What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe, gentle, drug-free therapy for treating many health conditions by focusing on correcting imbalances of energy in the body.

From its inception in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture has been used to prevent, diagnose and treat disease and improve general health. It uses precise stimulation of specific points throughout the body that follow specific channels, known as meridians. Activation of these points with pressure, hair-thin needles and now, e-stim and lasers, can improve blood flow, release tension, and enhance or unblock life-energy, known as “qi” or “chi.”

This release allows energy to flow more freely through the meridians, promoting relaxation, healing and the restoration and maintenance of proper function.

What If I Don’t Like Needles?

I understand that not everyone likes needles! A New Leaf Acupuncture also offers other options. Traditional methods include moxibustion and cupping, and state-of-the-art tools include E-stim, lasers and ear seeds. These have been shown to provide the same level of change in the body and often provide the same benefits as needles. This means the same therapy is available without the needles!

I understand that not everyone likes needles! A New Leaf Acupuncture also offers other options. Traditional methods include moxibustion and cupping, and state-of-the-art tools include E-stim, lasers and ear seeds. These have been shown to provide the same level of change in the body and often provide the same benefits as needles. This means the same therapy is available without the needles!

TRADITIONAL METHODS

CUPPING

You’ve seen athletes and celebrities sporting circular marks in the media in the last few years. These marks are made by using suction, usually fire cupping, an ancient healing technique that is part of the Asian medicine tradition.

Traditionally, cupping is done by using a flaming cotton ball to create a vacuum inside of a cup, then quickly placing the cup on specific areas of the body, as needed. Modern cupping is done with glass cups to create a pulling effect on the underlying tissue.

Cupping is used for muscle pain and stiffness, phlegm in the chest and even in facial rejuvenation therapies.

MOXIBUSTION

Another modality belonging to traditional Chinese medicine is the practice of burning mugwort (artemisia) on or near acupuncture points for the purpose of adding energy to a channel or warming a channel when a person needs warmth to move qi and blood.

There are many ways to apply this treatment but the most common is to burn a moxa stick and hold it close to a point with or without a needle.

Ailments Treated

Here is a partial list of common ailments acupuncture has been shown to help:

EYE, EAR, NOSE AND THROAT DISORDERS

Sinusitis
Sore Throat
Hay Fever
Earache
Nerve Deafness
Ringing in the Ears
Dizziness
Poor Eyesight

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Spastic colon
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food Allergies
Ulcers
Gastritis
Abdominal Bloating
Hemorrhoids

CIRCULATORY DISORDERS

High Blood Pressure
Angina Pectoris
Arteriosclerosis
Anemia

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

Asthma
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Colds and Flus

GYNECOLOGICAL / FENITOURINARY DISORDERS

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
Endometriosis
Menopause
Fibroids
Chronic Bladder Infection
Complications in Pregnancy
Morning Sickness
Kidney Stones
Impotence
Infertility in Men and Women
Sexual Dysfunction

IMMUNE DISORDERS

Candida
Chronic Fatigue
HIV and AIDS
Epstein Barr Virus
Allergies
Lupus
MS
Hepatitis

ADDICTIONS

Smoking Cessation
Drugs
Alcohol

ALSO:

Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
Diabetes
Dermatological Disorders
Weight Control