Nervous System Issues

Acupuncture is very good at treating pain of all types, including nerve pain. In Chinese medicine, pain is primarily due to a blockage in the flow of chi in the acupuncture channels. Other signs of blockages include numbness, tingling, reduced range of motion, and tension. Acupuncture can open these blockages, connecting the dots by selecting points along these pathways, reestablishing the flow of chi and nerve impulses through the area once again.

 

I have experience treating many different issues affecting the nervous system including Restless Leg Syndrome, Whiplash, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, neuropathy, Parkinson's, Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, pinched nerves, thoracic outlet syndrome, shingles, sciatica, headaches, and migraines. Though I have had a few tough cases, generally these types of conditions respond well to treatment, with little to no side effects.

 

Acupuncture induces what is called the parasympathetic state. In this state, the parasympathetic nervous system is predominant over the sympathetic, fight-or-flight nervous system. When we are in the parasympathetic state functions like breathing and heart rate slow down, muscles relax, the mind empties, and the body focuses on healing, repair, and recharging energy reserves. This state of deep relaxation and regeneration is also induced by meditation and many who do both remark that they have a similar effect. The ability of acupuncture to induce the parasympathetic state makes it an excellent treatment for conditions like stress, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, PMS and ADD/ADHD. This is also one of the ways that it can help with pain, especially chronic pain, easing the psychological and emotional strain of these types of conditions.

 

 

Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. I am also trained in herbal medicine, 5 element nutrition, and different types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find that these complementary therapies can help enhance the effects of acupuncture. If they would be beneficial for your condition I will include them with your session at no extra charge. For example, there are multiple calming formulas for stress and anxiety that can help calm your nerves from the inside out. Nutritional adjustments can help balance emotions by detoxifying accumulations that are making you feel off, or by replenishing systems that have been depleted by long-term stressors. Hands on techniques can help stop pain, improve the local flow of chi, and release built up stress and tension. My toolbox includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, tui na (massage), zhi ya (acupressure), ba guan (fire cupping), gua sha (jade and horn massage tools), 5 element nutrition, and topical oils, ointments, and patches for pain.