How does it work?

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How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by inserting a needle in to an acupuncture point which then causes a desired healing affect.  The biological effects include the release of natural opioids; nerve regeneration; and immune, circulatory, and biochemical effects. 

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I’ve heard acupuncture works on “energy channels” and “points.” Is there more to it?

Qi (pronounced "chi"), or energy, runs through the body on meridians or highways.  When there is too much or too little there is disease or pain.  Acupuncture helps move the Qi through the body to relieve excess or feed the deficiency, therefore reestablishing a balance: in short, it returns the Qi to be where it’s supposed to be. 

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Can you explain the different type of acupuncture and why you might use them?

• Dry needling is the act of putting needles in specific acupuncture points. 

• Aqua-puncture is when there is liquid such as B12 or saline injected into acupuncture points to help put pressure on the points longer.

• Electro-acupuncture is when a low-level current is run through the points using a unit formulated especially for this usage.  This is especially used in times of paresis and paralysis. 

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Is animal acupuncture the same as human?

It is similar! Traditional Chinese Medicine and Yin/Yang theory is the same however some of the points are different.  The acupuncture points were first transposed from human to horses and then eventually to dogs and cats. 

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What is the science behind acupuncture?

Acupuncture points are areas of concentrated nerve endings, blood vessels, lymphatic ducts and mast cells.  They have low electrical resistance and high electrical conductance.  When a needle is inserted, it releases natural opioids, regenerates nerves and has immune, circulatory, and biochemical effects.  Acupuncture creates interactions of the nervous system, endocrine system and the immune system.

• Scientific breakthrough proves why acupuncture works

• Study shows how paralyzed rats improved with acupuncture

 

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Benefits of treatment

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What kind of benefits can I expect from acupuncture?

After an acupuncture session, some patients have lots of energy, whereas others desire to rest.  Acupuncture should increase energy, help calm the mind, reduce pain, increase range of motion and help with the overall mood.

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How can you tell if acupuncture is working?

It often takes the body a long time to become diseased and, in turn, it can take the body a long time to heal.  Often we will not see any improvements for a few weeks.  They may start as very small subtle changes that can quickly develop in to something more.  Changes include a cat sitting in a position it hasn’t sat in years, a dog having more energy, or subtle differences in the skin. 

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What degree of improvement can I expect from acupuncture?

Degree of improvement depends on the problem. Some patients will have a full recovery from their initial ailment, while some have partial improvements. Others are not improved, but have a better quality of life by halting their disease process or slowing it down. Goals for individual patients vary based on their medical history and will be discussed in-depth at the initial exam as part of their unique treatment plan.

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How soon can I expect results from a treatment?

While some clients see immediate results in their patients, it often takes 1-2 months to see significant improvements. 

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How often should acupuncture be performed?

At first we recommend weekly treatments for at least a month if possible.

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What conditions benefit?

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What conditions can benefit from acupuncture?

Often acupuncture is most successful with chronic pain, orthopedic issues, gastrointestinal disease, spinal cord and brain injuries, and immune diseases.

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When do you use acupuncture in combination with laser therapy?

I mostly incorporate the laser with acupuncture with musculoskeletal disease with recent radiographs. 

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