What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves, yes, the therapeutic use of acupuncture needles to treat a wide range of conditions. First, these needles are tiny compared to the ones you are probably used to at your doctor’s office. Second, they are so thin they can bend in half!
Acupuncture points are typically places where muscles, nerves, connective tissue, and tendons can be stimulated. The stimulation works to increase blood flow and triggers the activity of the body’s own hormones and natural painkillers. Additionally, the body’s acute inflammatory response can trigger the body to repair and replace its own cells.
Should you be nervous?
New patients are often nervous about getting acupuncture for the first time. This is completely understandable; HOWEVER, we love acupuncture newbies and are experts at walking new acupuncture patients through the process, making it feel safe, comfortable, and dare we say – easy.
During your first treatment, we will talk you through exactly what to expect and when to expect it. The most common thing patients say after they receive their first acupuncture needle is, “That’s it???
Most patients are shocked at how comfortable and relaxing acupuncture really is.
If you keep hearing about acupuncture and have been thinking of trying it for a specific health problem, we’d love to get you booked for a free consultation. We think you’ll feel right at home in our clinic.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works based on the need of the human body to have healthy, soft tissue and good circulation.
When muscles or connective tissues start to tighten, blood flow changes start to happen. We know because of the study of fluid dynamics in physics that when fluid moving in a closed environment changes in one place, it changes in all places. So, to put it simply, if you have tension or impaired circulation in one area of your body, it literally impacts all of your body.
That might not bother you too much if you’re overall pretty healthy, but if you have inflammation or stress, or you’re not sleeping well, the impacts of these changes to your body can start to accumulate. In theory, acupuncture can work to reverse these physical changes, which helps your body work much more efficiently!
Will acupuncture work for me?
First, take a look at our list of conditions. This is a list of conditions we treat commonly at our clinic. If your condition is on our list, book a free consult. There we can evaluate your specific condition and screen for red flags that might not make you a good candidate for acupuncture.
If you don’t see your condition on the list, feel free to give us a call at 804-234-3843. You can ask our staff to confer with the provider before you book. If the provider thinks it’s worth your time, we will schedule your free consultation.