Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complete and holistic non-invasive medical system used to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy. Licensed acupuncturists place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”) and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical and emotional health. It can also improve overall function and wellbeing. It is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat a variety of medical problems as well as a great way to stay well and age gracefully.

At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi, or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain, and disease. The quality, quantity, and balance of Qi influence a person’s health. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Specific pathways called meridians circulate Qi. Fourteen main meridian pathways exist, and each one connects to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. As the river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants, and people. Similarly, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue, and muscle.

Besides using needles, your acupuncturist performs other modalities, depending on what they think is best for your healing:

Your acupuncturist designs cupping therapy to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It treats many ailments, including sore muscles, tension, neck pain, and the common cold. During this therapy, your acupuncturist places small glass or plastic “cups” over specific body areas. They create a vacuum under the cup using heat or suction. The acupuncturist may move them over an affected area or leave them in place. After the treatment, you might experience slight redness, but it will quickly dissipate. 

“Tui Na,” which translates to “push grasp,” is a massage technique your acupuncturist uses to move Qi in various parts of the body. They use it to relieve muscle pain, tension, and inflammation, and to heal injuries. 

Your acupuncturist also uses Gua Sha to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. They gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area with a specialized tool. Gua Sha may feel similar to a deep massage, and it may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate. 

Moxibustion is another treatment your acupuncturist uses, involving the herb mugwort. They may burn it on the needle’s handle or above the skin, on salt, or on a slice of ginger. This method is to “warm” acupuncture points or areas to quicken the healing process.

Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy with virtually no side effects. There is no risk of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

Acupuncture is also a safe option for children. Sometimes, children respond more quickly than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure.

The needles are approximately the size of a cat’s whisker. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. The acupuncture needle insertion may cause a brief pinching sensation as well as vague numbness, heaviness, tingling, or dull ache in the affected area. Also, you may feel a sensation or energy spreading or moving around the needle. All of these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. 

Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take weeks or longer to achieve lasting results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of 4-6 weekly treatments to see significant changes. An acupuncturist may suggest up to two treatments per week, or monthly visits for health maintenance and seasonal “tune ups”. 

At The Still Point we will provide for you a proper receipt that can be used for reimbursement from your insurance company if acupuncture is covered under your policy. We accept FSA cards and are an approved provider.