Traditional Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting hair-thin, metallic, disposable needles into the specific points (meridians) on the body in order to improve health and well-being.

According to Chinese Medicine, the body has an energy force running throughout it. This energy force is known as Qi, (pronounced Chee). The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of life. A person's health is thus influenced by the flow of Qi in the body; the pathways that the Qi moves through are called meridians.  Energy constantly flows up and down these pathways. When meridians become obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, then illness or dis-ease ensues.  Acupuncture is said to restore the balance.
Acupuncture points, located along the meridians open the closed or blocked channels, allowing energy to flow easily, while stimulating nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to boost the activity of your body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.

Most commonly treated conditions treated by acupuncture:

• Abdominal Pain                                                         
• Allergies/Asthma                                                       
• Anxiety/Depression                                                    
• Arthritis                                                                     
• Back/Knee/Shoulder/Hip Pain                                     
• Kidney/Bladder Problems                                           
• Cancer                                                                     
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome                                            
• Chemotherapy Side Effects                                        
• Childhood Illness                                                       
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome                                         
• Conjunctivitis                                                                                                 
• Colds/Flu                                                                 
• Constipation/Diarrhea                                                                                      
• Cough/Bronchitis                                                      
• Digestive Disorders                                                   
• Disturbed Sleep                                                        
• Dizziness                                                                
• Drug Addiction/Smoking
• Fibromyalgia
• Gynecological Issues
• Headache/Migraine
• Heart Disorders
• High Blood Pressure
• Immune System Problems
• Infertility
• Menopausal Issues
• Pain
• PMS
• Paralysis/Numbness
• Post-Surgery Pain
• Sciatica
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Sinusitis/Rhinitis
• Skin Problems
• Stress/Tension
• Tendonitis
• Vision Problems

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Fertility Acupuncture

We offer a holistic and nurturing approach to aid in your conception.  We look at all aspects of you and your partner’s health, combining treatments in Chinese herbs, acupuncture, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendation.

On its own, acupuncture can be seen as an alternative way of treating fertility problems. It is also often seen as a complementary therapy to modern fertility treatments. When used alone, acupuncture is probably most effective for those couples who are experiencing a functional problem, like irregular ovulation, rather than a structural problem, like a blockage in the sperm ducts.

For couples who are trying naturally, acupuncture can help:

•     Regulate the menses - this enables a couple to better predict ovulation, and it ensures that the woman ovulates at the optimal time.
•     Increase the blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the endometrial lining – this allows for a more hospitable environment for implantation.
•     Improve the sperm count, sperm motility, and the percentage of sperm that are normal within a given ejaculate.
•     Help relieve stress – A study done at the University of California in San Diego showed that high levels of stress can impair a woman’s fertility by as much as 93%

If you are going through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology such as IUI, IVF, donor egg, etc.), acupuncture can also help:

•     Regulate the hormones (elevated FSH level, etc.).
•     Increase the ovarian response and ovarian function to increase the number of follicles and quality of eggs produced.
•     Reduce the side effects of hormone treatments.
•     Increase and strengthen the immune system.
•     Improve the success rate of IVF – a study done in Germany showed that the addition of two acupuncture treatments increased the success rate of IVF from 26% to 43%. (This was done with two, standardized treatments; done on the day of transfer. Some experts assert that a more thorough course of customized treatments could increase the chances of success by up to 60%).
•     Decrease the chances of miscarriage and increase the rate of live birth.

Once a woman is pregnant, acupuncture can help:

•     Relieve morning sickness.
•     Alleviate back pain.
•     Prevent miscarriage.
•     Provide anesthesia during delivery.
•     Help with post-partum pain and depression.
•     Regulate lactation.
•     Decrease the chances of miscarriage and increase the rate of live birth.

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Prenatal Acupuncture

Regular acupuncture treatments throughout pregnancy enhance the health of the mother, improving and enhancing the environment in which the baby develops.

Each woman can experience pregnancy in its own unique way.  There are some discomforts that may arise for women during this time. Many conditions associated with pregnancy receive little help from Western Medicine due to its reliance on pharmaceuticals to alleviate the symptoms, making them unsafe to use during pregnancy.  However, acupuncture, along with Chinese Herbs can help to eradicate most conditions that arise due to pregnancy in a safe and effective manner.  The World Health Organization (WHO) deems “prenatal acupuncture is considered safe during pregnancy, if performed by a licensed, experienced practitioner.”   In addition to providing treatment for specific conditions, Prenatal Acupuncture treatment is a great way to prepare for labor and birth.

Benefits include:

• A timely due date (i.e. there is less of a chance to go over your due date)
• Easier labor, smother delivery
• Increase in uterine tone
• Promotion of relaxation

Common First Trimester conditions:
        Morning sickness, nausea, vomiting
        Fatigue/Low energy
        Threatened miscarriage

Common Second and Third Trimester conditions:
        Heartburn
        Constipation
        Varicose veins, hemorrhoids, vulval varicosities
        Urinary Tract Infections
        Musculo-skeletal conditions: rib pain, pain of symphysis pubis, neck and back pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, leg cramps
        Fatigue and exhaustion
        Anemia
        Insomnia
        Vaginal discharge
        Itching
        Sinusitis
        Pregnancy-induced hypertension
        Edema
        Breech positioning
        Labor Induction
        Pain control during labor
        Stalled labor

Common Fourth Trimester or Postpartum conditions:
        Persistent uterine bleeding
        Depression
        Afterpains
        Perineal discomfort, hemorrhoids
        Insufficient lactation
        Fatigue and exhaustion

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Community Acupuncture

Wednesday's 4-7pm, Friday's 3-6pm, Saturday's 9-12pm

Community Acupuncture is an affordable way to receive acupuncture at a fraction of the cost of a typical session.  Due to the higher cost of private treatments, people normally receive acupuncture once a week, if that. When treated with greater frequency, one can see and feel faster results in his/her condition. It is done in a community setting, meaning, there is more than one person in a room at a time. Patients remain fully clothed and are treated accordingly. We have created a calm and relaxing space where patients receive acupuncture while seated in comfortable recliners. Needles are placed primarily along arms, legs, face and head.  Appointment times are staggered throughout the hour allowing the acupuncturist to give personalized care to multiple patients. We take walk-ins, as well as book appointments in advance. To do so, please click here or give us a call to schedule - 610-933-5459.

