Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of healing that has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on treating the overall well being of the patient rather than isolated treatment of specific symptoms. According  to Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health depends on the body’s vital energy (known as chi) moving in a smooth and balanced way through the channels beneath the skin (called meridians).

When the body’s chi becomes blocked or unbalanced, illness results. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore a natural balance. The flow of chi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include negative emotional states (such as fear, stress, anger,  grief, and anxiety), poor nutrition, hereditary factors, infections, toxins, or trauma. The principle aim of acupuncture is to assist in balancing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual.

Acupuncture is recommended by the World Health Organization for about 50 medical conditions such as Back pain, Neck pain, stress, Headaches, Allergies, Depression, Asthma, and infertility. Acupuncture may be used alone or as part of a treatment program.

Many cancer patients choose Acupuncture and other Alternative Medicine options such as herbs to reduce the pain and discomfort of radiation and chemotherapy. Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine help to rebuild & maintain the body's immune system.

What to expect at an Acupuncture treatment:

Your initial visit will include a detailed intake during which the practitioner will obtain your medical health history and speak to you about your main concerns. This information will allow formulation of a diagnosis and treatment plan that will best address your particular problem. The practitioner will feel the pulses on both wrists, and may look at your tongue and gently palpate your abdomen.

Treatment may consist of the insertion of very fine stainless steel needles (single use) into various parts of the body. Other modalities that may be used include (but are not limited to) moxabustion (burning of herbs to heat an area), cupping, electrostimulation, and massage. There are also non-insertive techniques that can be used on children  and needle sensitive individuals. Patients generally report feeling very calm and relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.

Questions and Answers:

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: The number of treatments varies dependent on factors such as age, current health, lifestyle factors and heredity. Everyone responds differently to treatment, but most people see positive results within 6-10 treatments.

Q: Does it hurt?
A: Most people's experience with needles is of those used in blood tests and injections. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these, as they are much thinner and solid rather than hollow, which makes treatments relatively painless.

Q: What about the needles used?
A: I use Pre-sterilized disposable needles.

Q: How will I feel after my treatment?
A: Usually very calm & relaxed. Occasionally you may feel drowsy for a few hours after the treatment.

Cindy Dudgeon, Lic. Ac., CST is a licensed acupuncturist with a Master's degree in acupuncture from New England School of Acupuncture. She carries a Diplomate in Acupuncture and is also a Certified Craniosacral Therapist. Cindy often combines both modalities in treating her patients. She uses her training to treat a wide variety of ailments, with a special interest in women's issues. She is trained in both Chinese and Japanese styles of acupuncture, as well as non-insertive techniques.

Please call Cindy at 978-729-2399 to make an appointment for Acupuncture and/or Cranial Sacral Therapy. Email address is thewellbeingacupuncture@yahoo.com