Acupuncture is an alternative medicine and among the oldest healing practices in the world. In fact, the earliest written record of acupuncture dated approximately 200 BCE.
And, while a 2002 National Health Interview Survey estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults have tried acupuncture, it’s still a practice that is considered odd to some. Needles?!? Folks get freaked out!
Our staff at The Well thought we’d give the GMG readers a quick intro to acupuncture and dispel some common myths. While acupuncture is used to treat chronic pain and the side effects from cancer treatments it can also have great benefits to general health and well-being.
And if you read through this post, you’ll find a savings offer only available to Good Morning Gloucester readers!
What can Chinese Medicine Treat?
We believe acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be effective in treating any manifestation of illness in the body, physical, psychological or spiritual. Acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body, relieving pain, treating infertility, treating and preventing disease, and promoting general health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture promotes blood flow, alleviates pain, reduces inflammation, reduces stress, and restores homeostasis, which is the body’s ability to maintain balance and heal itself. (http://thehealthyskeptic.org/chinese-medicine-demystified-part-iv-how-acupuncture-works)
What does acupuncture feel like?
The experience of receiving acupuncture is deeply relaxing. Many people will fall asleep during treatments. Some people describe a pleasant sensation of floating or sinking into the table. The insertion of the needles takes about 5 minutes, and most people will feel nothing, or a minor sensation during the insertions.
Does it hurt?
The needles may engage a feeling or sensation but they do not hurt and the recipient won’t feel pain from them.
Who are the practitioners?
Bill Crosby M. Ac., Lic. Ac., is a board certified and state licensed acupuncturist.
Rebecca Wallace, MAOM, Lic. Ac. is an NCCAOM board certified and state licensed acupuncturist. She is also trained as a Chinese herbalist and certified yoga instructor, and is also co-owner of Treetop Yoga Studio.
What happens during acupuncture treatment?
After you speak about your current conditions, the acupuncturist will examine you for reactive areas to determine which points to use – meaning, your pulse and eyes will be checked, and you will be asked to open your mouth and show your tongue. Acupuncture needles are sterile, pre-packaged, one-use, and hair-thin. The needles are placed at various depths, ranging from a fraction of an inch to two inches. Wear loose fitting clothing, as you will have to partially disrobe to expose the treatment areas (i.e., lower leg and back). After the needles are inserted and stimulated, they stay in place from a few minutes up to 20 minutes.
Needles may be used in many different areas of the body. For cases of pain in a specific location, in addition to a general body treatment, needles may be used in local pain areas, like the shoulder:
or the lower back:
Needles can be used in the face for specific issues like sinus problems, facial paralysis, or for cosmetic reasons:
How will I feel afterward?
You will most often feel relaxed and calm. Some people can feel emotional or a little spacey, and that’s OKAY!
Good Morning Gloucester Readers Save At The Well!
At The Well we offer acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture for Facial Rejuvenation, Massage, Yoga and Rosen Method Bodywork. Come and visit us!
To make it a little easier for Good Morning Gloucester readers to try us out, mention this post when you make your first acupuncture or massage appointment and you’ll get $15 off the cost of your treatment!
Also at The Well: Jenny Rangan is a massage therapist and a Rosen Method bodyworker with an MA in counseling.
114 Main Street
Gloucester AM 01930
Mon-Sat by appointment
http://www.wellmedicine.org/index.php
Good Morning Gloucester 