Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. It originated in China more than 2,500 years ago, and is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine available anywhere.
According to Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality and quantity of Qi (energy) flowing through the natural pathways in your body (meridians). Acupuncture is administered by an acupuncturist who places very thin, sterile single-use needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow.
Here at Colorado Acupuncture and Wellness, Classical Five Element Acupuncture, as compiled by J.R. Worsley, is practiced. It uses the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – which are inherent in all living beings, to determine where an imbalance lies within an individual. We treat the whole person: body, mind and spirit.
Classical Five Element Acupuncture is a safe, effective, natural and holistic approach to healing. It involves a more in-depth diagnostic process and aims to correct imbalances focused on healing the root cause of illness. In this style of treatment, we stay with the client the entire time; we never leave the room with needles left in the client. The needle often does not leave our hands, as very few Five Element treatments involve needle retention.
Because this style of acupuncture treats the person as a whole, patients frequently experience improvements in areas beyond those which initially led them to seek support.
Many studies have shown the benefits of acupuncture including:
- Reduction of systemic inflammation, resulting in pain reduction
- Regulation of the neuroendocrine system
- Increased blood flow and oxygen levels in the body
- Stress and tension relief
- Greater sense of overall health and well-being
- Increased energy levels
- And much, much more!
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is safe if it is performed by a licensed and well trained practitioner. Sterile single-use, disposable needles are the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal. Common side effects include slight soreness and at times, minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Other risks include minor adverse events such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, paresthesia or altered sensation over the site of application.
Treatment Frequency
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. How often you receive acupuncture depends on the condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Many people assume that acupuncture is a one-time treatment that can provide immediate relief from pain or other symptoms. While some people may experience immediate relief after their first acupuncture treatment, others usually require ongoing treatment to see full benefits.
Many acupuncturists, including myself, recommend that clients receive treatment at least once, sometimes twice a week, in the beginning to achieve optimal results. To determine how frequently patients need treatment, we ultimately rely on your pulses and symptoms. If symptoms begin to appear before the next treatment or if your pulses do not hold between treatments, then treatments are being spread too far apart. Acupuncture treatments build upon themselves, so the frequency and consistency of treatment, as well as patience, is vital to the improvement of your condition.
Prices here at Colorado Acupuncture and Wellness are based on current rates in the area, and adjusted to make these modalities accessible. Pricing is subject to change annually. Discounts for acupuncture are given to children 12 years of age and younger, Seniors (65+), active Military and U.S. Veterans. Military ID and VA ID are required for discount.
