Whole Body Healing, Acupuncture and Wellness Massachusetts Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Clinic

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny hair thin needles into the body at specific locations. Acupuncture has been proven to be successful in the treatment and prevention of many medical conditions. Acupuncture encourages the body to heal naturally by easing physical pain, emotional stress and increasing overall health and well-being. Acupuncture is a safe way to promote good health with no negative side effects.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you hardly feel when inserted. Most people find Acupuncture treatments very relaxng and even fall asleep.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. For acute conditions you can expect to have 6 to 8 treatments, but you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed or once a month basis.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. I have passed a comprehensive national board examination administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and am licensed by the state of Massachusetts. As required by law, I use pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles to ensure your complete safety.

Your First Visit

When you arrive for your first acupuncture appointment I will ask you to complete a comprehensive intake form. The acupuncture intake form asks questions about your current state of health, past illnesses, and family history. These questions are important because the holistic approach of Oriental medicine takes everything into account. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.

After reviewing your intake form, we will discuss your condition, and I will examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Oriental medicine. The acupuncture points I choose will depend on your condition, but you can expect approximately 20 needles. Once the needles are inserted, I will leave you to lie comfortably for 20-25 minutes with the needles in place. Many people find acupuncture treatment deeply relaxing, and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during this time.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture works by activating the body's own healing powers, so it can be beneficial for many health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Below are some common conditions I can treat, but please feel free to contact me about your specific health condition.

Pain

• Sports injuries
• Muscle pain
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Leg, ankle and foot pain
• Arm, wrist and hand pain
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Jaw pain (TMJ)
• Dental pain
• Sciatica
• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Myofascial pain syndrome
• Headaches and migraines
• Postoperative pain

Digestive Issues & Nausea

• Heartburn, Acid Reflux
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Chronic indigestion
• Chronic loose stools or constipation
• Peptic ulcer
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Depression

Respiratory Complaints

• Sinusitis
• Allergies

Reproductive Issues

• Infertility
• Increased efficacy of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Whole Body Healing, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Northampton Massachusetts Acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic. Western Massachusetts' leading acupuncture office serving Northampton, Springfield and all of the Pioneer Valley.
Elizabeth Girard, MS, L.Ac