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Medicine Based on You


and Your Nature

Why Acupuncture for Pain and Stress?

The body has an innate wisdom to heal itself. Acupuncture helps each individual tap into this wisdom to promote health and wellness.

Acupuncture originated in China several thousand years ago as a holistic approach to health and wellness. When there is physical pain, illness, disease, emotional trauma or stress; our bodies’ vital energy, or Qi (pronounced Chee), can get stuck. This stagnation prevents the body’s natural ability to balance and heal itself, resulting in symptoms of pain and disease. In Acupuncture treatments we use needles and other therapies to restore the smooth flow of vital energy and movement in the body. Once the smooth flow of Qi is restored pain and stress related symptoms diminish.

 

Efficacy

According to the World Health Organization and a number of other Sources, Acupuncture can help with a number of health conditions.

 

  • Allergies

  • Back Pain

  • Depression

  • Focus and Concentration

  • Migraines and Headaches

  • Skin Conditions

  • Anxiety

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Digestive Disorders

  • Low Energy or Fatigue

  • Menstrual Disorders

  • Rheumatism and Arthritis

  • Stress-Related Disease

  • Asthma

  • Chronic Pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Insomnia

  • Sciatica

  • Ulcers

Safety

We use single use, sterile, solid core, stainless steel needles and follow clean needle technique guidelines to assure patient’s safety.

Acupuncture as a modality has one of the lowest adverse reaction rates among manual therapies and physical medicines.

 

Minimal Side Effects

Unlike medications, herbs, supplements; Acupuncture doesn’t interfere with the body’s chemistry. This means Acupuncture is generally safe regardless of what medications, herbs or supplements may already be part of someone’s treatment or wellness plan.

 

Other Modalities and Treatments

 

  • Ronald provides Nutritional Counseling to support healing while a patient is receiving Acupuncture. At times, it is also used independently. Dietary recommendations along with food-based nutritional supplements can help a variety of ailments, illnesses and conditions while restoring balance and homeostasis in the body.

    The whole person; the environment they live; the lens of Chinese Medicine - The Law of Five Elements, Principles related to Yin and Yang and the Four Vital Substances; along with the natural laws pertaining to climate, lifestyle, and bio-cycles such as sleep and cortisol cycles are used to determine nutritional recommendations.  Ultimately this provides a nutrition strategy to support a patients wellness goals.

    It’s important to remember that we are not separate from the world around us, We are affected by natural elements such as temperature, sunlight, humidity, and airflow, to name a few. Consequently, dietary guidelines should be adapted and in sync with these cycles.

  • While undergoing a course of treatment, supplements and herbs may be incorporated to support healing or maintain vitality. At Ronald Pratt Acupuncture, we use whole food-based nutritional supplements and medicinal herbs to design a specific prescription unique to you.

    In addition to providing support for Acupuncture treatment, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine can also be used to as part of a wellness program.

  • Practiced for thousands of years, either alone or in conjunction with Acupuncture, Moxibustion is a modality of Chinese medicine that uses heat, essential oil and aromatherapy on Acupuncture points to increase overall wellness.

    In Moxibustion, the dried de-veined leaves of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) are rolled into cones and warmed on Acupuncture points. Moxibustion helps to increase blood circulation and tonify energy. Studies have shown that Moxibustion can help increase red and white blood cell count, enhance the function of white blood cells, and even lower blood pressure.

    Moxibustion provides effective support for many different conditions including:

    • Chronic pain and illness

    • Immune system disorders

    • Muscular tension and injuries

    • Arthritis and rheumatism

  • Gua Sha involves pressured strokes with a smooth Gua Sha tool over lubricated skin. Much like a deep tissue massage, these strokes are used to promote blood flow, stimulate the lymphatic system, and release lactic acid from sore muscles. This process releases congestion and stagnation along energy lines of the body.

    Gua Sha benefits include:

    • Pain relief

    • Increased range of motion

    • A relaxed sensation where there once was tension

  • Cupping is an ancient practice that involves placing suction cups on the surface of the skin to break up tension and reduce pain.