About Acupuncture.

No matter where the pain or conditions occur, acupuncture connects with all levels of your health. It is a safe and effective treatment option that can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies for a wide range of conditions. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) sites numerous conditions that have been shown to respond to acupuncture. I believe many more can be added to this list, so please ask me about your concerns.

How does acupuncture move energy? Acupuncture promotes one's health by stimulating the flow of energy in the body and removing blockages that impede function and healing. Fine needles are inserted at energetically active points on the body. These points are connected to meridians which are connected to specific organs. By adjusting and encouraging flow of energy in the body, each acupuncture treatment addresses your individual patterns which are the cause of the current symptoms.

Many treatment modalities fall under the scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In my practice, I use a combination of acupuncture and acupressure (using the same acupuncture points but without needles), Gua Sha (to help open up the fascia), cupping, heat therapy, mild forms of electrical stimulation, moxibustion and when appropriate may offer nutritional advice.

Acupuncture Theory

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, a vital energy called Qi (pronounced "Chee") circulates through the body in specific pathways called channels or meridians. These meridians flow through the internal organs, muscles and superficial tissues of the body. Qi can be accessed and manipulated by needling specific points on the meridians. These acupuncture points can be used to treat conditions within the tissues and organ systems of the corresponding meridians. For example, a point on the Stomach channel can treat pain along the Stomach meridian, as well as digestive disorders related to the stomach organ.

I will assess how various symptoms and findings relate to one another. This allows the me to make a diagnosis and choose an appropriate combination of points for treatment. Because all of the organs and meridians connect and relate to one another, acupuncture diagnoses and treatments can be quite complex. I share all of my observations with my patients and they are often surprised at how their diverse symptoms actually arise from very specific patterns of disharmony in their bodies. I think at some level of consciousness we all know that our symptoms are interrelated, and it can be a validating experience to hear that confirmed.

An Acupuncture Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic practice. After taking a medical history, Diana Alvarez, R.Ac., begins with a series of in-depth questions, an inspection of the tongue and taking of the pulse in order to piece together the most beneficial treatment for you.

During an acupuncture treatment you will lie on a table and 4-12 acupuncture points are selected. The most common points are on your arms below your elbows, on your legs below your knees and along the back. Each point is swabbed with alcohol before the needle is inserted.

Don't be nervous about acupuncture. It is nothing like getting an injection! Acupuncture needles rarely cause discomfort. Once the needles are inserted, you will not be aware of them for the remainder of your treatment. Acupuncture is very relaxing. Most patients fall asleep!