Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique that is part of one of the oldest health systems of traditional Chinese medicine.  This form of medicine has been practiced by doctors for over 3,000 years in Eastern Asia to improve health and treat a wide variety of medical conditions. There are multiple styles of acupuncture and techniques used for acupuncture treatments.  Most commonly very small, almost hair-thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points throughout the body.  This process helps to activate and balance the body’s own energy, or what is known as “qi or chi” (chee), that is believed to flow through pathways, or meridians, in the body with very few side effects.

 

Acupuncture treatment can also include Chinese therapeutic massage or “Tui Na” and “cupping”, a technique in which a vacuum like effect is created with a glass cup for the purpose of loosening tight, sore muscles, increasing blood flow, and promoting the free flow of qi throughout the body. 

In some acupuncture treatments a technique known as “moxa” or “moxabustion” is used in which the Chinese herb, mugwort, is burned almost like an incense stick over specific acupuncture points for a therapeutic heating effect.   “Moxa” is a wonderful technique for treating various digestive concerns, pain conditions and issues related to menstruation.

 

Patients rest while the needles are gently inserted and relax for 5-30 minutes while the needles remain in. Many people become so relaxed they sleep during treatment. This type of treatment is cumulative, and multiple sessions may be required for maximum benefit. Acupuncture is a beneficial part of an ongoing wellness routine.

 

Although it can be used to address virtually any medical condition, acupuncture’s most well-known application today is for the treatment of pain and musculoskeletal injury without the use of medication. In addition, this treatment can be used for such conditions as: 

 

• Digestive complaints such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea and heartburn

• Hormonal imbalances including menstrual irregularities, infertility and menopause

• Depression and anxiety

• Insomnia

• Allergies and Asthma

• Immune Support

• Musculoskeletal Pain

• Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines

• Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting

• Dental pain

• Labor pain

• Low back pain

• Neck pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis

• Stress Relief

• High Blood Pressure

 

Sherry has her Masters in Acupuncture from Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture (PIHMA)  in Phoenix. She graduated in 2014 with 1000 hours of internship at PIHMA’s clinic prior to graduation.  Sherry is also certified with NCCAOM,  National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.