What is Acupuncture?

The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health, and alleviate pain and suffering. The method of acupuncture needling may seem strange and mysterious, but the health benefits have been time-tested over thousands of years and continue to be validated today through modern research. The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health hinges on the concept of energetic balance of vital energy or “qi”. Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages traveling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this vital energy within its path-ways, known as meridians and channels.

The acupuncturist is able to influence the body’s ability to maintain a healthy balance by stimulating certain areas along these meridians. Traditionally these areas or "acupoints" are stimulated by fine, slender needles. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the goal remains the same - adjust the vital energy so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This allows your body to heal itself.

Acupuncture is just one form of therapy used within the coherent system of healing known as Oriental Medicine. Oriental Medicine includes herbology, physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong), and is a complete medical system unto itself. It is not another branch of modern Western medicine. Acupuncture evolved from principles and philosophies unique to Oriental thinking and Oriental Medicine, and is most effectively applied when done in accordance with those principles. ​

How does Acupuncture work?

According to Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works primarily by promoting the free movement of blood and energy in the body. Stagnation of blood and energy causes pain and/or illness. Western scientific research has shown that acupuncture causes the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. However, acupuncture is used for many conditions in addition to pain. More recent research has shown that the stimulation of certain acupuncture points can activate specific regions of the brain, which then allows regulation of other systems in the body through modulation of molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones. In general, scientific research has shown that acupuncture can modulate all the primary systems in the body, including the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. 
What to Expect?
When you first come to our clinic, you will be asked to complete registration and health history paperwork. Your acupuncturist will take a complete history, focusing on your main complaint as well as completing a review of the systems of the body. The examination will include an assessment of your pulse on both wrists, and may also include a brief exam. After gathering this information, your acupuncturist will formulate an initial diagnosis and treatment strategy. You will then relax on a comfortable massage table or reclining chair. Treatment will begin with the strategic insertion of thin, sterile, single-use needles. On your first visit, you can expect to receive about a 20 minute acupuncture treatment during your hour to an hour and a half long visit.

Meet your Neighborhood
​Acupuncturist

Dr. Erika Sigrist

Acupuncturist and Naturopath
Dr. Sigrist was born in Oregon and is a Northwest native.  She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2002 with a bachelors degree in Art History. She continued her medical training at the National College of Natural Medicine where she enjoyed using diet and nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy and IV therapy.  Knowing from the very beginning of her medical training that she wanted to combine her Naturopathic training with Chinese medicine she pursued further schooling in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Sigrist graduated from The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in 2011, where she used acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat chronic and acute pain, gynecological issues, and stress management. She participated in the study abroad program in Nanjing, China where she was able to participate in an integrated system of a hospital setting that also included acupuncture and Chinese herbs. With her training in two distinct fields she enjoys using acupuncture and Chinese Botanicals in combination with Naturopathic modalities to help treat a wide range of conditions. 

Frequently asked Questions?

Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe when conducted by a licensed practitioner. In Oregon, acupuncturists are required to attend a rigorous three to four year course of study and to pass national board exams prior to practicing. Although there are typically no side effects to acupuncture, a patient should disclose any known medical conditions. Acupuncturists at Neighborhood Chiropractic and Acupuncture promote the highest standards of safety by complying with OSHA regulations, practicing universal precautions, and using only stainless steel, sterile, single-use needles. ​
Are Acupuncture needles safe?
Here at Neighborhood Chiropractic and Acupuncture, all our practitioners use needles that are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged, and disposable. Each needle is used only one time and then deposited into a container to ensure safe disposal. ​
How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works primarily by promoting the free movement of blood and energy in the body, the stagnation of which causes pain and/or illness. Western scientific research has shown that acupuncture causes the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. However, acupuncture is used for many conditions besides pain. More recent research has shown that the stimulation of certain acupuncture points can activate specific regions of the brain, which then allows regulation of other systems in the body through modulation of molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones. In general, scientific research has shown that acupuncture can modulate all the primary systems in the body, including the nervous, endocrine and immune systems. ​
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are much thinner than the needles used to give injections. The needles are so thin that many patients feel only a mild sensation, or sometimes nothing at all. The amount of sensation depends on the location of the point and individual sensitivity levels. It is generally a pleasant experience for most people, even those who dislike needles.
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
​​The number of treatments required is determined by the patient's complaint, the underlying health of the patient, and how the patient responds to treatment. For many complaints, especially acute conditions, several treatments per week for the first 2 - 4 weeks is usually recommended. This allows the treatments to have a cumulative effect. After this intensive period, treatments are usually given weekly. Treatment duration can range from a couple of weeks to six months. Some patients continue treatment on a monthly basis to prevent illness, which is in keeping with one of the basic philosophies of Chinese medicine--prevention is better than cure.

Call us Today to Book Your Appointment and Start Feeling Better Today!

(503) 236-8701
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