Acupuncture Treatment

How effective can an ancient Chinese treatment be for healing the body? Each year, millions of Americans turn to acupuncture to treat various conditions. This technique stimulates specific points on the body by inserting thin needles through your skin at particular points on your body. It is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, mainly used to treat pain and improve overall wellness, including stress management and anxiety.

Benefits of Acupuncture

The latest research has demonstrated acupuncture's effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. Research also suggests the needles may activate natural painkillers in the brain. In the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the process improves functioning by correcting energy blocks or imbalances in the organs. Stimulating the body's various systems with acupuncture can help:

• General: allergies, asthma, insomnia, anxiety and depression, digestive disorders and IBS, sexual dysfunction, post-operative recovery
• Women's Health: menstrual irregularities, PMS, peri-menopausal issues, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum, ovarian and uterine complications
• Pain: back and neck pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, TMJ, headache and migraines, arthritis, fibromyalgia

How Acupuncture Works

Traditional Chinese Medicine was founded on centuries-old philosophy that looks at the universe and body as two opposing forces: yin and yang. When there is balance between forces, your body is well.

Energy referred to as "qi" (pronounced like "chee") flows along specific pathways (or meridians) throughout the body. This steady flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. So, if this flow of energy gets blocked, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture helps summon your body's own incredible ability to heal itself.

Your acupuncturist will first ask about your health history, including an examination of your tongue's shape, color, and coating. You'll also need your pulse checked, as well as any additional exams, depending on your individual health needs. By using these assessment tools, an acupuncturist will be able to give you a recommendation for a proper treatment plan for your needs.

Choosing a competent, certified practitioner is the best way to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. At Stone Bridge Wellness, the acupuncturist will be able to assess the approximate amount of treatments needed after your first visit. To schedule an appointment at one of the offices, call us today at (267) 550-7600 in Elkins Park or (215) 330-2400 in Philadelphia.