acupuncture/herbal medicine/shiatsu

ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

                       ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a procedure involving the use of very fine single-use, sterile needles at precise points in the body to promote natural healing and improve physiological functioning. Scientific and clinical evidence supports the use of acupuncture for releasing endogenous opioids, increasing serotonin production, reducing inflammation, managing pain, substance use recovery, improving mental-emotional health and well-being for depression, anxiety, insomnia, and PTSD), boosting immunity, increasing blood flow to tissues, and engaging the parasympathetic “rest and digest” nervous system (reducing stress), resulting in lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels. The needles are inserted into the skin, muscles, and surrounding connective tissue. They can sometimes feel mildly pokey, dull, heavy, or achy. There may be some risk of minor bleeding or bruising, pain or discomfort at the needle sites, and people often feel relaxed or slightly sleepy afterwards. 

Auricular acupuncture is commonly used in a protocol called 5NP for the treatment of substance use and trauma. It can be used in group or individual settings, such as schools, outpatient settings, detox treatment centers, or emergency rescue relief. The whole body is represented in the ear, and was first mapped by French neurologist Paul Nogier. Chinese acupuncture later adopted the technique. The ear is a direct route to the vagus nerve in charge of "rest, restore, renew, and digest" parasympathetic nervous system response. As a result, auricular acupuncture can be extremely relaxing and refocusing. 

Electro-stimulation (e-stim) involves the use of a mild electrical current that runs from the e-stim machine through clips attached to two or more acupuncture needles. This connection increases the treatment effect by stimulating the needles at a faster rate and longer period of time than is possible with manual manipulation. It is particularly effective for pain management. For example, e-stim increases output of endogenous opioids for greater analgesic and calming effects. E-stim is also commonly used for rehabilitation of neurological conditions such as early post-stroke impairment and late post-stroke motor function.