Mugwort, and is burned in order to warm the body during an acupuncture treatment. This is called moxibustion. There are many different ways to use moxa, but all give off a radiant heat that penetrates the body very well. This makes moxa good for deficient, cold and stagnant conditions. Like most things in nature, the qi (or energy) in our bodies reacts to cold by contracting and heat by expanding. Therefore cold qi has a tendency to contract, or stagnate, and warm qi has the tendency to expand, or flow smoothly. By warming the qi in the meridians with moxa, we help to build the qi and blood in the body, and improve circulation.

Cupping

Cupping is a technique that is said by the ancients to pull out the unwelcome qi (or energy). A vacuum is created within the cup and placed on the body (usually the back). Round glass cups created specifically for this purpose are used. This technique can sometimes leave marks on the body as the capillaries near the surface of the skin are affected. These disappear within two to three days. This procedure is useful for moving the qi and blood in the body, and is used in many conditions where the qi or blood is stagnant (e.g. pain), or if the body is under exterior attack (e.g. viral cold or flu).

 

Scheduling for Acupuncture

Dr.Harden, ND, LAc sees patients Monday through Thursday.

Dr. Tang, ND, LAc sees patients Monday and Wednesday.

Please call the office to make an appointment.