Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years—it is safe, drug free, & gentle
There are many theories surfacing in the Western world on how acupuncture actually works. Simply put, acupuncture causes a physiological response within the brain and organ systems to release the body’s own natural chemicals such as serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine that can help restore homeostasis within the body.
From a Chinese perspective, acupuncture points run along a meridian system that lies beneath the skin surface. Meridians are energy pathways carrying Qi (Chee) that have an interrelationship with the organs and physical body. Meridians are like rivers flowing throughout the body. There is a meridian that corresponds to every organ in our body. When the rivers (meridians) are free flowing, the body is in homeostasis and our muscles, bones and organs are nourished. When a meridian(s) become blocked, the flow becomes blocked; the flow becomes backed up like a dam. This will cause an imbalance within our Qi, which may present as physical and/or emotional symptoms. This is frequently experienced as stress, illness or pain.
There are many different factors that can disrupt the flow of Qi within the body. Stress, worry, fear, anxiety, environmental toxins, injury, drugs, alcohol, and poor diet are just a few. Living in today’s society makes it challenging for us to live simple lives. Acupuncture can help restore our bodies back to a more balanced state safe and naturally.
Tips for Your First Visit
Wear loose fitting clothes that can be easily rolled up above your elbows and knees. Also, you will need to expose your abdomen from your rib cage to the top of your hips, so avoid one-piece suits or dresses.
For all acupuncture visits, be sure you have eaten at least a light meal within a few hours prior to arriving. Avoid overeating immediately before treatment.
During the intake, you will be asked many questions, some related specifically to your complaint and others seemingly unrelated. Oriental Medicine requires the entire person be taken into consideration so we can determine what is causing the disease. We treat the whole person, not just the symptom.
Please bring any information about your case you may have from your doctors, including lab tests, blood work, reports of x-rays or MRI’s, etc.
Acupuncture for Stress Reduction
Chronic stress is a real medical condition that can worsen and create a variety of physical health problems. Acupuncture is a safe, gentle way to treat stress and prevent serious medical complications caused by stress. Some will have immediate effects, while others may require several treatments. Acupuncture can be used to promote overall wellbeing and prevent disease, and it can be used to treat a variety of specific conditions.
Did you know
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for breaking addictions, anxiety, coping with acute pain, treating insomnia, regulating blood pressure, healing sports injuries, improving immunity, and dealing with chronic fatigue
Q&A
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy. The biggest side effects of acupuncture are feelings of relaxation and improved well being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are FDA approved, individually wrapped, sterile, used once, and disposed of immediately.
Do the needles hurt?
Most people are pleasantly surprised that the acupuncture needles don’t hurt. The needles are thin, just a little larger then a cats whisker or a human hair. The sensation caused by the insertion of acupuncture needles varies with each patient. In the vast majority of cases there is no discomfort at all. Some people may be needle sensitive in certain areas of the body. If this is the case, there are alternate points that can be used to ensure a comfortable experience.
How many treatments will I need?
While four to ten treatments are generally required to realize significant improvement for a specific problem, some people achieve immediate results while others may take months or even years to achieve complete results. Chronic conditions will usually take longer then acute conditions. Acupuncture has been proven to stimulate the release of natural opiate-like hormones, which usually induce a deep state of relaxation, balance, and healing. Most people report that the experience is actually quite pleasurable. As you progress through treatment, you can expect to see improvement in your overall health beyond the reason that prompted your visit to our office.
How often should I have acupuncture treatments?
Most patients are initially treated once or twice a week. Occasionally, three visits a week may be more effective for certain conditions. For patients who are interested in corrective, maintenance, and wellness care beyond the relief of symptoms, personalized programs are designed based on your individual needs.
How long does each session take?
The average session takes 30 to 45 minutes. You should plan on being in the office for approximately 1 hour. The time spent on each visit will vary based on the individual and the challenge that they present. For the initial visit, plan to spend an hour to an hour and a half.
About Melissa Campbell
Melissa holds a Masters in Acupuncture from The Won Institute of Graduate Studies in Glenside, PA. She is a licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) in the state of New Jersey and a Certified Diplomat in Acupuncturist (Dipl. Ac) as recognized by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Melissa is also a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), a Shiatsu bodyworker in NJ and NY and Reiki Master.
Melissa’s Approach to Treatment
The goal of treatment is to enhance the overall function of the body’s natural inclination to heal and perform at optimum levels. Melissa looks for the underlying cause of illness and treats the subtle imbalances that can wreak havoc on the body.
Melissa treats using a mixture of Master Tung, Dr Tan, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element acupuncture, Massage, Shiatsu, Cupping, Moxa, and Gua Sha. By integrating multiple modalities we are able to treat many aspects of imbalances in the body.