Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the use of thin, sterile and disposable needles inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the flow of Qi, or vital energy, and restore a healthy balance to the body’s systems. This technique can be used to stimulate healing in acute and chronic conditions, improve immune function and circulation, and increase vitality. It is a 5,000-year-old therapeutic modality recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of various forms of physical and mental conditions on a systemic basis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes the use of acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, soft tissue therapies, and herbal formula prescriptions to promote the flow of the body's Qi or vital energy. TCM theory is based around the concept of restoring imbalances and the proper flow of Qi through the body’s channels, or meridians. Physical or emotional trauma and injury, stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise are just some causes of stagnant Qi.

Acupuncture treatment regulates the flow of Qi, tonifying where there is deficiency, draining where there is excess, and promoting free flow where there is stagnation.

Herbal medicine is a safe alternative or concurrent therapy to pharmaceutical drugs. Like acupuncture, herbal prescriptions are aimed at treating imbalances and are far less likely to have side effects or adverse reactions than pharmaceuticals.

Acupuncture and TCM treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic remedies.

Treatment plans are based upon the diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance. In addition, TCM places emphasis on the prevention of imbalance and disease. Align Acupuncture and Chiropractic recognizes that health is more than just the absence of disease; rather, health is achieving optimum well being and happiness.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Patients respond to acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only a minimal pinching pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are inserted, a heavy sensation may be felt, but no pain during the 20-30 minutes the needles remain in place. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, rather than the hollow needles used for injections and blood draws, and the risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Are there any side effects to treatment?

Side effects are rare. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. It is common during or immediately after the first one or two treatments to feel very relaxed and even slightly disoriented. These sensations quickly resolve and most patients report improved sleep quality the night following each session. Occasionally, a patient’s original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other mild changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These changes should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work and they, too, will resolve quickly.

Should I Do Anything Before Treatment?

Following a few simple suggestions can improve your treatment experience and enhance results.

  • Eat normal, nutritious meals before and after treatment but avoid eating a large meal immediately before or after treatment. If your appointment is in the morning, don’t skip breakfast!
  • Avoid heavy exercise and alcoholic beverages approximately 6 hours following treatment.
  • Plan to get good quality sleep after each treatment; this is especially important for the first 2-3 sessions.
  • Alcohol and recreational drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of treatment. Try to eliminate or decrease the amounts of these 2-3 days prior to your appointment.
  • Loose clothing should be worn, especially pants and sleeves that can be rolled above the knees and elbows.

What Patients Are Saying

"It gives me great joy to be able to recommend Dr. Laurel Johnson to you. I was under her loving care at ACE Chiropractic in Henderson, NV from June until October of 2008, when she re-located to Oregon. I had been injured in an accident and I needed therapy from Dr. Johnson almost every day. You get to know someone very well in that amount of time spent together. I was comforted by her skill, her sweet assurance and her constant encouragement. She was the one constant in my life during this difficult time of pain and fear. If you have the opportunity to be under Dr. Johnson’s care, you will find her to be a shining example of integrity and grace in the midst of a healthcare system that has become impersonal and rushed. Dr. Laurel Johnson is a wonderful doctor and an exceptional person and I was certainly blessed by knowing her and having her care for me."

~K.H.

"I have seen Dr. Johnson for a variety of problems using both Chiropractic and Acupuncture treatments. She has treated me for neck and upper back problems and the results were fantastic; both pain relief and healing of the injuries. She gave me different exercises that have strengthened the muscles in my problem areas. The first time I used Acupuncture I was a little apprehensive and curious if this would really do anything for me, but it was amazing. I don't know how it works, but I feel so much better – less stress, more relaxed, better sleep. I also had some problems with my low back and hip going out of alignment, but after a few visits, my back and hip feel great. I would definitely recommend her to anyone with pain, sleep problems, stress…anything!"

~A.J.

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