Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective modality for many different conditions, from digestive ailments to mood balance to allergies, but Acupuncture is especially well known for the treatment of pain.  Both chronic and acute pain conditions often show improvement when treated with Acupuncture. Acupuncture relieves pain through many different pathways, which helps explain why it's effective for so many different conditions. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endogenous endorphins (your body's natural pain killers), improves blood circulation, diminishes inflammation, relaxes muscles and tendons, helps break up scar tissue, and reduces muscle spasms.

Acupuncture for Stress Relief

Stress shifts our nervous system into a sympathetic "fight or flight" response, which cues our body to release stress hormones into our blood which increase blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension. These effects are meant to be helpful, in situations where our life is at risk and we need to be able to respond quickly to survive.  However, these days most of us experience some form of ongoing stressors on a daily basis, and our nervous system may release the same stress hormones into our system, in response to these chronic stressors.  In this case, the "fight or flight" response of increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and muscle tension, creates more harm than good.   Chronically high stress levels can lead to high blood pressure, headaches, and poor sleep quality; stress also inhibits your digestive system and can create digestive problems such as bloating, acid reflux, and ulcers. It can be difficult to help our nervous system shift out of this stress response pattern.  It is important to find ways to shift our nervous system back into parasympathetic "rest and relax" mode so that we can heal. This is exactly what Acupuncture does.  Acupuncture relaxes your muscles, alleviates stress, calms your mind, and encourages your nervous system to shift back into a parasympathetic state of "rest and relaxation" in which it can start to heal.

Mood Balance

Ongoing stress can also lead to mood imbalances such as anxiety, irritability, and depression.  With Acupuncture treatment, many people report a deep relaxation and calm, as well as more mental clarity, improved sleep quality, and a balanced mood.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) often arises in the long gray winters of the Pacific Northwest, and many people report a positive lift to their mood and outlook with Acupuncture treatment.

Digestive Disorders

Acupuncture promotes a healthy digestive system by strengthening and nourishing digestive organs, so they can function optimally.  A healthy digestive system can efficiently extract nutrients from the food you eat so that your energy level is strong.  Acupuncture helps regulate bowel movements whether you have constipation, diarrhea, or an irritable bowel with no regular pattern. Many patients report reduction of bloating, nausea, and acid reflux, as well as a more balanced appetite.

Hormone Balance

Acupuncture helps balance hormones, alleviates PMS, and regulates your menstrual cycle.  Many women that usually suffer from painful cramps and bloating, report that these symptoms are reduced with Acupuncture treatment.   As Acupuncture balances your hormones, irritability and depression typically decrease, and your mood becomes more stable.

Immunity

Acupuncture supports the immune system and stimulates your body's natural healing response.  Specific acupuncture points can be utilized to stimulate activation of white blood cells which help destroy viruses and bacteria, and speed up recovery from colds and flus.

Allergies 

Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation which soothes mucous membranes in the sinuses, nose and throat. Acupuncture can also alleviate sinus pressure and drain congestion.  We have seen patients for many different types of allergies, and have seen positive responses to treatment for seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, and pet allergies.  Please read our Allergy Elimination page, for more detailed information on Acupuncture for Allergy relief.