Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture

At Wellstone Acupuncture, we respect the ancient history of acupuncture as well as modern techniques and studies that have shown how acupuncture treatments can bring wellness to patients. It is our belief that the integration of Western and Eastern medicine is the future of modern health care. Today's acupuncture provides a comprehensive medical system that can promote healing by balancing each patient’s body, mind, and emotional states, truly strengthening the foundation of each person. Studies conducted worldwide indicate that acupuncture can stimulate the body’s production of natural painkilling chemicals, such as endorphins. Acupuncture can also trigger the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, including serotonin and dopamine, and block the transmission of pain impulses from parts of the body to the central nervous system. Acupuncture promotes healing by bringing blood flow to the painful area, stimulating the nervous system, and relaxing muscles. Treatments can enhance athletic performance, reduce or eliminate pain, increase fertility, decrease stress, and help chronic illness. This drug free treatment uses thin sterile and disposable needles shown to have as much effectiveness as many western treatments with fewer side effects. For more about acupuncture, please go to the resources page.

"The data in support of acupuncture is as strong as that for many accepted western medical therapies... [and] the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions."
~ National Institute of Health, 1997

Special Types of Acupuncture Used:

Electro-Stimulation is the application of electrical currents to certain acupuncture points. It is administered through probes placed on the acupuncture needles that run a current through the needles into the acupuncture point. E-stim is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to reduce pain or to enhance a treatment. This technique has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate bone and tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema, and swelling.

Moxibustion uses a herb named Mugwort (Artemisia Vulgaris). Moxa is warmed over acupuncture points or needles, and can stimulate blood flow and lymph circulation. It is commonly used for cold and painful conditions, as well as chronic illness, especially for those who don't respond well to other types of treatment or who have a very low immune system. Patients find it relaxing.

Ear Acupuncture (Auricular) uses the ear as a microsystem of the body. Brain scans have shown that ear acupuncture points correspond to internal organs, joints, and aspects of the central nervous system. Auricular acupuncture can be used to treat conditions like insomnia, anxiety, pain, and hormonal imbalances.

Trigger & Motor Point Therapy use contemporary understanding of anatomy and physiology combined with acupuncture techniques to heal musculoskeletal disorders. This aspect of acupuncture has helped patients recover from sports injuries, surgery, and general muscle and skeletal pain. Patients often notice immediate reduction of tension and pain from this type of treatment.

Pain Management is a critical component of many treatments. Wellstone Acupuncture utilizes Dr. Tan's Pain Management Balance Method, as well as the afore mentioned therapies to alleviate your pain as quickly as possible. According to the 2003 World Health Organization Report, "acupuncture is comparable with morphine preparations in its effectiveness against chronic pain, but without the adverse effects."