What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been widely practiced for centuries. It's based on the theory that energy or Qi flows through our body along pathways called meridians. While being the oldest system of healing in the world, it is still the most commonly used and is the primary medical system for 25 percent of the world’s population.

Acupuncture is done by inserting hair-thin needles at certain points on your body that allow direct access to your energy and influence its flow. Heat, pressure, or mild electrical current are often used along with needles to enhance their stimulating effect.

Western medicine also acknowledges that there are electrical current that travel through the body in specific pathway patterns. These pathways are highways of communication between different parts of the body. When there is an obstruction to the flow of energy due to stress, physical or emotional trauma, and/or injury, the meridians become blocked and we feel tension, pain or other severe symptoms that may affect our internal organs. By removing the obstacles that impede the flow of energy, acupuncture guides the body to repair and heal itself.

Most patients report experiencing minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. After treatment almost of all patients experience a feeling of relaxation and well-being that last for many hours as well as deeper calmer sleep.

What to expect during an acupuncture treatment?

You will discuss your overall health and any disharmonies you might be experiencing. Sharon will give you a through exam and ask questions about your overall health, pain, and how well you are functioning. Utilizing both Western and Eastern medicine to evaluate your health, an observation of your tongue & pulse, palpation of the body, orthopedic tests, as well as lab tests review might be used.

After formulating the desired treatment plan, hair-thin needles will be gently inserted to access your body’s energy in places where blockage is present. Each of the acupuncture points used during the treatment relates to certain health problems or body functions. The goal of the treatment is to restore natural energy flow and allow the body to heal itself.

As the initial treatment requires review of your medical history and extensive inquiry in order to develop the most fitting treatment plan, it usually lasts 90 minutes. Following treatments last about 60 minutes and include a quick review of any changes to your current health status and re-assessment of the treatment plan. You may require several visits to complete your treatment. Some patients choose to have ongoing visits to maintain health in case of chronic conditions, while others use acupuncture to prevent imbalance and the manifestation of disease altogether.

If you have any questions about acupuncture please call (818)934-6448.

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