Redefining Your State of Wellness

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine that relies on the body's natural healing ability. This system of healing, originating in China thousands of years ago, uses the body's network of energy pathways called meridians, which function like a system of rivers. When balanced, energy (called qi or "chee") runs smoothly. When blocked, much like a tree or dam impacting a river, pathways become affected. The result is less than optimal health and/or illness. Using extremely fine, sterilized needles, the acupuncturist stimulates specific points on meridians directing energy back into balance promoting healing and relief from “dis-ease”.

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What about the needles?

I use very fine, FDA-approved, sterilized needles that are no thicker than one or two strands of human hair. Some people notice sensation from the needles, but are generally surprised that it is nothing more than a slight pinch.

Five Element style acupuncture

Five Element style acupuncture is based on the laws of nature. Diagnosis and treatments are derived from the movement in nature’s cycles and seasons, which correlate with the flow of meridians and points in the body.

The elements are recognized as Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each element has its strength in a season of nature and is represented in the body by specific organ systems and functions, as well as a person’s vocal sound, facial color, emotion and scent. Just as all the seasons make up the whole of nature, all the elements make up the whole individual.

Five Element acupuncture allows each person to be treated as the individual they are…

not just the symptoms they have.

Some characteristics of the elements are listed below:

Tree rings are counted to determine the age of a tree.

Wood

Corresponding to spring, it represents birth and renewal. The Wood element influences one’s judgment, vision, planning and the ability to take action.

Healthy Wood energy allows for clear vision, creativity, assertiveness and flexibility in the body and/or life. Out of balance, Wood can present as muscle pain or stiffness, one-sided symptoms, headaches, inability to plan or take action in one’s life, inappropriate anger.

Fire background

Fire

Corresponding to summer, it represents partnership, joy, warmth and compassion. The Fire element influences one’s relationships, liveliness and passion for life and love.

Healthy Fire energy allows for good sleep, heart functions, compassion and steady body temperature. Out of balance, Fire can present as intimacy issues, difficulty sleeping, tummy gurgles, sadness, weakness of the heart, erratic swings in body temperature.

sowing wheat

Earth

Corresponding to late summer, it represents the time to reap life’s harvest. The Earth element influences one’s ability to digest, process and store that which nourishes, along with the ability to nurture and care for self and others.

Healthy Earth energy allows for good appetite and digestion, clear thinking, strong muscles and blood vessels, feeling centered. Out of balance, Earth can present as excessive worry, digestive issues, bruising easily, lethargy, insatiable appetite.

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Metal

Corresponding to fall, it represents the ability to keep what is of value and let go of what is no longer needed. The Metal element influences one’s values, rhythms and inspirations.

Healthy Metal energy allows for good self-worth, breathing, bowel functions, ability to grieve appropriately and let go of “stuff” in life and body. Out of balance, Metal can present as ENT issues, skin conditions, bowel issues, breathing difficulties, lack of respect for self or others, excessive grief.

Water power - closeup on streaming water

Water

Corresponding to winter, it represents the inner wisdom and skill required to propel forward in life. The Water element influences one’s ability to power through life while taking appropriate time to rest and restore deep reserves.

Healthy Water energy allows for good listening, strong bones and joints, courage, willpower, setting boundaries, knowing when to rest. Out of balance, Water can present as feeling chronically overwhelmed, excessive fear, weak bones, chronic low back problems, urinary issues, fertility issues, impotency.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating numerous conditions. Some of the most common are:

  • Stress
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Sleep Issues
  • Allergies
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Gynecological Concerns
  • Hypertension
  • Addiction
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

Acupuncture is clinically proven to strengthen the immune system and can help support people with chronic illnesses. It is a powerful tool in maintaining good health and decreasing downtime when you do get sick. Acupuncture brings relief to what consciously concerns you, but also in ways you may not have thought. Many people find relief from their original symptoms and then notice changes with secondary health concerns. Over time, the cumulative effects of acupuncture result in being sick less often and being more relaxed and able to cope with life’s daily stresses. This leads to overall stronger physical and emotional health.

Frequently Asked Questions

During an acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted just beneath the skin’s surface and the range of sensation differs with each person. Some people report a dull, brief ache or tingling sensation and some points may be more sensitive than others. Most people describe the sensations as fleeting and the result of treatment deeply relaxing.

Yes. I use very fine, FDA-approved, sterilized and disposable needles. They are made of solid stainless steel and are no thicker than a human hair.

People come for acupuncture to address a wide range of physical and emotional health concerns. Many people, after achieving their initial health goals, come to maintain their wellness and balance in their life. Through acupuncture, the body’s powerful natural healing ability is stimulated, resulting in improved vitality and stamina. Over time, those who receive acupuncture report that they get sick less often, feel empowered to manage their own health, tend to visit their physician less often and enjoy deeper relationships with others.

Insurance companies differ regarding coverage. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine coverage. I provide each patient with a medically coded receipt that can be sent in for reimbursement by an insurance provider or health savings account/flexible health savings account.

This ancient system of healing relies on the movement of energy in nature and the body. This vital energy (called chi) flows through the body in a network of pathways that function like a system of rivers. When healthy, all runs smoothly and the rivers run clear. When there is a blockage, illness arises and presents as physical and/or emotional symptoms. By using acupuncture needles to stimulate specific points on the necessary pathways, health and harmony are restored.

The initial appointment takes one and one half hours. It includes a complete health history and physical exam and often involves needle treatment. Subsequent appointments take approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

I recommend that after the initial appointment, patients come weekly for approximately 4-6 weeks. Treatments are cumulative in nature and weekly treatments allow for close monitoring of results, as well as guiding the treatment strategy. Once initial health goals are achieved, patients begin to spread out treatments, eventually coming only when needed or seasonally to maintain their new level of health.

On the day of treatment, it is advised to eat moderately, avoid alcohol, caffeine and unusually strenuous exercise. It is also requested that perfumes and/or body washes be avoided on treatment day.

Yes, there are many styles of acupuncture. The most significant difference among the various styles is in the diagnosis process and treatment strategy. To learn more about the differences between styles and how I practice, please call my office.

Please call me at (631) 804-5902. We will briefly discuss your immediate health concern and schedule an initial appointment. During your initial appointment, we will discuss an appropriate treatment schedule that best meets your needs. 

Recommended Books

Traditional Acupuncture - the Law of the Five Elements
by Dianne M. Connelly, Ph.D., M.Ac., Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM)

Common Sense for the Healing Arts
by Robert M. Duggan, M.A., M.Ac. (UK), Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM)

The Web That Has No Weaver, Understanding Chinese Medicine
by Ted J. Kaptchuk, O.M.D.

Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life
by Tich Nhat Hanh