Many common but difficult to treat conditions and complaints respond to the holistic approach of acupuncture, especially with those whom have found difficulty in easing symptoms with prescription drugs and/or western medicine.

The World Health Organization recognizes (WHO) the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions, such as: Infections, cold, flu, bronchitis, diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, IBS, heartburn, tinnitus, vertigo, sinusitis/infection, hay fever, eczema, acne, psoriasis, herpes, arthritis, sprains, strains, trigger points, neuralgia, headaches, migraines, sciatica, back pain, chronic and acute pain, stroke, tendonitis, infertility, PMS, endometriosis, obstetrics, anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, hyperactivity, ADD, ADHD. Other conditions that are commonly treated with Chinese medicine are: Allergies, addictions (including smoking), cardiovascular problems, weight loss, pediatric diseases, postpartum care, geriatric diseases, sexual dysfunction, low energy, migraines, fibroids, and urinary problems. Patients benefit in many ways from the community setting. The group experience creates a collective healing energy that enhances the power of each individual's treatment and allows families and friends to experience treatment together.

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Cupping

Cupping is an ancient practice of releasing adhesions and restrictions within the muscular and fascial component of the body. The sensation of cupping is often characterized as deep warmth and tingling, long after the treatment has ended. Cupping is not an irritant to the skin or body. It draws the inflammation out yet does not add to it, and is excellent when used as a contrast therapy with cold compresses or liniments. Massage cupping is often used on the broad areas of the back, which is a wonderful addition to any massage. The treatment is sedating, and people will often descend into a profound state of relaxation. (A deep snore is common!)

A massage cup is applied to a patient’s bare back. Massage cupping can be stationary or performed using circular or gliding movements. The skin will redden with strong massage cupping, indicating that circulation has been brought to the surface. A red circle will appear after stationary cupping, basically a "hickie" that will disappear after a few days. The increased local blood supply will nourish the muscles and skin and allow toxins to be carried away.

Massage cupping is also effective in treating cellulite. It is proven to break free the dimpling and improve cellulite deposits. Application can be used to stimulate circulation and loosen adhesions or "dimpling."
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this technique is the subtle nuance of the movements. Creativity provides a variety of methods, and alteration of pressure and speed produces different sensations. For example, the edge of the cup can be used to "scoop" in a cross-fiber movement, while vigorous circles feel marvelous on the hips, thighs and shoulders. Long strokes down the sides of the spine and along the ribs provide ease to rib cage expansion and breathing.

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Herbal Medicine

The theory behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is that the body is a dynamic energy system. The aim of Chinese traditional medicine is to maintain and/or restore harmony in the body and the balance of the two types of energy (Yin and Yang).

Chinese herbal medicine is part of this larger healing system and is particularly beneficial when used in conjunction with acupuncture. Herbs are prescribed to restore balance to the opposing forces of the energies, Yin and Yang. Disorders that may be treated include digestive problems, eczema and psoriasis, fatigue, gynecological disorders and stress; as well as fatigue, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular disorders, allergies and autoimmune disorders, hot flashes, morning sickness, mental clarity, concentration, fertility, prostate, cholesterol, migraines, headaches, acid reflux, back pain, hip pain, sciatica, blood pressure, detox, cold, flu, menopause, weight loss, vertigo, insomnia, sexual potency in women, and infertility.

Every herb has its own properties which include its energy, its flavor, its movement and its related meridians to which it connects too. The types of energies within yin and yang are cold, cool, warm and hot. Usually cold or cool herbs will treat fever, thirst, sore throat and general heat diseases. Hot or warm herbs will treat cold sensation in the limbs, cold pain and general cold diseases. The five flavors of herbs are pungent, sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Pungent herbs are generally used to induce perspiration and promote circulation of both blood and Qi. These herbs are usually used for superficial disorders. Sweet Herbs function to nourish deficiency, harmonize other herbs or reduce toxicity, relieve pain and slow the progression of acute disorders. Sour Herbs function to constrict, obstruct and solidify.

These herbs are good to stop perspiration, stop diarrhea, stop seminal emission and stop leucorrhea. Salty herbs soften hardness, lubricate intestines, and drain downward. These herbs are used to treat hard stool with constipation or hard swellings as in diseases like goiter. Bitter herbs induce bowel movements; reduce fevers and hot sensations, re direct rebellious Qi, dry dampness and clear heat. They can also nourish the kidneys and are used to treat damp diseases. Each herb will have a corresponding meridian or meridians. For more information on herbal medicine, please consult one of our Acupuncturists, who are more than happy and qualified to lead you toward the correct herbal prescription for your particular needs.

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Prices

Acupuncture: $75
Fertility Acupuncture: $75
Prenatal Acupuncture $75
Community Acupuncture: $25
Cupping: $40
Acupuncture with Cupping: $100
Ear Candling: $35
Herbal Consultation: $45

Special:
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