ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of healthcare that has been practiced in China for over 2,000 years and since the 1970’s in the United States. It is a method of treatment that involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into designated points on the body. Needles are approximately 10 times smaller in size than the average hypodermic needle and in comparison, are considered to be the size of a “cat’s whisker” or as “thick as human hair”.
What does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can treat a broad range of conditions. It is most well-known for its analgesic (pain relieving) and anti-inflammatory effects .
Although not limited to the following, Acupuncture can be effective in treating:
A wide range of musculoskeletal conditions such as back, shoulder, neck and knee pain, migraine headaches, TMJ dysfunction, post-operative pain, arthritis, sciatica, carpal tunnel, inflammation (bursitis, tenosynovitis, tennis and golfer's elbow etc.); Psycho- emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, postnatal depression, as well as stress and insomnia; Menstrual disorders (painful, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, PCOS, PMS); Pregnancy (infertility – male and female, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, induction of labor, malposition of fetus, insufficient lactation); Menopause and related symptoms (such as mood changes, insomnia and hot flashes); Gastrointestinal issues (constipation, diarrhea, IBS, bloating etc.); Common cold, allergic rhinitis including hay fever, sore throat
The Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation, Mary will take a full health history. She will ask questions in regard to your symptoms, overall health and lifestyle and may also ask you questions that are seemingly unrelated to your presenting condition, but serve to help create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. Mary will employ different methods to assess your condition which may include palpation, tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Why the Tongue and Pulse?
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, both tongue and pulse are considered to reflect the general health of the body. Mary will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating and monitor the change in your tongue over time. As this is a diagnostic tool, please consider not brushing your tongue prior to treatment. There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that will be assessed. Each pulse corresponds to a particular meridian or organ. The pulse, of which there are 28 individual qualities, is a very important diagnostic tool and can assist Mary to determine the severity of the condition.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The frequency and number of treatments will depend on the presenting condition and a variety of factors. Your overall health and resilience, the severity and duration of the condition (acute/short-term or chronic/ long-term) will determine whether you may achieve immediate relief and only require 1-3 treatments or whether your condition may require a few months of care.