- Acupuncture and cupping at NPWC.
About Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest medical practices, and some evidence suggests that it dates as far back as 5,000 years. The ancient Chinese developed this unique medical system through careful and diligent study of the body, mind, emotions, spirit, and the natural world around them. This system is based on the idea that pathways of energy, or “qi”, run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels are called meridians and they flow like rivers through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance and pain. Energy can also become depleted as a result of stress, overwork, chronic illness, etc., and this may cause the water in the stream to dry up and eventually stop flowing.
Acupuncture needles are used as conductors, and when placed in specific areas that have increased conductivity, they can tap into the various energy pathways to correct imbalances and clear blockages. Acupuncture works with the body’s innate ability to heal itself; once pathways have been unblocked, the body’s natural healing response can take place. Every individual is made up of a unique combination of constitution, health history, family, environment, diet, emotions, beliefs, thought patterns and so on, therefore every treatment is specifically tailored to you as a whole being.
Aside from acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine may also include massage, cupping, moxibustion (heat therapy with the herb Artemesia), Chinese herbal formulas, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
At the NPWC, all of our licensed acupuncturists are well-versed in the treatment of many conditions, including the following:
Pain
Acute and Chronic pain, auto accident recovery, work injuries, back pain, headaches, neck pain, toothaches, earaches, bursitis, tennis elbow, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle sprains, spasms, osteoarthritis, sciatica, or sports injuries.
Stress
Emotional or stress-related problems, anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, poor concentration, insomnia, physical and emotional exhaustion, chronic infections, lowered immune system.
Digestive
Stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, inflammation of the colon/colitis, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, vomiting, acid reflux (GERD).
Neurological
Bell’s Palsy, Migraine and other headaches, Trigeminal neuralgia and other face pains, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Phantom limb pain, Post-stroke paralysis and weakness.
Gynecological
PMS, painful or irregular menses, fertility enhancement & infertility, menopausal syndrome, fibrocystic breast disease, induction of labor, morning sickness.
Respiratory
Allergies, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, common colds, shortness of breath.
Cardiovascular
Heart palpitations, hypertension (high blood pressure).
