Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific acupuncture points along the skin of the body using thin needles. The needles will stimulate specific acupuncture points to correct imbalances in the flow of Qi through channels known as meridians. According to traditional Chinese Medicine, the imbalance in the flow of Qi can cause disease, illness or pain. Acupuncture needles are ex­tremely thin, and can vary in length. Patients report a mild dull aching sensation or a tingling sensation when the needles are inserted. The initial sensation usually dissipates within a few minutes.

What Can Acupuncture Help With?

Acupuncture is great for a variety of conditions and symptoms. It utilizes the meridians or energy channels of the body to stimulate or sedate the Qi. Qi is the life force of living things and can be either stagnant, where there is a blockage or excess of energy, or Qi can be deficient where there isn’t enough to support the body. There are 12 main meridians in the body, and they correspond to the major organs. In traditional Chinese medicine we utilize the tongue and pulse to lead us to the pattern in which your body is expressing. Acupuncture points are then decided based on the individual’s presentation.

Gemstone Therapy

Gemstone therapy is a technique that uses various therapeutic gemstones that have a wide range of healing properties (often depending on the gemstone) on specific areas of the body including areas of injury, pain, misalignment, or even acupuncture points. Gemstone therapy combined with acupuncture can produce compounded healing effects within the energetic, mental, and physical body. Gemstone therapy can be added to an acupuncture or cupping appointment and the gems will be placed on areas of the body during those treatments.

Cupping Therapy

Cupping therapy is a technique that uses cups placed on various areas of the skin (commonly on the back) that uses negative pressure to suction either with fire or a manual pump to encourage blood flow. The cups stay on for 5-15 minutes. The benefits of cupping include increased circulation, decreased pain and inflammation, decreases muscle tightness, and promote healing. The primary side effects of cupping are bruising where the cups were placed, this is typically mild and painless and goes away within 7-10 days.

Ear Seeds

Non-invasive method of using acupuncture points on the surface of the ear that involves small seeds placed on certain points of the ear that would be left there until they fall off to provide continuous relief. Points are determined based on the individual needs of the person.

In TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) the ear is the microsystem of our entire body; where certain points on the ear correspond with body systems. Whenever you feel a symptom, you can press and massage the ear seed points for 1-3 minutes to activate that point. Ear seeds are great for things like stress, grief, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, digestive issues, headaches, and nervous system regulation in general.

NADA Protocol

NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) is an acupuncture protocol using 5 specific points on the ear. It can be done using traditional acupuncture needles or ear seeds, depending on the comfort level and needs. The 5 specific points on the ear: sympathetic, shen men, kidney, liver, lung. Primarily used for nervous system regulation, mental health, trauma, and addiction (smoking cessation, alcohol use, drug use, food addiction).

Conditions treated at Nourish Natural Medical Center

  • General Pain
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Dental Pain
  • Low Back Pain
  • Headaches
  • Allergies
  • Cold / Flu
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Menopause
  • Hot flashes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Tinnitus
  • Asthma
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Incontinence
  • Insomnia
  • Libido
  • Motion Sickness
  • PMS
  • Vision Changes
  • Vertigo
  • High Blood Pressure