Naturally Appointed Acupuncture and Holistic Wellness

It is very common for a new patient to ask this very question. If you are "acucurious" then I am thrilled to share with you a bit of insight on this some 4,000-year-old ancient practice of inserting hair strand-thin needles into your body to relieve pain, reduce stress and practically limitless other health benefits. It is important to mention that it has withstood the test of time gaining momentum over the years for its positive results and lack of harmful side effects. Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system causing the body to release chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in response to pain or stress, this group of peptide hormones both relieves pain and creates a general feeling of well-being. The name of these hormones comes from the term "endogenous morphine." "Endogenous" because they’re produced inside of our bodies while Morphine refers to the opioid painkiller whose actions they mimic. About 20 different types of endorphins exist. The best studied of these is beta-endorphin, which is the one associated with the runner’s high. We also release endorphins when we laugh, fall in love, have sex, and even eat a delicious meal.  When these chemicals are released into the circulatory system other natural health benefits are experienced as well like, lowered blood hormone levels secreted by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls reactions to stress and regulates processes like the immune system, digestion, emotions and moods, and libido as well as lowered levels of NPY, a peptide secreted during a “fight or flight” response, where the body is in defense and not able to heal, essentially allowing your nervous system to return to rest and digest which is an optimal state where healing can occur.

The experience of having acupuncture, though very different for each person, is most commonly described as quite pleasant and relaxing. Once the needles are in, the patient lies quietly on the table with low lighting, calming spa type music playing and typically some aromatherapy is also incorporated into the process. The patients leave feeling relaxed and most enjoy what has become known as an “AcuNap”, falling into a deep sleep for 20 minutes or so waking feeling refreshed.

Because modern medicine is very good at understanding disease but offers no tools to understand health. It cannot offer clear-cut ideas about what health is because it has no standard to go by. Traditional Chinese medicine, on the other hand, has an understanding of health that dates back to 3rd century B.C. These ideas have never become outdated despite the technological advances of Western medicine.  Why? Because in ancient times, the Chinese observed the minute changes that occurred in the human body in relation to season, weather, climate, diet, exercise, and emotional shifts.  From these observations was born a system of medicine that perceives the fundamental holism of the human organism and its interconnectedness with the surrounding environment. Thus, Chinese medicine offers a unique perspective on maintaining a state of harmonious balance in the human body. ~Tom Bisio "Tooth From The Tigers Mouth"