Is acupuncture safe?
Master of Science in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine education involves more than 3000 credit hours, 3 years of clinical experience and national certification by the NCCAOM. This education emphasizes safe needle insertion and extensive anatomy and physiology training. Christina is certified in clean needle technique and uses only single use, sterilized, medical grade needles. Acupuncture is a chemical free, safe and effective approach to resolving many health concerns.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, in fact you could fit multiple acupuncture needles inside the hole of needle that is used to give shots. Christina's needling technique is gentle and patients often feel very little, although it is desirable to experience what is known as a "Qi" sensation. Qi can be felt in many ways such as a deep pulling, heaviness, itching, electricity, vibrating, aching and tickling. Sensations are indicators that the acupuncture points have been activated. Everyone experiences sensation differently and Christina will work closely with you to ensure that your experience is positive.
How does acupuncture work?
The fundamental principle is that acupuncture helps your body activate it's own healing potential. Current scientific explanations for how acupuncture works include activating dopamine responses, balancing biochemical and neurological responses and increasing blood flow. Additionally, acupuncture can free restrictions in the fascia and muscles to alleviate pain and improve function.
The body is capable of healing itself, be it a broken bone, strained muscle, or even deeper problems with the various organs or neurological systems. When the body is not functioning as well as it should, it may not heal very quickly or as effectively, and sometimes it is so depleted, it cannot heal at all. Acupuncture can help by boosting the body's own healing capacity so that you become more capable of recovery. Simply put, acupuncture aids the body’s natural recuperative capabilities.
Understanding Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncture Theory treats the root cause of a disease so that the body can heal from the inside out instead of masking symptoms or relying on other approaches which may have side effects.
Techniques utilized include:
- Acupuncture - Acupuncture is a therapy that uses very thin needles which are gently inserted into the skin. It serves the function of alleviating pain and treating a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions.
- E-Stim (Electro Acupuncture) - Utilizing a micro electric current through the acupuncture needles, this comfortable technique is used to balance the bioelectricity of the body's tissues to relieve pain and restore function.
- Cupping - This technique uses glass cups on the skin to stretch the fascia, move blood, mobilize fluids and relieve tension in muscles.
- Guasha - This method involves the use of a smooth tool which is scraped across the skin to break apart myofascial adhesions, increase local blood flow and promote healing.
- Tuina - Therapeutic body work which is used to relieve pain and increase mobility specific to the injury being addressed.
- Herbal Medicine - Formulas created from earth based substances are tailored to the patients unique constitution. Herbal medicine is beneficial in treating the root of the illness to facilitate relief or full recovery.
- Moxibustion - Careful burning of the herb AiYe above specific acupuncture points to warm, increase circulation and relieve pain.
- Qi Gong - Coordinating slow flowing movement and breathing exercises, qigong is intended to increase energy while restoring balance and health.
- Dietary Therapy - In accordance with Acupuncture Theory, we will help create a specific guideline based on the patients pathology.
- Lifestyle Education - Management of stress, self care, sleep and other specifics related to your chief complaint.
This medical system has a long rich history and dates back at least 5000 years. Modern practitioners have been trained in techniques from various regions or direct family lines. As the medicine continues to adapt to biomedical definitions we understand that traditional "Ashi acupuncture points" can be understood as trigger points, motor points or knots in the muscle. While it is an ancient healing art it has a deep understanding of the physiology and anatomy of the body, it is useful for modern ailments and can be used both preventatively and with other wellness approaches.
How many visits will I need?
On average, most people begin to see a difference after a couple of treatments, although a consultation will provide a better idea of how many treatments you may need. A course of treatments ranges from 6-12 visits at 1-2 times per week. Some conditions improve after one course, and others may benefit from more. Our goal is to help your body regain equilibrium as quickly as possible. Consistency and adhering to your treatment plan will bring you the greatest outcome.
