Acupuncture/TCM
Dr. Irvinder Tinna, ND, AC, BSc. Acupuncturist and Homeopathy

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a primary health care used widely in the world and it is 2000-3000 yrs old medicine from China. There is important theory in Chinese the theory of body systems. They view it as the natural phenomena, yin and yang the metamorphic description of opposite forces, which work together when balanced. When there is any imbalance of these forces there is disharmony, thus results in disease.

Yin is signified as female attributes, passive, dark, cold, moist that moves medially of the body. Yang is signified as male attributes, light, active, warm, dry which moves laterally of the body. A man is combination of yin (mother) and yang (father).

Acupuncture is the technique of inserting tiny tread like or hair fine needles into the skin along the meridians. The meridian is energy channels of the body.

Acupuncture views the person as a whole. It is practiced based on the discerning the pattern “pattern of disharmony” and treated accordingly. Now days, acupuncturist also uses herbal medicine, Mioxibustion, physical exercise, nutrition, mediation, breathing exercise.

There are over 350 acupuncture points in the human body. The purpose of inserting the points is to stimulate the physiological response that is to focus on balancing the body’s system which in turn helps the body to function better on its own.
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How Does It Work?

Acupuncture is a therapy where thread like needle is inserted along the meridians (the energy channels on the body). It does not hurt but does create sense of heaviness, which is felt over certain points of insertion to unblock the energy. The reason of insertion of needle is to flow the energy freely through the meridians, thus maintaining the proper health. There are different sizes needle for different part of the body with different depths.

When there is disruption of the energy also known as Qi, there is disruption in health, disease, pain or illness. After inserting the needle, the Qi is regulated to restore the health. Qi is known as the essential force of all essential life activates including the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of one’s being.

There are different theories like “The endorphin” theory states that acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically Encephalin) natural painkillers.

The Neurotransmitter” Theory states certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Serotonin and Noradrenaline) are affected by acupuncture.

“Circulatory” Theory: According to this theory acupuncture has the effect of dilating the blood vessels. This may be caused by the body’s release of natural vasodilators e.g. histamine in response to the treatment.

What can Acupuncture treat?

Basically, there are many diseases can be treated like lower back, cervical spondylosis, condylitis, arthritic conditions, headaches all kinds (including migraines), allergic reactions, analgesic effects (surgery, dental work), muscles aches, nausea vomiting, weight control, alcohol and smoking addictions, diabetes, HTN and many more. How ever, acupuncture treats the whole person by treating the cause of the disease rather than looking at western diagnosis and treating just the symptoms.

What one should expect during the treatment?

Some patients feel the most relaxing sensation. Some go to sleep during the treatment. Some find it painlessly treatment and most calming treatment. Some might feel heavy sensation upon inserting and after the insertion of the needle once the needle has reached at certain depth.

Most people have the concern if it is safe?

One of most beautiful thing about acupuncture is this that it doesn't’t have the side effects. There are the heaviness sensation upon inserting needle or after inserting, sensation of needle being inserting. There is usually no bleeding or pain. The most of the practitioners use the disposable needles. The practitioners are trained to insert the needle in exact position and at proper depth with the proper clean needle techniques to avoid any injuries and avoid any risk of organ penetration.

How many treatments are necessary?

Because every individual is beautifully created that every human being has its own individuality. Every human being is different and there different factors that might cause the disease. Therefore, people respond differently to the treatment. The treatments are also based on the severity of disease or condition. Acute treatment might take few treatments where as chronic treatments might take longer from few weeks to months. The compliance and proper instructions followed by the patient upon doctor’s request usually brings beautiful results.

Many insurance companies cover a portion of the cost of acupuncture. Be sure to check with you plan administrator for details.

We use only single use, disposable, sterile needles. Your safety is our greatest concern.