From chronic pain management, such as back pain, migraines, or arthritis, to stress reduction, anxiety, and insomnia, acupuncture is known for its capacity to alleviate symptoms, improve circulation, and enhance overall well-being.

Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine practice that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the gentle insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body known as ‘acupoints’. These ‘acupoints’ align with energy pathways, or meridians, through which Qi, or energy, flows.

Acupuncture is based on the fundamental idea that imbalances, blockages in the flow of Qi (energy), or stagnation can lead to various physical, mental, and emotional health issues. 

Just as Western medical doctors monitor the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages traveling via the nervous system, acupuncturists assess the flow and distribution of energy within its pathways, meridians, and channels.

Acupuncture treatment is generally painless, even relaxing, and can provide immediate relief. The number of treatments varies based on individual needs and the nature of the condition being addressed. Some people find relief after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing or periodic treatments to maintain balance and wellness.

In addition to needling, acupuncture often incorporates complementary practices such as herbal treatments, lifestyle modifications, and dietary recommendations to further support the body’s natural healing processes.

Chinese herbal medicine, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, complements acupuncture to enhance the body’s natural healing process.

These medicinal herbs, derived from plants, minerals, and animal products, are combined in specifically tailored formulas to meet individual health needs.

Chinese herbs are known for their ability to alleviate various conditions, such as digestive disorders, insomnia, chronic pain, and hormonal imbalances.

The combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs provides a personalized strategy to care, aiming to alleviate symptoms while addressing the root cause of health imbalances and fostering overall well-being.

When you first come to Neighborhood Chiropractic and Acupuncture, you will be asked to complete a general intake form as well as a more detailed acupuncture questionnaire. 

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 pulses 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. 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.

Explore the ancient practice of acupuncture at Neighborhood Chiropractic and Acupuncture and experience how this holistic approach can help restore balance, alleviate discomfort, and promote a healthier, more vibrant life.

Are acupuncture needs 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 are 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.