Acupuncture basics; what you need to know

From an Eastern perspective, acupuncture is meant to encourage the smooth flow of qi (energy) through the 14 channels (meridians) which surge through the body, each relating to a particular organ and/or bodily function. When this flow of energy is blocked somewhere along one or more of the channels, this obstruction is thought to manifest itself as illness or pain within the body.

From a Western perspective, acupuncture works via the nervous system. When a needle is inserted under the skin, there is stimulation of high-threshold, small-diameter nerves in the muscle, which send messages to the spinal cord and then activate three centers- the spinal cord, midbrain and the pituitary, releasing neurochemicals (endorphins and monoamines) and hormones back down through the body. Depending upon which of the roughly 400 or so points were strategically chosen by the acupuncturist, the neural stimulation will create a specified effect. For example, neurochemicals block “pain” messages, while other points can stimulate a targeted hormone.

Although The Garden specializes in Mental Health issues and Reproductive/ Gynecological Health and Fertility, acupuncture is highly effective for a variety of conditions.

Stress (and eventual Burnout) is currently viewed as a global epidemic of our society, creating a host of issues including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances and setting a foundation for disease and disharmony to flourish. Embracing acupuncture, herbs and self-care practices often combined with talk therapy or CBT, offer a personalized plan for healing and restoration.

Endocrinology issues such as slow metabolism, hypo/hyperthyroidism, diabetes prevention/ management, fertility, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), menopause and adrenal fatigue.

Acupuncture is also very effective at treating pain of any kind, whether it be muscular, skeletal, neurological (nerve-related) or arthritic. At The Garden, we also practice a very gentle form of IMS, (intramuscular stimulation) a unique treatment to ease tight, tense muscles, especially those that have been unresponsive to other therapies.