Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the many medical systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been employed for over 3,000 years to diagnose, treat and prevent various illnesses. Acupuncture can treat acute or chronic disorders to alleviate pain, improve recuperative capability, and strengthen the immune system. Acupuncture is performed by an expertly trained Acupuncturist through the insertion of a very thin sterile filiform needle at a specific point on the body to promote healing.

"I have been going to Dr. Joe for over 6 months, and can't recommend him more highly. I have cerebral palsy, and his treatment has made a huge improvement in my muscle tightness and mobility. He is friendly and approachable, always listens well, and is very well informed and educated on the most updated approaches. I am so thankful for him! " -J. Barclay

How Acupuncture Works

From a scientific perspective, acupuncture works through several mechanisms, including:

Stimulation of the nervous system: Acupuncture has been shown to activate nerve fibers and trigger the release of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory chemicals, such as endorphins, in the body.
Modulation of the immune system: Acupuncture has been shown to influence the activity of immune cells, such as T cells and cytokines, and help regulate the immune system.
Regulation of blood flow: Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood flow to specific areas of the body, which can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis: Acupuncture has been shown to activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a complex network of hormones that helps regulate stress and physiological responses to stress.
Alteration of brain activity: Acupuncture has been shown to alter brain activity, including changes in brain wave patterns and the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which can help regulate pain, mood, and sleep.

While the exact mechanism by which acupuncture activates the nervous system is not well understood, it is clear that this practice can have a significant impact on the nervous system and can help to reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being. Studies are being conducted to better understand the mechanisms of action of acupuncture and its effects on the nervous system.

Acupuncture Follow-Up Frequency

The frequency of follow-up acupuncture treatments can vary depending on the individual's condition and the severity of their pain. In general, it is recommended that patients receive follow-up acupuncture treatments once a week or every other week. However, some patients may need to receive treatments more frequently, while others may only need occasional maintenance treatments. The frequency of follow-up acupuncture treatments can be determined by the acupuncturist based on the patient's progress and response to treatment. It is important to communicate the needs and concerns with your acupuncturist to ensure that their treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs.

Here are some general guidelines:

Acute conditions: For acute conditions, follow-up treatments may be scheduled several times a week until the condition improves.
Chronic conditions: For chronic conditions, follow-up treatments may be scheduled once or twice a week initially and then reduced to once or twice a month for maintenance.
Maintenance phase: After the initial phase, follow-up treatments can be reduced to once or twice a month for maintenance purposes.

"This place has been my absolute saving grace! After just two sessions I’ve received a huge amount of relief. I came to Dr. Joe with a laundry list of weird symptoms and a limp and today after session two I’m leaving a new woman!" -Brooke T.

Acupuncture effects differ from person to person, but here's a general guide to sensations and emotions commonly felt post-session:

Physical Sensations

Relaxation: Many people feel deeply relaxed and calm after a session

Tingling: Light tingling around the areas where needles were inserted

Numbness: Some people report temporary numbness at the needle sites

Warmth: you may feel warmth at the needles sites or throughout your body

Soreness; Possible minor, quick-fading bruising or soreness at the needle sites

Energized: Some people feel energized and rejuvenated, ready to tackle tasks

Light-headedness: Uncommon but possible dizziness post-session

Reduced Pain: Immediate or gradual pain relief often follows acupuncture

Improved Mobility: Increased ease and range of movement in joints may be noticed

Headaches/Migraines: May briefly intensify but are infrequent post-session

Increased Pain: Pain may briefly intensify, but it's rare post-treatment

Emotional Sensations

Emotional Release: Some report crying or deep

Euphoria: A feeling of well-being and happiness may follow a session

Decreased Anxiety: Many people report a significant decrease in levels of stress and anxiety

Increased Mental Clarity: Improved focus and clearer thought processes are often reported

Improved Mood: General improvement in mood and outlook can occur

Other Effects

Improved Sleep: Many people report better quality sleep after acupuncture treatments.

Enhanced Digestion: Some notice a more regulated digestive system.

Reduced Symptoms: Ailment-related symptoms may decrease post-treatment.

Skin Glow: Improved circulation can lead to radiant skin.

Enhanced Senses: Some report heightened sensory perception (sight, smell, taste).

As always, it's important to consult with the healthcare provider for a more personalized understanding of what you might experience, especially if you have specific health concerns.

Post-Acupuncture: What You Might Experience

Acupuncture History

The earliest documentation of acupuncture can be traced back to ancient China, with its formalization as a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The most famous early text that describes acupuncture is the "Huangdi Neijing" (黄帝内经), also known as "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine." This text is a foundational document of Chinese medicine and is believed to have been compiled around the late Warring States period to the early Han dynasty, which places it roughly between 475 BCE and 220 CE.

The "Huangdi Neijing" is divided into two parts: the "Suwen" (素问) or "Basic Questions" and the "Lingshu" (灵枢) or "Spiritual Pivot." The latter part is particularly focused on acupuncture, including theories on the flow of Qi (vital energy), the meridian system through which Qi flows, acupuncture points, and techniques. These texts laid the groundwork for the principles of acupuncture and its application in diagnosing and treating illnesses by regulating the flow of Qi in the body.

However, archaeological evidence suggests that the practice of acupuncture or similar techniques may have existed in some form even earlier. For example, sharpened stones and bones that date back to around 6000 BCE have been interpreted by some researchers as instruments for simple forms of acupuncture. Additionally, the discovery of the well-preserved mummy known as Ötzi the Iceman, who lived around 3300 BCE and was found with tattoo marks on acupuncture points of the body, suggests that practices resembling acupuncture were known in other parts of the world as well.

Despite these findings, the systematic and theoretical foundations of acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine are most comprehensively documented in the "Huangdi Neijing" from the early Han dynasty, making it the earliest definitive text on the subject.