Acupuncture & Its Benefits
Acupuncture is a system of healing which began when the ancient Chinese found that stimulating certain areas of the skin affected the functioning of specific organs of the body. The system evolved over the centuries as practitioners gained a better understanding of the connection between the skin and the organs and they refined their methods of stimulation. In the West, acupuncture has been publicized as being helpful only for specific conditions; for example, pain or weight loss. In reality, acupuncture is based on stimulating the body's own healing response and, therefore, it may be effective for a broad spectrum of conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Acupuncture begins with a diagnosis of the individual's energy imbalance. The vital Chi energy of the body, mind and spirit is distributed through 12 pathways called Meridians. Each meridian is associated with an organ or function. Pulses located on the wrists relate to each of the 12 functions and reveal the state of energy in each meridian or organ. Chronic over- or under-activity of any of these pathways will cause the organ to work less efficiently, resulting in disease.
The acupuncturist re-establishes the balance of energy within the individual by inserting very fine stainless steel needles into acupuncture points along the meridians. The acupuncturist may also use Moxibustion, the burning of an herb, or the application of warmth through infra-red therapy.
Who Comes for an Acpuncture Treatment?
Many people come to acupuncture to alleviate a specific symptom or condition, for example:
|
Anxiety
Asthma
Circulatory problems
Menstrual problems
High blood pressure
Skin Conditions
|
Arthritis
Back pain
Depression
Migraine
Rheumatism
Sciatica
|
The effect of good acupuncture, however, is more than simply curing the symptom. Acupuncture directed at restoring the overall energy balance not only deals with the condition, but helps the patient feel better by promoting increased vitality, greater enjoyment of life, greater confidence, better sleep and normalized appetite. By preventing deterioration in the balance of energy, which usually precedes the appearance of symptoms, acupuncture is also a preventative treatment, which is aimed at maintaining health on all levels.
What Happens During Treatment?
For your initial examination, allow of least 1 1/2 hours for the visit. It is important to gather information: on your symptoms, the history and treatment to date; your medical and family history; the behavior of your various systems, for example, how you sleep, whether or not your digestion is good; and your emotional and physical condition.
You may come weekly to begin with and then, less often as you improve, Your rate of improvement relates more to individual differences than to the label of the complaint.
Responses to Treatment
Each individual is unique, so the response to treatment varies from person to person. Often people initially improve in overall health followed by improvement in the main complaint. Others notice immediate improvement in their main complaint. Some feel re-vitalized mentally or physically, while for others, the changes are subtle and are noticed in retrospect. How long a condition has been present is also important in determining how quickly thepatient is likely to improve.
Acupuncture for Smoking and Weight Loss
Acupuncture treats the person as a whole. Treatment merely to stop smoking or to lose weight quickly is a temporary measure. These conditions are indications of overall problems and are treated accordingly. The goal is to determine the cause of the symptom, and to treat it at its source.
Needles...Does it Hurt?
Only the finest quality stainless steel pre-sterilized, individually packaged needles are use. All needles are promptly discarded in proper biohazard containers.
Acupuncture needles are solid and much finer than those used for injections or drawing blood. Typically only a slight prick is felt at first, then there is another sensation often described as dull ache when the needle reaches the acupuncture point. The sensation is generally acceptable and lasts only 1 or 2 seconds.
Facial Acupuncture
Facial Acupuncture, as a specialty of Acupuncture is a safe, effective treatment for rejuvenating the face as well as the whole body. Facial Acupuncture has been known for centuries in China as facial rejuvenation. Fine lines may be entirely erased, deeper lines reduced and bags around neck and eyes firmed. Fine needles are placed at a variety of acupuncture /pressure points on the face, neck and eyes to stimulate blood and circulation, which improves facialcolor.
A facial acupuncture treatment with Licensed Acupuncturist Barbara Chivvis includes:
-
a 5 Element face and hand diagnosis
-
a 5 Element wrinkle analysis
-
a nourishing herbal poultice
-
full body needling for grounding and balancing
-
special facial needling techniques
-
a rejuvenating stimulating & lifting facial mask
-
a revitalizing moisturizing facial massage.
Facial Acupuncture can be very relaxing and stimulates increased production of endorphins in the body, promoting a deep sense of well-being. A non-needle treatment with micro-current, neuromuscular stimulation or with tuning forks, acupressure massage and chakra balancing may also be utilized. Sessions are 1.5 to 2 hours long. Please call for appointment 1-2 weeks ahead. Fee is $200.
Chinese Medicine
Chinese philosophy, art, science and culture are based upon the principles of Yin and Yang. Yin represents earth, dark, nurturing, female; Yang represents sky, light, male. Within each of us lies the balance between those two forces. The energy within us, around us, and encompassing all things, is called Chi (chee). When we are in balance, the chi can flow smoothly, maintaining our health, our sense of joy, and our spirit.
Yin and Yang contain "5 elements" of Nature which are also reflected in our bodies:
WATER – blue - fluid metabolism- Kidney and Bladder and neurological body systems.
WOOD – green - structural growth – Liver and Gallbladder and repair systems.
FIRE - red - energy of consciousness and circulation- Heart – Small Intestine - relationships.
EARTH - yellow- digestive – Stomach and Spleen and blood building systems.
METAL- (white), air, inspiration, Lung and Large Intestine and minerals.
External events and environment create stresses within each of us from an early age; this weakens, blocks, and alters the flow of Chi. The physical symptoms that we experience manifest themselves long after the energy of the body has become out-of-balance.
Acupuncture restores the balance and strength of each of the elements, thereby cultivating wellness at the deepest level.
Call (516) 676-0200 or email us today to schedule an appointment or learn more.
Barbara Chivvis, RN, Licensed Acupuncturist, will accept new clients for Facial Acupuncture or Five Element Acupuncture.
|