Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practiced in China for thousands of years. Although famous for it’s effectiveness as a means of pain relief, it is in fact useful for a wide range of conditions, and is one of several therapies used in Chinese Medicine.

Acupuncture uses hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles inserted at specific points on the body to subtly influence how the body is functioning. Western science is not yet able to explain in its own terms the mechanism behind acupuncture, but has noted its effects on many of the body’s systems including the neurological, endocrine, respiratory and digestive systems.

The Chinese medical model is based on an energetic system (referred to as Qi, pronounced “chee.”) Together with blood, qi flows in a circuit around the body along channels, or meridians- which have been mapped out by hundreds of practitioners over thousands of years. Modern technology has since confirmed the location of these points through electro-magnetic research. Each channel corresponds with an internal organ system. When this circuit is running smoothly, the body is in balance and there is health. However, if there is a disturbance in the circuit, the resulting imbalance may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, digestive upset, insomnia, or any number of ailments. With the insertion of acupuncture needles, the proper flow along the circuit is reestablished, allowing the channels and their corresponding internal organs to return to a balanced state, and the body to normal physiological functioning.

Acupuncture Needles are very thin and flexible, nothing like the hypodermic needles people are familiar with. There is very little, if any, discomfort during their insertion. Once inserted, people report a variety of sensations including: heaviness at the point of insertion, tingling, warmth, dull aching and/or a drawing sensation. Overall, people feel a deep sense of relaxation, and many even fall asleep during the treatment.

Results will vary depending on the nature of the problem and how long it has been present. Typically, if it is a new problem, improvement and/ or resolution may only take a few treatments. If the problem has been around for months or years, a longer course of treatment may be required. It is rare that resolution would be reached in a single treatment. Your practitioner will be able to discuss reasonable expectations for your particular condition after an evaluation.

Acupuncture is safe when practiced by a Licensed Acupuncturist. The needles used are pre-packaged, sterile and disposable, virtually eliminating any chance of infection. Practitioners undergo 3-4 years of rigorous graduate level training and must pass National and/ or State Board Licensing exams.

Acupuncture treatment will start with a health history and questions about all aspects of the patient’s condition. This is followed by an exam in which the practitioner feels the pulses, examines the tongue and palpates the channels. This gives the practitioner a lot of information about the internal state of the body. The appropriate treatment will then be decided upon for that day. If appropriate, you will receive dietary, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to enhance the effects of your treatments.

 

Conditions Sorrel Sand has successfully treated include

Before your treatment

Before receiving treatment, please be neither hungry nor too full. It is important to have eaten (ideally, something light and warm), so that you have vital energy to work with. The best clothing choice is loose and comfortable.

Treatment Duration and fees

Initial consultation, diagnosis and treatment  takes 1.5- 2 hours, and following treatments take 45 minutes to an hour.

The first treatment is $130.00, and following treatments, $65.00.