MBM Acupuncture Traditional Medicine for Modern Living

What is Acupuncture?

Several thousand years ago, East Asian physicians discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, acupuncture can return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.

Western medicine recently identified acupuncture points as locations of fascial bundling.  Our fascia is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs, and skeletal structures in our body...it's everywhere.  While much of the incredible healing power of acupuncture is still being researched, acupuncture points have been found to mostly lie along fascial planes, between muscles or between a muscle and bone or tendon. A blockage of Qi can be viewed as an alteration in fascial composition. The majority of acupuncture points correspond to the sites where fascial networks converge. Thus, manipulation of an acupuncture needle produces change on a level that can propagate along the fascial network and communicate with our entire body.  Research has also shown that acupuncture needle manipulation, almost anywhere in the body modulates the activity of the limbic system, responsible for control over our emotions and the subcortical structures of the brain, responsible for a multitude of autonomic responses, motor control, muscle tone, coordination and overall systemic homeostasis.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't! Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel upon insertion.  Stimulating the needles may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is often necessary.  The amount of time necessary to see results can vary and depends upon a variety of factors including but not limited to the type, severity and duration of the complaint as well as the patients overall health.  However, a great majority of cases see results immediately.  My goal is to fix your problem and to prevent it from recurring.

Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis. 

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education including detailed study of human anatomy and physiology, clean needle technique, OSHA laws and HIPAA compliance.  Licensed acupuncturists are required to complete a masters degree in Chinese medicine as well as pass comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).  Lastly, as required by law, only pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles are used to ensure your safety.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment you will be asked to complete paperwork detailing your health history and reason for visit. You can also download these forms here and fill them out in advance.  These forms ask questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. Such questions are important as the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account.  After reviewing your paperwork, we will discuss your condition and the treatment to take place.

**Acupuncture is performed in a clinical environment and draping can be provided when necessary.  However, we ask that you please come prepared for your appointment by bringing shorts and a t-shirt or similar loose fitting clothing.**  

Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below is a brief list of some of the more common conditions MBM Acupuncture treats.  However, this list is by no means exhaustive; Oriental Medicine has proven effective at treating a wide variety of ailments far beyond those listed below.

A Note About Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

The body holds all of our experiences, be they physical stress or emotional injury, joy or sorrow.  Feelings and emotions from past experiences that have been stored in the body unconsciously have a powerful effect on who you are, how you behave, and possibly even feel about yourself. Using the body as a gateway to awareness, buried feelings and memories can surface, freeing the patient from old patterns and energy blocks that keep them feeling stuck and unable to live life to its fullest. Mind Body Medicine is a therapeutic process that works on all levels of the patient's well being, not just the physical aspect.

Can I Use Acupuncture in Conjunction With Other Therapies?       

Absolutely!  Acupuncture often works best when combined with an entire rehabilitative program that may include, for example, medical massage and diet therapy.  When appropriate, you may also be given some simple exercises or food recommendations tailored to your condition in order to speed recovery and bring lasting relief.