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Functional Acupuncture vs. Community Acupuncture

What is functional-style acupuncture? Functional style acupuncture is a form of acupuncture that was created to treat the source of the problem, not just the symptom. It was designed to improve function of the organs, nerves,  glands, and circulation. Increasing function can reduce, or even eliminate, symptoms. This type of treatment style requires a full, exhaustive intake and accurate diagnosis before any treatment is performed. Fundamentally, it causes a change in the body and encourages Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Caffeine

What is Caffeine? Caffeine is an alkaloid chemical that occurs naturally in many foods and beverages, and in modern day is often added to others. It stimulates the nervous system, slightly increases metabolism, is diuretic (causes water loss), decreases sleep time, raises fatty acids in the blood, increases the output of digestive acids, and may increase blood glucose levels. While some of these things don’t sound too bad to many of us, it is also Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago
low back pain

Acupuncture and Back Pain

One of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture is for some sort of back or back related pain. Over 80% of adults in the US will experience back pain at some point during their lives*. Back pain can occur along any part of the spine and often shoots (or radiates) to other parts of the body. Acupuncture and Sciatica Sciatica happens when an injury or weakness in the lumbar (lower back) region causes pressure Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

How do I get started with acupuncture?

A common and very good question that we hear. There are some exact steps taken to discover if a person is a candidate for acupuncture…and then sorting out what to do once we find out the person is a candidate. First, we normally will take a few minutes on the phone with you to ask some basic questions, this discovering if an initial intake is something that should be performed. If it makes sense to Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Acupuncture and Alleriges

Another winter has passed and everyone seems so ready for spring to arrive. What’s not to love? Warmer weather, longer daylight hours, songbirds return, and the whole world of plant life springs into action with bright green buds and colorful blossoms. For some of us, however, this time of year also brings an unwelcome tradition – seasonal allergies. Just when you think you’re over the worry of a scratchy throat, sinus congestion and pressure and Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Beginning on February 16th, we officially move into the year of the Dog.

The exact origin of Chinese New Year is too old to be traced, but many explanations still exist. One idea is that the holiday originated when a beast named Nian (which means year in Chinese) came out the night before the new year and started to prey on the people in the villages. Of course, the people were very frightened by this monster and so a brave old man went up to the beast and Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Autumn Cleansing

What systems aid in internal cleansing? The body has at least five channels of detoxification– the bowel, liver, kidney, lung and skin. Each of these systems works synergistically to remove chemicals and toxins from the body. Certain herbs and fibers stimulate and support the body’s natural detoxification process. How do I know I need to internally cleanse? Episodes of bloating, brain fog, sluggishness or low vitality are all signs that you may benefit from a Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Oriental Medicine and Summer Heat

The concept of Summer Heat is well known here in the Midwest, especially when it includes humidity. Those long, hot, humid summer days- often after a few days of rain and slightly cooler temps- leave one feeling sweaty, tired, thirsty and out of sorts. In Chinese Medicine, “Summer Heat” is actually a defined condition including the above symptoms, but also includes feelings of a fever, very profuse sweating, possible wheezing or shortness of breath.  It Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

Recently, we’ve had more questions around the difference between Acupuncture and Dry Needling, a procedure performed by Physical Therapists.  Let’s address a few basics about the two modalities. Definitions: Acupuncture the insertion of fine needles into sites on the body known as Acupuncture Points. Each of these sites have known effects on the function of various body systems. A number points are combined to increase circulation to an area of the body to stimulate healing. The area Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago

Maretes’s Acupuncture Experience

This guest post comes from one of our patients, Maretes. She wanted us to share her experience with acupuncture. “I have known about acupuncture for many years, but never believed it can truly work…until now. I started see AHHA in February of this year to see if acupuncture could help alleviate some health issues. After my 2nd treatment, I stopped snoring, which I thought was always going to be a part of my life. And Read more…

By The Acupuncturists, ago