TRADITIONAL ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points located along the body’s meridian pathways. These meridians correspond to the body’s internal organ systems and the flow of vital energy, known as ‘Qi.’ By targeting these acu-points, acupuncture modulates the body’s physiological responses, including the autonomic nervous system, inflammatory pathways, and neurochemical processes. It has been shown to affect neurotransmitter release, regulate blood flow, and influence the body’s pain pathways through the gate control theory. Acupuncture is clinically supported for treating a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, by restoring homeostasis and promoting systemic healing.



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Melanie Snell

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The Acupuncture Process

What to Expect During Your First Session

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a deeply personalized treatment. During your first session, we will take time to understand your health history, current symptoms, and wellness goals. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation

In our first meeting, we will discuss your health concerns and any specific goals you have for your wellness journey. This consultation is important for tailoring your treatment to your unique needs. I will ask questions about your physical health, lifestyle, diet, and emotional well-being to understand the root causes of your symptoms. I may also use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic methods such as examining your pulse, tongue, and observing other physical signs that give insight into your body's imbalances.

2. Needle Insertion

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin—about the size of a hair—and are sterile and disposable. They are inserted into specific points on your body, called acupuncture points, based on your individual needs and the condition being treated. These points are located along energy pathways called meridians.

Most people fel very little, but you might feel a slight sensation as the needle is inserted—some people describe it as a mild tingling or a dull ache—but it should never be painful. Once the needles are in place, you’ll relax for 20-30 minutes (maybe a little longer if you are resting) while they work to stimulate your body's natural healing processes.

3. Relaxation During the Treatment

Once the needles are inserted, most clients find acupuncture to be a very relaxing experience. Many people feel deeply calm, with some even falling asleep during the session. The goal of acupuncture is to restore balance to your body’s energy (Qi) flow, so you can relax and allow the process to work.

You might also feel a sensation of warmth, heaviness, or movement of energy as your body responds to the treatment. This is a sign that the acupuncture points are being activated and energy is shifting to where it's needed most.

4. Post-Treatment Experience

After your session, you may feel a sense of relaxation, relief, and clarity. Some people feel a burst of energy, while others experience a deep sense of calm and a need to have a deep sleep. It’s also normal to feel a bit tired as your body adjusts. You might notice a shift in your symptoms or an improvement in your overall mood, sleep, or energy levels.

Treatment Frequency and Progress

Acupuncture is most effective when done regularly, especially when addressing chronic conditions or long-term imbalances. For the first few weeks, I may recommend treatments once or twice a week to help your body begin the healing process. After that, the frequency of treatments can be reduced based on your progress and health goals. I do offer packages, so please ask. 

As we move forward, we will reassess your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. I’ll always ensure that you’re supported and comfortable throughout your journey.

At-Home Care

To support the benefits of your acupuncture treatment, I may offer recommendations for at-home care, such as dietary changes, exercises, or lifestyle adjustments. These will help optimize your healing process and promote long-term well-being.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Below are some common health concerns that acupuncture can address

Pain Management & Musculoskeletal Health

  • Chronic pain conditions (back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain)
  • Migraines & tension headaches
  • Arthritis & joint pain
  • Sciatica & nerve pain
  • Sports injuries & muscle recovery
  • TMJ (jaw pain & tension)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

Digestive Health

  • Bloating, constipation, diarrhea
  • Acid reflux (GERD)
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Food sensitivities & intolerances

Hormonal Balance & Endocrine Support

  • Irregular or painful menstrual cycles
  • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Endometriosis & fibroids
  • Thyroid imbalances (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
  • Adrenal fatigue & burnout

Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum Support

  • Enhancing fertility for both men & women
  • Supporting natural conception & IVF treatments
  • Regulating menstrual cycles & ovulation
  • Managing pregnancy-related symptoms (nausea, fatigue, back pain)
  • Supporting fetal development & maternal well-being
  • Preparing the body for labor & encouraging optimal fetal positioning
  • Aiding postpartum recovery & lactation support
  • Reducing postpartum depression/anxiety

Stress, Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being

  • Reducing stress & promoting deep relaxation
  • Anxiety & depression support
  • Insomnia & sleep disturbances
  • Emotional regulation & mood swings
  • PTSD & trauma support

Immune System & Inflammation Reduction

  • Strengthening immune function
  • Supporting autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Managing chronic inflammation
  • Reducing allergy symptoms

Respiratory Health

  • Asthma & breathing difficulties
  • Chronic sinus congestion & allergies
  • Common colds & immune boosting

Cardiovascular & Circulatory Support

  • High blood pressure
  • Poor circulation
  • Varicose veins & edema

Skin Health

  • Acne & eczema
  • Rosacea & psoriasis
  • Anti-aging & collagen stimulation for skin rejuvenation

Nervous System Support & Neurological Conditions

  • Migraines & chronic headaches
  • Neuropathy & nerve pain
  • Bell’s palsy & facial paralysis
  • Stroke recovery support

Acupuncture has a positive impact on mental health by:

  • Enhancing mental clarity: Acupuncture can help to clear the mind and increase focus by improving the flow of blood and Qi to the brain.
  • Supporting emotional balance: Regular acupuncture treatments help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other emotional disturbances by promoting relaxation and restoring emotional equilibrium.
  • Encouraging overall well-being: Acupuncture helps promote a sense of calm, peace, and overall balance, supporting the body’s natural ability to cope with life’s stresses.

 

World Health Organization:

Several years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an official report listing 31 symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be treated effectively by Acupuncture. Following is the list of conditions shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by Acupuncture:

  • Low back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Knee pain
  • Peri-arthritis of the shoulder
  • Sprains
  • Facial pain
  • TMJ
  • Headache
  • Dental pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Induction of labor
  • Breech birth presentation
  • Morning sickness
  • Postoperative pain
  • Stroke
  • Essential hypertension
  • Primary hypotension
  • Renal colic
  • Leucopenia
  • Radiation/chemo reactions
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Hay fever
  • Biliary colic
  • Depression
  • Acute bacillary dysentery
  • Primary dysmenorrhea
  • Acute epigastralgia
  • Peptic ulcer

The report also contains three other very important lists of conditions:

  • Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of Acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed.
  • Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which there are only individual controlled trials reporting some therapeutic effects, but for which Acupuncture is worth trying because treatment by conventional and other therapies is difficult.
  • Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which Acupuncture may be tried provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment.

This landmark report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, is available on the WHO website for download as a printable PDF file (see link at end of this article). It could help patients deal with insurance carriers who deny coverage for Acupuncture treatments for the situations contained in the report, especially those proven effective in controlled trials. WHO’s authority concerning health-related matters internationally cannot be challenged.

If a patient’s treatment is on the lists of symptoms, syndromes, disease processes, pathologies, traumas and conditions that have been proven to be effectively treated by Acupuncture, the report should be presented to insurance carriers along with a request to reconsider coverage.

SOURCE: Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, World Health Organization, 2003