ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an ancient healing system from China that works with the energy, or Qi, that flows through the body’s tissues, muscles, and organs along pathways called meridians. By stimulating specific points of the meridians that run along the surface of the body, acupuncture directs energy throughout the body’s networks and unblocks the obstructions that cause pain and disharmony. Acupuncture therapies encourage the body to restore its own equilibrium.

Acupuncture uses very fine needles to engage the meridians. As they are gently manipulated, you may feel a dull ache, tingling or heaviness in the area or along the meridian. These sensations are attributed to the arrival of Qi and signal the beginning of the healing process. Although each individual will experience acupuncture differently, common responses are a feeling of renewed energy or deep relaxation.

The acupuncturist may use the following techniques during the treatment:

• moxibustion – heating of acupuncture needles with dried herb sticks to activate and warm the acupuncture point. Also known as “moxa”.
• cupping – the application of glass cups to create a suction on the skin. This is to relieve stagnation of qi and blood, e.g. in sports injury.

The length and frequency of treatments will vary according to your individual needs and the nature of the condition. Generally speaking, chronic conditions may take longer to resolve than more recently developed conditions. Acupuncture is cumulative in its effects, so the benefits to your body continue to build with each treatment. Patients usually feel significant positive change after 2-4 treatments. As you get to the point of optimal improvement, fewer sessions will be necessary in order to maintain an improved state of health.

A first visit with Norma is an hour to 90 minutes, consisting of a thorough evaluation that allows time for any issues or concerns to be addressed. She then treats the patient with acupuncture after creating a personalized treatment strategy. Norma may choose to use other modalities such as moxa, electro acupuncture or cupping if necessary. If it is a first time the patient has received acupuncture, she will carefully talk through the process. At the end of the session Norma may propose recommendations to help strengthen preventative care. Follow-up visits are one hour long and use the same protocol of intake and treatment.

Acupuncture actually performs a twofold function:

It provides a safe and effective method of treatment for health conditions while at the same time promoting relaxation and a nurturing environment.

Despite the use of needles, acupuncture really is painless! It works on a deep energetic level to help restore balance and harmony to our bodies as well as our spirits.

Norma will spend quality time with you. All of your concerns will be listened to and taken seriously.

Questions are always welcomed, and Norma will do her best to answer them thoroughly and in a language you can understand.
Acupuncture treatments are highly individual. Instead of feeling like you are on a medical assembly line, you will find that each session is tailored to your specific needs.

Acupuncture treats both acute and chronic problems. It also helps to prevent disease by increasing overall energy and strengthening immunity. The World Health Organization officially recognizes acupuncture as effective for over 100 illnesses.

Some of the common conditions which can benefit from the treatment of acupuncture are:

• migraines and tension headaches
• chronic and acute pain
• cancer and chemo treatments
• stress related illness
• insomnia
• female fertility
• stress and anxiety
• immune system support
• neurological and muscular disorders
• tennis elbow
• sciatica
• arthritis
• menstrual cramps
• fibromyalgia
• low back pain
• end of life care

Acupuncture and massage can aid in maintaining and optimizing your health, whether you are seeking care for an acute or chronic condition or for relaxation and stress reduction. Acupuncture and massage can assist you in reaching your health care goals and can treat a wide range of conditions.
The benefits of combining acupuncture with massage include:

• Acupuncture strengthens your constitution and the immune system.
• Acupuncture can enhance health for those who have a general sense of malaise without experiencing an adverse health condition.
• Massage can increase flexibility, energy and range of motion.
• Generalized pain syndromes can be alleviated with massage.