Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive healthcare tradition that dates back over 2,500 years. Currently, one-fourth of the world’s population makes use of it.

Created by some of the best educators and brightest scholars in Chinese history, it is a means of strengthening the body, which can be weakened by modern-day stress and environmental hazards. Chinese Medicine is holistic, taking into account all systems of the body, in order to strengthen vital energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”) so that the body can heal itself.

The cornerstones of TCM are acupuncture and herbal medicine. Chinese Herbal Medicine works in concert with acupuncture; providing the nourishing support for acupuncture’s energetic efforts. In addition, gua sha, moxabustion, cupping and electro acupuncture are adjunctive treatments used in Chinese Medicine.

What is a Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on various points on the body’s surface to influence physiological functioning of the body. Acupuncture mobilizes and regulates qi and blood to invigorate the physiological function of the muscles, nerves, glands and organs

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for many disorders including:

• Musculoskeletal Conditions
• Muscle strain and sprain
• Low back pain including sciatica
• Tendonitis and tennis elbow
• Carpal Tunnel
• Neck and shoulder pain

Women's Health Issues

• Fertility
• Menstrual irregularities
• Peri-menopause/menopause
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Pregnancy well-being

Auto-immune Disorders

• Chronic fatigue
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Diarrhea
• Acid reflux
• Constipation
• GERD
• Gas and bloating

Respiratory Disorders

• Allergies
• Colds
• Asthma
• Sinus conditions

Neurological Disorders

• Headaches
• Multiple sclerosis
• Bell's palsy

Physical and Emotional Issues

• Addictions
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Side effects of cancer therapy

The First Visit

The first visit to Acupuncture Healthcare Associates of Michigan begins with a thorough intake by a board certified acupuncturist. The intake is a necessary ingredient in the acupuncturist's method of treatment.

The purpose of the intake is to explore the client's medical history and to uncover any current health concerns. The intake is a 30 to 40 minute discussion during which the client is questioned about his or her physical, emotional and psycho-spiritual state, as well as his or her lifestyle.
Following the intake and an acupuncture treatment (which lasts 30 minutes), the client and the acupuncturist reconvene to create a treatment plan that will include future acupuncture treatments, dietary and herbal recommendations, lifestyle changes as well as referrals to other complementary professionals.

In addition to acupuncture, a personalized treatment plan may include methods such as massage, moxabustion, cupping and electro acupuncture, depending on the client's needs.

Follow-up Visits

Because the body is constantly changing, subsequent visits will always begin with a brief intake to assess the progress of the treatment and discuss the client's concerns and any modifications to the initial treatment plan that may be necessary.

In addition to acupuncture, there are many adjunct/accessory techniques that the acupuncturist may include in the treatment. These include:

Guasha

Guasha is a technique used to assist in releasing pain and stagnation from the muscles and fascia throughout the body. Guasha can provide immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough and other symptoms. The practitioner identifies the area(s) that need to be relieved. After applying massage oil to the body, the practitioner uses a round-edged tool, in the shape of a spoon, and rubs it on the chosen area.

The practitioner applies gentle pressure on the body with the spoon; there may be slight discomfort as this is a new sensation. Afterwards, the area will have a reddish hue. If there is intense or moderate stagnation, red dots will color the skin. These “red dots” do not hurt however, the area may be tender. The dots will disappear after two-to-three days. The area should be covered and not exposed to the sun until the dots fade.

Moxabustion

Moxabustion is a technique that involves the burning of the herb mugwort over specific points on the body, to promote healing. Moxabustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. The translation for the word acupuncture literally means Moxabustion. The purpose of Moxabusiton is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi and maintain good general health.

Cupping

Cupping, like guasha, is another method of treating pain and stagnation through the body. Using heat, the practitioner creates a vacuum in jars, and then applies the cups to the skin. The purpose of cupping is to draw up the underlying tissue and reduce stagnation. Cups are made of glass and come in many sizes.

Cupping can be used to treat arthritic pain, abdominal pain, stomach aches, indigestion, headaches and other ailments.

Electro Acupuncture

Electro acupuncture provides stronger stimulation to the acupuncture treatment and is often utilized with musculoskeletal and pain conditions

Electro acupuncture is used after the needles are in place to strengthen the nature of the qi sensation. It was first utilized in China during the 1930s and is now widely employed throughout the country. With the needles and electro acupuncture in place, a certain frequency is passed through the muscles, increasing the sensation and the effect of qi.

 

 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on various points on the body’s surface to influence physiological functioning of the body.

What is the goal of acupuncture?

The goal of acupuncture is to restore balance and health by promoting an even and plentiful circulation of qi and blood throughout the body.

What does Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture mobilizes and regulates qi and blood to invigorate the physiological function of the muscles, nerves, glands, and organs.

What is Qi?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is an energy force that runs throughout the body. A person’s health is influenced by the flow of qi in the body. If the flow of qi is unbalanced, insufficient or interrupted, illness may occur. Qi is an invisible force known only by its effects.

What are meridians?

Meridians are pathways throughout the body in which qi travels. There are 14 main meridians running vertically up and down the body; twelve of which correspond to organs. These meridians are the same on both sides of the body. Like qi, you cannot see the meridians.

Are the needles sterile?

Yes, all the needles are disposable and are used only one time. After use, they are discarded in a biohazard container.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

The short answer is no. At insertion, the patient may feel some heaviness, tingling, a slight pinch or a sensation running up and down the meridian. After the needles are in, the patient often feels very relaxed and even falls asleep.

How deep do the needles go?

Needle insertion is generally very shallow. Insertion varies according to the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, and the patients size and age.

How many treatments will I need?

Each person is unique. Treatment protocols vary depending upon what exactly is being treated. For example, when treating an injury or pain, we can often tell within three-to-four visits if acupuncture will have a positive effect.

I there anything I can do to improve my acupuncture experience?

Yes. Relax. Ask Questions. In the unlikely event you experience any discomfort, let us know immediately.