Welcome to Cranford Acupuncture! Here is some useful information for you to know...
Why Acupuncture?
Although pain relief is the number one reason people seek the help of an acupuncturist, it is often the case that they also report increased energy, improved sleep and libido and better digestion. This supports the notion that acupuncture is an incredible drug- free way to decrease stress and increase your sense of wellbeing. Since stress can so often exacerbate any illness or injury, it is even more important to give your body and mind time to decompress and recover.
What is Acupuncture and How does it Work?
Acupuncture is part of a two-thousand-year tradition of medicine originating from China. Acupuncture uses very thin needles to stimulate specific points in the body to encourage the body to rebalance and heal. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, there are meridians or channels that traverse the body with the points found at specific locations along the meridians. Qi flows along the meridians and when Qi is blocked or deficient then illness or disease will manifest. Acupuncture unblocks the channels, restores the flow of Qi thereby restoring health and vitality.
Research studies based on Western medical theories have shown that acupuncture stimulates multiple biological responses. These responses can occur locally, i.e., at or close to the site of application, or at a distance, mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems such as blood, nerves and hormones, in the brain as well as in the periphery.
How many treatments will I need?
In general, the longer you have had your specific issue the more treatments you will need. Acupuncture should not be mistaken for a 'quick fix' or 'miracle cure'. There are some remarkable stories of people seeing an acupuncturist one time and their back pain was gone, for example. Although that can happen, it is my experience that people generally need 10-12 treatments in a short period of time to see a positive change. Some complicated or chronic conditions will need a more prolonged set of treatments. Secondly, you should not consider yourselves passive recipients of acupuncture. There may be certain lifestyle changes that may be suggested that can significantly improve the outcome of your treatments. Many patients will have their initial complaint managed and then continue with wellness or maintenance treatments. If you're the type of person that believes prevention is better than cure, then acupuncture is for you!
I'm scared of needles.....
I totally understand! Having seen some of the pictures circling the Internet I would be scared too!! However, I can assure you that the needles I use are super thin. Here is a really good graphic that illustrates this
Patients report feeling a pinch similar to a mosquito bite as the needle is inserted and some feel nothing at all. Some people feel a heaviness or a dull ache at the needle site. This is part of the therapeutic effect. If you are still not convinced, I have needle-free techniques such as cold laser that are equally as effective in stimulating the points.
What other techniques are available?
Cupping: this is the use of suction and glass cups that are placed directly on the skin which are used to relieve tension, pain and inflammation and improve blood flow. They can be stationary or moved which has a similar effect to a deep tissue massage.
Electrical Stimulation: this is sometimes employed to enhance the effect of needling specific areas especially in musculoskeletal injuries. E-stim is felt as a tapping or buzzing and should never be painful. It is a technique that promotes the release of endorphins, enkephalins and serotonin depending on the frequency employed.
TuiNa: this is Chinese massage. Normally performed at the end of the acupuncture treatment, it is a wonderful way to ease the mind and body back from the deep relaxed state that people often experience during the acupuncture treatment itself.
How am I different from any other acupuncturist out there?
Helping people really makes me tick! It is fascinating to hear what people have to say and what they feel is the root of their issue. My focus is on you. I do this by listening and taking time to ask questions. Quite often, I will go home and research your specific problem so I can give you the best possible care. My treatments are personalized, and you have my undivided attention for the time you are in the office. My goal is that when you leave you will feel relaxed, listened to, validated and confident that there is a different way.
Final Note
I encourage you to visit and like my Facebook page Cranford Acupuncture. I'm always posting a fun article, a good book recommendation or even a timely word of inspiration.
If you have found value in your experience here, I would be grateful for a review and I am always appreciative of referrals.
All these things will help me grow my practice and continue to serve Cranford and the surrounding community. I am very lucky to live and work in such a great town!
Thank you for choosing Cranford Acupuncture!
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