Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of medicine administered to alleviate pain, fatigue, and imbalance. It is centered on the practice of gently inserting needles into very targeted locations on the surface of the body to stimulate the flow of qi, the body’s vital energy. This allows the organs to function more efficiently, and therefore alleviates symptoms. The needles used differ in gauge and length, depending on their location and the patient’s sensitivity.
Acupuncture treatments usually run from 45 to 90 minutes. First the acupuncturist interviews the patient to assess overall health, diagnose the patient’s condition, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, and select appropriate acupuncture points. While the patient is lying down, the acupuncturist inserts the needles and leaves them in place for approximately 15-30 minutes. Few people expect that acupuncture will be painless, but in fact, most people report feeling sensations such as warmth or pressure followed by an overall pleasant and relaxing experience.
Because acupuncture works to harmonize the body, several treatments may be necessary, and improvement should be seen with each treatment. The total number of treatments depends on the extent of a patient’s wellness. Three treatments per week are often recommended, though once per week is adequate for many patients.
Before Treatment You Should…
- Eat. However, abstain from eating a large quantity of food.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing. Some acupuncture points are located above the knee, elbows, around the abdomen or chest.
- Abstain from alcohol. You will not be treated if you are intoxicated.
- Please inform the acupuncturist if you are pregnant, wearing a pacemaker, or suffer from chemical sensitivities.
Medical Conditions Effectively Treated with Acupuncture
Physical Trauma
- Acute Injury
- Post Operative Recovery
- Whiplash
- Chronic Pain
- Post Chemotherapy and Radiation Symptoms
Musculoskeletal
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Chronic Back Pain
- Fibromyalgia
Respiratory
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Emphysema
Cardiovascular
- Hypertension
- Arrythmias
- Varicose Veins
Gastrointestinal
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Crohn’s Disease
- Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Ulcers/Acidity Disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- EENT
- Sinusitis
- Hearing loss/Tinnitus
- Meniere’s
- Incontinence
- Vision problems
Gynecology
- Infertility
- Morning sickness
- Menstrual cycle regulation
- PMS
- Hormonal Disorders
- Menopause
Neurological
- Headache – migraine, sinus, tension
- Shingles
- Post-stroke syndrome
- Chronic Back Pain
- Bell’s Palsy
- Fibromyalgia
- Nerve pain/numbness
- Tourette’s syndrome
Psychological
- Insomnia
- Poor Memory
- Anxiety/Depression
Pediatrics
- ADHD
- Childhood Diseases
Addictions
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Drugs
Urogenital
- Prostate Problems
- Incontinence
- Impotence
Pre & Post-Natal Care
Brannick Clinic of Natural Medicine is now offering midwives and their patients a completely natural alternative for pre- and post-natal care. We perform all necessary labs to determine pregnancy status (HCG levels), and we evaluate and treat any nutritional deficiencies to ensure optimal health for the mother and infant. Our philosophy is that childbirth is a natural process that is best supported through natural means – diet, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, pregnancy massage and exercises. Mothers-to-be experiencing severe morning sickness, migraines, back pain, constipation, etc., do not have to resort to taking pharmaceuticals or “just living with it.” They can gain relief through more holistic and nurturing methods here at our clinic.
Acupuncture has been clinically proven to lower the rate of medical intervention during delivery. Studies in Germany and New Zealand have demonstrated that four acupuncture treatments (once weekly in the month leading up to delivery) shortened average time in labor by 17.8% for first time moms. Perhaps more importantly, there was an overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for primigravida women, this was a 43% reduction); 31% reduction in the epidural rate; 32% reduction in emergency cesarean delivery; and a 9% increase in normal vaginal birth. Brannick Clinic is now providing this acupuncture protocol.
Post-pregnancy we provide a full range of natural well-baby and well-child care. We support the parents’ choice regarding vaccination, and have the experience to provide appropriate health care either way.
Brannick Clinic also gives educational workshops to groups of professionals and/or their patients.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs promote proper functioning of the body. Due to improper lifestyle choices, most people are unable to maintain a state of health. Chinese herbs can help to rectify the balance of the organs.
Moxibustion
Also known as moxa, moxibustion is derived from an herb called mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris) and is used to help warm a small area on the skin and to channel and penetrate deeply to affect the organs. There are two ways moxa is administered, either in pole form or loose grain. Pole form moxa is burned at one end and held a few inches away from the skin. Loose moxa is directly placed on the skin or at the end of the needle. Due to the strong smell of moxa, a patient with chemical sensitivities should alert the acupuncturist before treatment.
Cupping
Another traditional form of medicine, cupping is used to increase blood circulation and decrease pain, typically shoulder, neck and back pain. A vacuum is created within a glass cup by either the use of an air pump or a match, then placed on the location of pain. Discoloration of the skin may result, and can last from a few days to weeks.
Dietary Recommendations
Food is an important medicine in Chinese philosophy. Proper dietary habits allow better functioning of organs in the body, and therefore allow healing of the body’s systems.
