acupunctureAcupuncture is the practice of placing fine needles at specific points on the skin to support the body’s natural healing process. It’s a treatment rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient system that has been practiced for thousands of years. TCM takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the balance and connection between body, mind, and spirit. Rather than just treating symptoms, it looks at the whole person and aims to restore balance to promote long-term healing.
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From a Western perspective, acupuncture works with the nervous system to stimulate the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters, and other natural healing responses. This can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and support healthy function throughout the body. Recent research on the myofascial system, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs, suggests these tissues carry an electrical charge. Acupuncture may help stimulate these electrical pathways to support the body’s natural healing processes.
Today, acupuncture benefits are widely recognized, and the practice is often used alongside Western medicine to provide a more comprehensive approach to care. It can support a wide range of concerns, including:
Today, acupuncture benefits are widely recognized, and the practice is often used alongside Western medicine to provide a more comprehensive approach to care. It can support a wide range of concerns, including:
- Chronic and acute pain
- Digestive health
- Menstrual cycle support and fertility
- Stress and burnout
- Sleep issues
- Immune function and inflammation
ACUPUNCTURIST
To become a licensed acupuncturist in Alaska, individuals must pass the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) examination and graduate from an accredited U.S. school of acupuncture. Acupuncture training in the U.S. typically involves a rigorous three-year master’s program, with coursework in Traditional Chinese Medicine, biomedical sciences, and extensive clinical practice. Licensed acupuncturists are also required to complete annual continuing education to maintain both their state license and NCCAOM certification.
To become a licensed acupuncturist in Alaska, individuals must pass the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) examination and graduate from an accredited U.S. school of acupuncture. Acupuncture training in the U.S. typically involves a rigorous three-year master’s program, with coursework in Traditional Chinese Medicine, biomedical sciences, and extensive clinical practice. Licensed acupuncturists are also required to complete annual continuing education to maintain both their state license and NCCAOM certification.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Sterilized, disposable, very fine (hair-like) needles are carefully inserted at specific points on the skin that correspond to the acupuncture meridian system,—a network that connects throughout the body. In a typical treatment, the patient lies comfortably on their back on a massage table. The acupuncturist places needles, often on the arms, hands, legs, or feet—areas where the energy is closer to the surface and some of the strongest acupuncture points are located. Once the acupuncture needles are placed, the patient rests for 20–30 minutes while the treatment takes effect. Often, a second phase may follow with additional needles placed along the back. Acupuncture often brings a deep sense of relaxation as the body’s energy is balanced and endorphins are released.
Sterilized, disposable, very fine (hair-like) needles are carefully inserted at specific points on the skin that correspond to the acupuncture meridian system,—a network that connects throughout the body. In a typical treatment, the patient lies comfortably on their back on a massage table. The acupuncturist places needles, often on the arms, hands, legs, or feet—areas where the energy is closer to the surface and some of the strongest acupuncture points are located. Once the acupuncture needles are placed, the patient rests for 20–30 minutes while the treatment takes effect. Often, a second phase may follow with additional needles placed along the back. Acupuncture often brings a deep sense of relaxation as the body’s energy is balanced and endorphins are released.
CONDITIONS TREATED
Acupuncture accelerates the body’s natural ability to heal. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a complete medical paradigm with a holistic approach, it addresses both physical and emotional health. It is particularly effective for pain, helping to reduce inflammation and restore the flow of energy to areas of tension or injury. Acupuncture also supports healthy digestion by improving appetite, easing abdominal discomfort and bloating, and promoting regular elimination.
For hormonal health, it can help regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve PMS, and support fertility. It’s also helpful for easing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and emotional shifts. By bringing balance to the nervous system, acupuncture can relieve stress and anxiety, and it’s highly effective for chronic tension and migraine headaches.
For hormonal health, it can help regulate the menstrual cycle, relieve PMS, and support fertility. It’s also helpful for easing menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and emotional shifts. By bringing balance to the nervous system, acupuncture can relieve stress and anxiety, and it’s highly effective for chronic tension and migraine headaches.
multiple modalities
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CUPPING THERAPY
An ancient healing method involving placing cups on the skin creating suction that increases circulation, reducing pain and relieving tension. It is a traditional practice in Chinese medicine that has gained popularity among massage therapists and physical therapists. |
GUA SHA
A manual therapy technique in Chinese medicine that involves scraping using a blunt tool to scrape the skin to increase circulation, release muscle tightness and move stagnant energy. |
MOXIBUSTION
The ancient method in Chinese Medicine of burning of Moxa (mugwort) to apply heat to acupuncture points as a way of warming the energy channels to treat cold and damp conditions. Moxa (mugwort) is an herb that when dried burns at a high temperature with a particular healing frequency. Because it enhances microcirculation it can be very effective in treating repetitive stress injury to tendons and ligaments. |