Acupuncture

At Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC (IAC) we practice a gentle Japanese style of acupuncture based on the teachings of Kiiko Matsumoto, along with Japanese pulse assessment. Acupuncture and moxibustion are often used in combination during an acupuncture session.

Acupuncture uses carefully placed extremely fine disposable needles to trigger a healing response. Needle placement and clinical observations have been made for thousands of years. Acupuncture utilizes the nervous system to regulate all aspects of the body and encourage the body to heal itself.

Moxibustion, in combination with acupuncture, is used by applying an indirect heat source to stimulate acupuncture points. The heat source can be a warming herb called “moxa” or a special heat lamp. The heat source does not make direct contact with the body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?

There may be no feeling to a slight piercing sensation when the needle is inserted. A dull ache or distended feeling along the acupuncture channel is a positive sign the treatment is working well. Any discomfort is usually mild and disappears quickly.

Are there side effects to acupuncture?

Some people will experience mild discomfort during the initial stages of healing. Since the goal is to have the body heal itself and not mask the symptoms, mild aches and changes in digestive habits may occur. Detoxification due to diet changes and nutritional supplements may occur. Signs the body is detoxifying include mild nausea, acne, headaches, body aches, and fatigue. These symptoms should recede after a couple of days to a week. As a person heals, treatments are adjusted to address only the remaining symptoms. The effects of acupuncture have been researched for thousands of years to ensure safety.

What can I expect from an acupuncture session?

During the initial session, an interview and medical history are taken followed by a TCM diagnosis and treatment plan. Dietary habits and nutritional needs are reviewed and individual nutritional recommendations based on TCM Theory are suggested. Exercise and stress reduction routines are evaluated and recommendations based on TCM Theories are made.

Then, several fine needles are placed in acupuncture points to promote healing. Depending on the condition, a second set of needles may need to be inserted. Needles are usually left in for twenty minutes per set. Clients may experience a feeling of floating, centering, or a meditative state while the needles are in place. Some clients fall asleep. Most clients feel invigorated and refreshed after the treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of acupuncture treatments required depends on duration, severity, and nature of the health problem. A single acupuncture treatment can produce remarkable results for some individuals, and is usually followed with additional treatments and herbal formulas.

Is acupuncture safe for children and pregnant mothers?

Yes, under the care of a trained TCM practitioner, treatments are safe for everyone. In fact, TCM is the primary form of treatment in Asian countries for infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care. Acupuncture treatments for children under the age of twelve do not use needles. Instead, magnets, acupressure, and herbs are used to produce strong results.

Common Treatments

What are some of the benefits of having acupuncture?

Benefits include:

Increased circulation of Qi & blood that become impaired in chronic illness

Reduced stress

Sense of well-being

Release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killer

Emotional stability and balanced moods

Mental focus and clarity

Pain reduction or elimination

Weight management

Less illness and quicker recovery from illness

Balance of the mind, body and spirit

More youthful appearance

Increased vitality and stamina

Stronger immune system

Reductions in long term healthcare costs

Acupuncture harmonizes the body without chemical or secondary effects

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

The World Health Organization has approved acupuncture for treatment of over 40 common disorders including:

Musculo-skeletal
Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
Gynecological
Menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
Emotional & Neurological
Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus, intercostals neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia
Gastrointestinal
Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis
Respiratory
Colds and flus, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
Ear, Nose & Throat
Toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis
Circulatory
Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
Urogenital
Cystitis, stress incontinence, prostatitis, neurogenic bladder, prostatic hypertrophy

In addition, we have seen success in our clinic with:

Neurological Disorders
Chronic headaches, facial palsy (early stage, within three to six months), Meniere’s Disease, migraines, presis (following stroke), peripheral neuropathies, trigeminal neuralgia
Musculo-Skeletal Disorders

Arthritis, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, “frozen shoulder,” knee pain, localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, contractures, low back pain, muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness, neck pain, osteoarthritis, sciatica, spasms, shoulder pain, sports-related injuries, tendonitis, “tennis elbow,” work-related injuries

Respiratory Disorders

Acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, acute bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, allergies, asthma, common cold and flu, cough, laryngitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders
Acute and chronic colitis, bloating, constipation, Crohn’s Disease, diarrhea, digestive improvement, gastric hyper/hypoacidity, heartburn, hiccough, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, vomiting

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