ACUPUNCTURE

A natural, safe, drug-free and effective way to treat pain, conditions and live well

What To Expect

When you visit our office for the first time we realize that you may be nervous and have questions. This is why we have created a very relaxing and comforting atmosphere. We are available to answer any questions and address any concerns and put your well-being at a high priority. Before your first session, we will have you fill out an intake form. Your first session will include a consultation and an evaluation of your condition. If you choose to have acupuncture after the consultation, the time has been allotted. Acupuncture is typically a very relaxing procedure. Mike will place the acupuncture needles which are very thin and virtually painless. He may use electro-acupuncture or just the standard needles. This will be discussed.


After the session, Mike will assess the progress and will develop a custom treatment plan for you. We suggest that you book appointments in advance as the schedule tends to get full. At each session, your progress will be evaluated and your treatment will be adjusted accordingly to assure continued improvement. When the recommended sessions are finished there will be a final evaluation and further recommendations. We are about creating relationships with our patients. Pain conditions come and go. We strive to be your go-to place for pain relief!

Modern Theories on the Mechanisms of Acupuncture:

01.

Neurotransmitter Theory: 

Acupuncture affects higher brain areas, stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord. The release of neurotransmitters influences the immune system and the antinociceptive system and have a powerful pain reducing affect.

02.

Autonomic Nervous System Theory:

Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opioids, affecting changes in their turnover rate, normalizing the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain.

03.

Gate Control Theory:

Acupuncture activates non-nociceptive receptors that inhibit the transmission of nociceptive signals in the dorsal horn, gating out painful stimuli.

04.

Vascular-interstitial Theory:

Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body by creating or enhancing closed-circuit transport in tissues. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of healing material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.

05.

Motor Muscle Inhibition Theory:

Motor muscle inhibition (alph-motor neuron muscle inhibition) happens when the nerve that sends the impulse to contract the muscle becomes unable to function at its optimal capacity due to chemical or physical trauma. Inflammation in the muscle belly and joint affects the Golgi tendon organs and can modify afferent information within the muscle spindles, causing muscle motor inhibition.

Traditional Explanation of Acupuncture:

Acupuncture has been used in China for more than 2000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes disease arises out of disharmony in ones life force or Qi. Disharmony can affect ones mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Qi is said to travel in pathways in the body called meridians that mostly correlate with nerve and blood vessels. In fact, it is said Qi travels in the blood. Disease happens when Qi flow is altered or blocked. Stimulating acupuncture points found allow meridians has the affect of normalizing the flow of Qi and returning the body back to harmony.

Modern Explanation of Acupuncture


As revealed by modern studies, acupuncture stimulates one or more of the signaling systems, involving peptides and other small biochemicals, which can increase the rate of the body’s natural healing response.

This stimulation may be sufficient to cure a disease, or it might alleviate some symptoms. The nervous system, which is the primary signaling system affected by acupuncture, transmits signals along the nerves that comprise it. Additionally, it emits various biochemicals that influence other cells of the body.

With over 30 peptides involved in transmitting signals, the nervous system is connected to the hormonal system via the adrenal gland, which then makes connections to every cell and system of the body. According to a report of the Shanghai Medical University, cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and their terminals were dispersed in the area surrounding the acupuncture points for about 5 millimeters. In addition to central neurobiological effects, it has been shown to reduce peripheral inflammation and to change connective tissue around the needle.

An article in the Nature Neuroscience Journal (2010) explains that adenosine, a natural compound well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, floods areas that have been punctured or otherwise aggravated. At the site of needle insertions, both during and immediately following an acupuncture treatment, the level of adenosine in the tissue near the needles was 24 times greater than before the treatment. This is one way to explain the curative properties inherent in the insertion of a needle into human tissue.