Medicine that integrates ancient practices with modern insight
Why try acupuncture?
For thousands of years acupuncture has been used for the prevention, treatment and management of diseases and injuries. Acupuncture provides safe, low side effect and relatively painless treatment for common medical conditions. Acupuncture can be used alone or as a complement to the medical care you are already receiving to yield greater health outcomes.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a form of medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It has now spread worldwide and is the fastest growing medical profession in the world. TCM utilizes a unique diagnosis system to effectively treat a multitude of medical conditions. Practitioners of TCM use modalities such as acupuncture, cupping, guasha, herbal medicine, dietary advice or breathing exercises to help you achieve your health goals. At Meridian Acupuncture we believe in combining the insights of traditional healing practices and modern medicine.
Who can benefit?
Acupuncture and TCM can benefit anyone who has a health condition that they would like to improve. This includes babies, children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Different modalities may be used depending on the age and condition of the patient. For example, it is not necessary to use acupuncture needles when treating children or infants.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Acupuncture
Acupuncture utilizes sterile, filiform, single use needles to influence biochemical and physiological markers in the body. The size of a needle is approximately the same thickness as a cats whisker. The needles are retained for approximately 20-30 minutes. Most patient report the insertion of acupuncture needles as painless.
Electroacupuncture
Electoacupuncture is the application of an electrical current to acupuncture needles. The current is measured in milliamps and generates a sensation of a vibration or pulsation at the site the needle. This current produced is similar to that experienced with a TENS unit. Electroacupuncture is used to enhance the strength of acupuncture and the duration of its effects.
Cupping
Cupping is a technique that relaxes muscle tissue as a result of the pulling action created by a glass or plastic suction cup. Pain relief results from it ability to break up scar tissue and stagnant blood to promote greater healing and circulation.
Cupping can also be used to stimulate the immune system, decrease lung congestion and promote detoxification of the body.
Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal formulas are a unique combination of multiple herbs that provide medicinal and nutritional support to expedite the bodys natural healing process. Herbal formulas can come in various forms of administration. The herbal formulas prescribed at Meridian Acupuncture meet Good Manufacting Practices (GMP) standards and are certified for the highest quality and purity.
Guasha
Guasha is a dermal massage technique which is applied to an area of muscle, tendon, ligament or fascia. Directional pressure is applied to the target area with a tool make of ceramic or stone. This technique assists in breaking up scar tissue, increasing local circulation within the muscle and capillaries.
Pediatric Tuina
Under the age of 4, it may not be appropriate or necessary to use acupuncture needles for treatment. Pediatric tuina is a type of massage that stimulates acupressure points using gentle touch or specialized tools. Many children find this technique to be very relaxing. A typical massage lasts 10-20 minutes. Common childhood ailments which can be helped with tuina massage include common cold, ear eaches, coughs, asthma, eczema and digestive disorders.
Dietary Counseling
Nutrition is an important aspect in treating any medical condition. Your acupuncturist can help you identify helpful and harmful foods as well as food preparation techniques which will further enhance your health outcomes.