Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, natural and drug-free alternative that can provide immediate relief and long-lasting benefits. It can help you return to peak performance and optimal health by restoring the proper flow of Qi and blood. Injuries can be of an insidious or acute onset, triggering edema and the inflammatory process, which creates pain. One early treatment can eliminate or substantially decrease acute pain.

Acupuncture can diminish the pain and inflammation associated with muscle spasms, influence the tendons, ligaments and bones, increase endurance and coordination, relax the nervous system and boost the immune system.

It is a beneficial option for keeping your body healthy or recovering from an injury. Through the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at specific points, acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own natural pain killers (endorphines), natural anti- inflammatory and anti-stress hormones. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture promotes physical and emotional well being.

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Insomnia is a sleep disorder associated with difficulty falling or staying asleep, and is such a common problem that sleep aids are more widely used than ever. Insomnia can be managed with a combination of acupuncture and lifestyle modifications. Recommended lifestyle modifications include:

• Keep waking time and bedtime consistent
• Avoid long naps during the day
• Eliminate noise and light in the bedroom
• Avoid vigorous exercise in the evening

Insomnia can be brought on in a number of ways, including:

• Stress
• Life changes
• Irregular work schedules
• Medications
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Mental illness such as depression or generalized anxiety disorder
• Medical conditions such as arthritis, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, chronic pain
• Over-the-counter drugs that contain stimulants

Sleep disorders are conditions that involve any type of difficulty that relates to sleeping.

This includes difficulties falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time and abnormal behaviors associated with sleep.

More than 100 different types of sleep disorders have been identified and fall into four main categories:

• Problems with falling and staying asleep
• Problems with staying awake
• Problems with adhering to a regular sleep schedule
• Sleep disruptive behaviors

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Studies show that acupuncture works very well for conditions that have not been cured by conventional treatments. Acupuncture provides quick relief from chronic neck pain. Studies reveal that patients were more satisfied with acupuncture than with traditional spinal injections. The practitioner inserts needles into the skin at specific points and this doesn’t hurt the body. For quick relief from neck pain, acupuncture treatment is provided in combination with herbal medicine. This reduces the pain and spasm in the neck muscles providing a relaxed state. Herbal medicine varies depending on the condition of the patient.

It improves blood circulation and thus, eases muscle contraction.

Acupuncture is widely used by patients with neck pain, but there is a lack of information about its effectiveness in routine medical care. Over years of research and clinical experience West Acupuncture has become a leader in the treatment of neck pain. Acupuncture is very effective in relieving neck pain and its symptoms. It can treat neck pain caused by whiplash and can also treat degenerative neck disorders like cervical spondylosis and ankylosing spondylosis. Studies show that acupuncture works very well for conditions that have not been cured by conventional treatments. For quick relief from neck pain, acupuncture treatment is provided in combination with herbal medicine. This reduces the pain and spasm in the neck muscles providing a relaxed state. Herbal medicine varies depending on the condition of the patient. It improves blood circulation and thus, eases muscle contraction.

Number of needles and location

During an acupuncture treatment for neck pain you will usually be required to lie face down on the treatment table. Therapeutic massage may be applied first to help relax the soft tissues around your neck and to stimulate blood circulation in the area. Up to 10 or 12 acupuncture needles will be gently inserted in your neck, shoulders and upper back. The precise location of the needles depends on the location of the pain and whether it’s sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, and other factors. Acupuncture points on your arms and legs may also be needled.

Length of treatment

The needles usually stay in place for 20-30 minutes. All you have to do is lie there and relax. Acupuncture has a soothing effect on many people and some even fall asleep during the treatment. Acupuncture can also effectively treat related problems like chronic neck pain and headache and acute stiff neck and headache. Other therapies combined with acupuncture Apart from therapeutic massage, acupuncture for neck pain may also include other TCM therapies like moxibustion and cupping, which most traditional acupuncturists are trained in. Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy and cupping is a technique that helps circulate blood. A Chinese herbal liniment for pain may also be rubbed into your neck and upper back muscles once the needles have been removed. You may also be given a Chinese herbal formula to help address the underlying cause of your neck pain, as well as neck exercises. This above information is a general outline only of what happens when you have acupuncture for neck pain. TCM views each of as a unique individual – no two people with neck pain will receive exactly the same treatment. How many treatments you need also varies from person to person, however you can expect relief from acute stiff neck after one or two treatments, while chronic neck pain may take several or even a dozen treatments.

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A common side effect of many other weight loss programs is that they can cause “beneficial” body fluids to be drained, which can lead to unwanted side effects like osteoporosis. The side effects of acupuncture for weigh loss are often positive such as a general increase in energy level and a reduction of the feeling of fatigue. In some cases weight loss patients have reported that other symptoms such as headache’s and pain have been relieved as well.

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• Meals consisting predominantly of starch and sugars – You need at least a small serving of fat & protein
• Fruit juices & whole fruit in large quantities
• Polyunsaturated oils (salad dressing, mayo, margarine, vegetable oils), and fried foods.
• Eat more eggs, meat, fish, & poultry, not necessarily in large quantity, but more frequently – protein, fat & veggies should be the foundation of your diet. Eat protein at EVERY meal!
• Exercise regularly – at least 3 times each week. Needs BOTH aerobic anaerobic activity.
• Eliminate stimulants – nicotine, caffeine, refined sugars.
• Eliminate use of drugs, and alcohol
• Consume more spring & mineral water
• Avoid cold or iced foods and beverages
• Get enough sleep at night

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Since traditional Chinese medicine takes a more holistic approach to patient care than Western medicine, you may be asked questions that appear unimportant (questions about your sleep habits, your ability to tolerate heat or cold, your dietary habits, etc.) but are actually vital to the type of care you will receive.

After reviewing your history, the practitioner will begin diagnosing your ailment. Depending on your condition, you may be subjected to an examination of the tongue, as well as an examination of the pulse a major diagnostic technique in traditional Chinese medicine. Using all of the information obtained during the history and diagnosis, the practitioner will then determine the cause of your symptoms.

Depending on the condition, needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. The acupuncturist may use moxa or electrical stimulation to enhance acupuncture’s therapeutic effect. Depending on the seriousness and the length of your condition, your first visit may take between 30-60 minutes. It may take several visits to see significant improvement or cure your condition.

As with any treatment plan, however, make sure that your questions are answered completely, and that the treatment plan seems viable and reasonable. If you don’t understand a particular technique or type of treatment, make sure to ask.

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