Acupuncture is one of the primary tools a Chinese medicine practitioner uses to restore balance, alleviate pain and prevent disease.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the abundant and smooth flow of energy (qi) in the body is central to overall health. After thousands of years of empirical research, Chinese medicine doctors have mapped out a network of channels or pathways called meridians through which qi flows in the body.
Acupuncture points are distinct sites along these channel pathways where qi can be accessed most readily. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, sterile, and disposable needles into specific locations of the body to elicit a therapeutic response.
Illness or disease can be the result of poor qi circulation, qi flowing in an unhealthy direction, or insufficient qi in a particular area of the body. Acupuncture can disperse qi stagnation, redirect qi movement, or concentrate qi in a specific area in order to restore optimal and sufficient flow throughout the body.
Acupuncture works to facilitate the flow of lymph- and oxygen-rich blood, remove obstructions in the muscles and nerves, trigger hormonal release, and relax the nervous system. Aside from addressing the chief complaint, some of the immediate benefits of an acupuncture treatment include deeper breathing, improved digestion, better sleeping patterns, relaxation, decrease in pain, and a general sense of well-being.
The Chinese character for acupuncture is actually derived from two sources: an acupuncture needle and moxibustion. Moxibustion is the process of using an herb called moxa (Latin Artemisia Vulgaris) to stimulate acupuncture points. The combination of heat, infrared stimulation and essential oils are thought to be key in utilizing the healing powers of moxa. Treatments are even more effective when acupuncture and moxa are used together.
The type of acupuncture practiced at Starr Healing is rarely painful. We use a system of acupuncture based on palpation where areas of pressure pain are released by acupuncture needles, and / or moxibustion. Because we are able to see immediate release of the diagnostic areas or painful areas we are able to formulate the most effective acupuncture treatment for you. We also utilize the radial pulse and the tongue to give specific treatment guidelines.
A sound and safe medicine, acupuncture is general medicine that is effective in healing a wide range of specific problems and diseases without side effects. Any condition you would go to an M.D. for, you may come to Starr Healing for. It is especially effective for chronic pain, reducing or eliminating the need for pain medication.