Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that focuses on utilizing the body’s natural energies to restore health. Early Chinese physicians described energy pathways (meridians) that course just below the surface of the skin. These meridians circulate “Qi,” (pronounced ‘chee’) or vital life energy. Injury, exposure to the elements, and stress can cause blockages of this flow, resulting in pain, swelling, and other symptoms. By stimulating key acupuncture points, these blockages can be relieved and health restored. Point stimulation is typically accomplished with a very thin needle, but laser and electric stimulation can also be used. The needles are very thin and are inserted so quickly that it is most often entirely painless. There may be a momentary pinch, similar to getting a mosquito bite.
The World Health Organization has identified numerous conditions that benefit from Acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is an effective form of acute and chronic pain control for back, neck, and joint problems. It is also beneficial for headaches of most types, sciatica, asthma, allergies, skin conditions, mild anxiety and depression, obesity, and many other health challenges. Pre-menstrual and menopausal symptoms also respond favorably to Acupuncture. Additionally, Acupuncture can be used to enhance fertility treatments in both men and women. Results depend on the nature of the condition and other health challenges. Improvement may come quickly or take some time. A typical visit takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Dry Needling is not acupuncture, it does not use meridians or predetermined points.The goal of dry needling is to reduce pain and restricted movement caused by tight bands of muscle or connective tissue (fascia), trigger points, and conditions known as enthesiopathies, which are painful tender points where tendons are pulling away their attachment to the bone. A common enthesiopathy is tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis.). Treatment involves quick, painless insertion of the needle at the tender spot.
International Academy of Medical Acupuncture (IAMA)
The International Academy of Medical Acupuncture Inc. is an institute of higher learning dedicated to teaching physicians of all disciplines both the ancient as well as contemporary principles of Acupuncture. How those principles and procedures can be incorporated into a mainstream Western based practice is paramount. The IAMA has taught more than 25,000 medical, chiropractic, naturopathic, osteopathic, and podiatric physicians the principles of acupuncture since 1973.