What is Acupuncture?
Western Medical Explanation
Currently, there is not one western scientific theory that collaboratively explains all of the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of Acupuncture. This is because Acupuncture has a variety of therapeutic effects on the body thus the action must vary depending on the type of pathology. However it is proposed that acupuncture primarily produces its effects through regulating the nervous system. Regulation of the nervous system aids the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. These affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.
In summary, scientists have deduced a number of theories from observing a number of individual clinical effects of acupuncture treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medical Explanation
In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle.
TCM likens the human body to a highly complex electrical circuit. Like any electrical circuit it must be kept in good working order if it is to function effectively, and if the circuit breaks down the result is illness. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state” and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”, meaning vital energy) along pathways known as meridians.
TCM theorises that it is essential for qi, as well as blood to circulate in a continuous and unobstructed manner for good health of the mind and body. Acupuncture meridians or channels are the pathways through which the energy flows throughout the body. Acupuncture points lie along the meridians and are the holes that allow entry into the acupuncture meridians. The acupuncture points provide gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease body’s vital substances, qi (energy) & blood, thus correcting many of the body’s imbalances.
Your First Visit:
May last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Dependant upon you specific health concerns we may perform needle treatment at this time or simply answer your questions about care.
How we Access Care:
Our ability to determine your rate of change to Chinese Medicine is based upon two one hour visits. These visits need to be scheduled within a five day time period in order to correctly access how quickly you are responding.
Once you have completed your second visit we will be able to structure a recommendation for recovery based on how quickly and effectively you have responded. At that time our Care Manager will discuss your recommendation with you.
Insurance Coverage and Costs:
We accept nearly all major health insurances. Once we have received your insurance information, we will verify your benefits and inform you of any co-pays or co-insurances you may have.
If you do not have health insurance we will accommodate you with payment options and a cash discount of $75 per visit. We are one of very few clinics that offer internal payment options for patients without coverage.
