Source Point Wellness Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”). These points are located on the body along pathways called meridians, which are the channels through which Qi flows.
According to TCM theory, when Qi becomes blocked or imbalanced, a person can experience pain, illness or other health issues. Acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi, promoting balance and facilitating the body’s natural healing processes.
From a modern scientific perspective, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system and the immune system, triggering with needles the release of various biochemicals such as endorphins (natural painkillers) and serotonin (a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation). These biochemical responses may help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain management, stress reduction, digestive disorders, insomnia and reproductive health issues. It is often used in conjunction with other TCM modalities such as Chinese herbal medicine and therapeutic massage to optimize treatment outcomes and support health.
Your Acupuncture Session
Your acupuncturist will gather information about your medical history and current health concerns that may be relevant to the treatment.
Once the consultation is complete, you’ll be guided to a comfortable treatment room. Depending on the specific condition being addressed, you may be asked to change into loose clothing to facilitate access to the acupuncture points.
Your acupuncturist will then carefully select the acupuncture points to be stimulated based on your individual needs and the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Sterile, hair-thin needles are inserted into these points with precision and care. While you may feel a slight sensation upon insertion, acupuncture is generally not painful
After the needles are in place, you’re typically left to relax for a period of time, usually around 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you may experience sensations of warmth, tingling or relaxation. Many patients find acupuncture sessions to be deeply calming and rejuvenating.
Once the session is complete, the needles are gently removed, and you’re encouraged to rest for a few moments before resuming your daily activities. Depending on the individual treatment plan, patients may require multiple acupuncture sessions to achieve optimal results.
Throughout the session, your acupuncturist may also incorporate other therapies such as moxibustion (the burning of mugwort near acupuncture points), cupping (the application of suction cups to the skin), or electroacupuncture (the use of electrical stimulation with acupuncture needles) to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Overall, an acupuncture session is a gentle and natural approach to promoting health and well-being, addressing both physical and energetic imbalances within the body.