Read the latest articles by Eugene Spence in the Acupuncture Blog

What is Acupuncture?

Classical Acupuncture is a health care tradition developed in Ancient China and refined through thousands of years of accumulated clinical wisdom.  It is based on the Ancient Chinese understanding that a series of meridians run through the body, connecting the internal organs and functions with the body surface.  Something the Chinese call Qi (‘Chee’) and the Japanese call Ki (‘Kee’) circulates through the meridian pathways.  Qi can be manipulated at certain points along the meridians. This is commonly done with acupuncture needles.

Health and harmony exist when Qi circulation is plentiful, free and unimpaired.  Classical Acupuncture views illness as deriving from imbalances in Qi circulation. You may not have enough, it may be flowing in the wrong direction or it may be stuck somewhere.  Your practitioner will determine the nature of your problem using traditional methods of diagnosis. Acupuncture can and is often used in conjunction with Western Medicine.

Japanese Acupuncture is a form developed in recent times, but based on classic Chinese Medical theory.  It is generally a very subtle, softer approach that brings about profound healing transformation.  The needles are much thinner and are inserted a a very shallow depth. Diagnosis relies less on the intake information but uses palpatory (feeling) techniques and pulse interpretation as its main source of pertinent information.  This method is utilized when we want to call upon the more subtle forces of the body to bring about the healing process.

Can I get it WITHOUT needles?

Yes! Acupuncture is more than just needles. The practice of moxibustion is of equal therapeutic value to needling. Moxibustion is the buring of the herb mugwort over acupunture points. Its therapeutic effect is powerful and highly valued by patients. Several other traditional and modern techniques are used to support needle and moxa therapy. These include Cupping, Intradermal (‘take-home needles’), Capillary Release, Magnets, other Polarity agents, Massage, Structural Exercise, Prepared Herbal Remedies, Dietary and Lifestyle advice.

What does acupuncture treat?

First and foremost, Classical Acupuncture treats the person, not the illness.  That is to say, each treatment is specifically designed for you as an individual.  Five patients with the same illness may all be treated differently.

Many people believe acupuncture is only for pain relief.  This is not true.  it is used for many conditions other than pain.  In some cases it offers a complete cure.  In others, it provides highly effective maintenance. In yet others, it is part of a multi-therapeutic approach.

Acupuncture has been effective in treating…

Allergies ✴︎ Asthma ✴︎ Sinusitis ✴︎ Headaches ✴︎ TMJ ✴︎ Back Pain ✴︎ Sciatica ✴︎ Musculoskeletal Problems ✴︎ Insomnia ✴︎ Anxiety ✴︎ Dizziness ✴︎ Depression

High Blood Pressure ✴︎ Chronic Fatigue ✴︎ Fibromyalgia ✴︎ Addictions ✴︎ Indigestion ✴︎ Constipation ✴︎ Sexual Dysfunction ✴︎ Post-op Recovery ✴︎ Palliative Care

Women’s Health: Menstrual Irregularities, Menopause, Infertility, Pregnancy, Childbirth, Lactation, Postpartum, Ovarian and Uterine Problems

Men’s Health: Prostate, Infertility, and Impotence.

Pediatrics: Asthma, ADHD, Diarrhea, Constipation, Bed-wetting, and Ear Infections.

Preventive Health: Stress Management and Prevention, Seasonal Allergies

What to expect…

When you visit your Medical Doctor, you receive a diagnosis and a treatment.  A visit with a classical acupuncturist is no different in that regard. After considering your complete health history, discussing your signs and symptoms, performing Classical pulse and tongue diagnosis and palpating your abdomen (the ‘hara’) and meridian pathways, the practitioner makes a diagnosis.  A treatment plan is then tailored to fit your individual needs. The first session (the intake) takes longer as much information needs to be gathered.  Treatments after that usually last one hour.

Will it hurt?

Generally there is no discomfort during an acupuncture treatment.  Acupunctures needles are extremely thin.  The first treatment is a new experience which, for some people, comes with some apprehension.  After one or two treatments, most people come to appreciate the profound sense of calm, balance and relaxation they feel.

How many treatments are required?

Each patient responds differently.  Generally, four to eight treatments will indicate whether your condition will respond to acupuncture.  Some conditions fully resolve in this many treatments, while others require more.  Most often, treatments start out weekly and at some point switch to biweekly or monthly.  It is important to understand that treatments are cumulative; each one builds upon the last.

It’s not just for Olympic athletes!

Cupping therapy has been an effective treatment for pain and illness for thousands of years. It traditionally has been used in both the east and west for a variety of conditions such as  lung ailments,  muscle pain and tightness, emotional stress, headaches and fever just to name a few.

Cupping is painless, pleasant and relaxing. It has no side affects aside from a possible temporary darkening of the skin where the cup was placed. Cupping uses a pump to create a vacuum pull on the tissue thereby facilitating better healing blood flow and a release of muscle tension and pain. It has been shown to be more effective than massage in reducing acute and chronic pain.

Office

Warrenton

32 Waterloo Street, Ste 109

Warrenton, VA

Contact Eugene

Use this form to ask a question…