What to expect
Please be sure to eat the day of your visit. The first visit is typically an hour and a half and follow up treatments are approximately one hour. During your intake Christina will review your medical history and your reason for seeking treatment. Examining your pulse and tongue are important diagnostic techniques in determining the best treatment for you. After your intake your will lie down on the table, wearing loose fitting clothing to your appointment is ideal, but if access to other areas of your body is necessary a sheet or gown will be provided.
The treatment is highly customized for you and your specific health concern. Each time you receive a treatment, the points may or may not vary. We use high quality needles which are single use and sterilized. Needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes while you rest comfortably. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing.
COVID-19 Protocol
In accordance with CDC recommendations for healthcare facilities:
A mask is required and must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times.
A mask is required and must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times.
I. Preparing for your visit
Your safety is of utmost importance. Please read these office policies to understand your role in promoting a safe environment for us and others in our community.
II. Clinic Preparations
Our office is following state and local directives and follows the CDC infection control guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Steps taken to prepare our clinic for your visit:
Your safety is of utmost importance. Please read these office policies to understand your role in promoting a safe environment for us and others in our community.
- If you have any symptoms, such as a cough, fever, or feel ill in any way, please reschedule
- If a family member or a contact has these symptoms now or in the last 14 days please reschedule
- Please arrive on time, not early, and wait for us to get you in the designated upstairs hallway waiting area
- Please wear a mask for the duration of your time in the building
- Please do not bring people with you unless we have made prior arrangements
- When you arrive please either sanitize your hands at the station provided or wash your hands with soap and water in the bathroom at the end of the hallway upstairs
- Prior to each treatment your temperature will be taken and you will be asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions
II. Clinic Preparations
Our office is following state and local directives and follows the CDC infection control guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Steps taken to prepare our clinic for your visit:
- Chairs are six feet apart
- Hand sanitizer is accessible to patients
- Mask and gloves will be worn by the provider and masks will be worn by staff
- Staff and provider engage in proper hand washing and sanitizing consistently
- All surfaces, face cradles, door handles are disinfected between every patient visit
- All linens are washed after every patient and tables disinfected
- Pillows and are encased in plastic covers which are cleaned after each use
- Provider will monitor her own temperature and staff temperature
Web Accessibility Statement
At CrawfordAcupuncture.com, we are committed to accessibility. It is our policy to ensure that everyone, including persons with disabilities, has full and equal access to our digital offerings. We welcome your feedback on your experience with CrawfordAcupuncture.com. Email us at CrawfordAcupuncture@gmail.com with any questions or comments you have.
CrawfordAcupuncture.com strives to conform to the following accessibility standards: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, PDF/Universal Accessibility (PDF/UA). CrawfordAcupuncture.com is compatible with most major Internet browsers including Chrome, FireFox, and Safari. CrawfordAcupuncture.com may not perform optimally on older browser versions.
CrawfordAcupuncture.com has appointed a Web Accessibility Coordinator to help meet the objectives in this policy. Through genuine effort and commitment, we believe CrawfordAcupuncture.com adheres to best practices for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information on web accessibility and legal requirements, here are helpful resources:
ADA.gov,Section508.gov,Accessible.org,W3.org/WAI
CrawfordAcupuncture.com strives to conform to the following accessibility standards: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, PDF/Universal Accessibility (PDF/UA). CrawfordAcupuncture.com is compatible with most major Internet browsers including Chrome, FireFox, and Safari. CrawfordAcupuncture.com may not perform optimally on older browser versions.
CrawfordAcupuncture.com has appointed a Web Accessibility Coordinator to help meet the objectives in this policy. Through genuine effort and commitment, we believe CrawfordAcupuncture.com adheres to best practices for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For more information on web accessibility and legal requirements, here are helpful resources:
ADA.gov,Section508.gov,Accessible.org,W3.org/WAI
ENJOY THESE EXTERNAL LINKS
TO EXPAND YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF TRADITIONAL ACUPUNCTURE THEORY
Research
Informational Videos
Resources
Integrative medicine is the practice of medicine that reaffirms the importance of the relationship between the practitioner and the patient, focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.
~ Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health
~ Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health