Beth Nugent DACM, LAc Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

What is Acupuncture?

Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Oriental medical theory explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, I am able to return the body to its natural balance and promote the body's ability to heal itself.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when I insert them. When I gently stimulate the needles they may produce a unique sensation that Oriental medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically.

What physiological effects are induced by acupuncture?

• Pain relief
• Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
• Anti-inflammatory effect
• Immunoregulation
• Hormone and reproductive regulation
• Anti-febrile effect, micro-circulation promotion

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I have passed comprehensive national board examinations administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the state. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.

Your First Visit

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for 15-20 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time. Expect your first visit to be 1 1/2 hours, and subsequent visits one hour or less.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health condition.

Pain

• Sports injuries
• Sciatica and back pain
• Knee and shoulder pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Jaw pain (TMJ)
• Disc problems
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Numbness/tingling extremities
• Migraines and headaches

Digestive Issues

• Heartburn, Acid Reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn's disease
• Gas & bloating
• Morning sickness
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea and vomiting

Mental and Emotional Health

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression
• PTSD
• Stop smoking/addictions

Respiratory Complaints

• Asthma
• Allergies

Reproductive Issues

• Infertility
• Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

 

Questions?
pranaacupuncture@gmail.com