ACUPUNCTURE

Auricular acupuncture is on the auricle (ear). There are over 200 small points inside the ear that represent different organs and tissues in the body. Most auricular acupuncture or auriculotherapy is done for mental/emotional stress relief.

Chinese medicine calls the energy that flows through your body qi. Chinese medicine practitioners believe qi disruptions create imbalances in your body’s energy that lead to illness.

Some forms of acupuncture aim to rebalance qi with needles that touch acupuncture points (acupoints) throughout your body. There are hundreds of acupoints in your body along 14 major meridians, also called energy-carrying channels.
The needles stimulate your body’s central nervous system and immune system to:
-React to an illness or symptom.
-Rebalance your body.
-Release natural chemicals, such as endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, and neurotransmitters, chemicals that control nerve impulses.

During your first appointment, your practitioner will talk to you about your condition. Then, they’ll examine your body for areas that’ll react to acupuncture. Your practitioner will place discs onto points on your body.
If bodywork is needed, it will be performed while the discs are on.

Needles may feel prickly. Sometimes, needles may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull aches or tingling. Since we don’t use needles, you don’t need to worry about feeling pain from them. The number one reason most people don’t get acupuncture is because they are afraid of needles! Have no fear when you visit Charlotte Acu Bodywork!

Acupuncture has a calming effect, so you may want to get a ride home from your appointments — especially the first one. If that’s not possible, try to rest for five to 10 minutes before you drive. Your practitioner may suggest that you take it easy for a day or two after each session.

Acupuncture benefits include relief from long-term (chronic) pain and other health conditions. Many people use acupuncture to relieve pain throughout their body, including for migraines, back pain and arthritis. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may be a successful treatment option for a variety of conditions, including immune system issues, infertility and the effects of menopause.

Most risks come from unqualified practitioners mishandling needles. With our no-needle system, we have eliminated that risk in our clinic.

The number of treatments depends on your condition, its severity and how your body responds. Most people have an appointment once a week. Others get treatment more or less often, depending on how long the effects last. Your practitioner will recommend a schedule that’s right for you.

You may not get the full benefits of acupuncture on the first or second treatment. If you decide to try acupuncture, you should give it at least five treatments.

If you need medical care, please consult with your physician. In most cases, people use acupuncture along with other treatments. For example, someone with chronic pain will likely take medications and also get acupuncture. Someone with cancer would still receive cancer treatment but also use acupuncture.

You should continue taking your prescribed medications, no matter how good acupuncture makes you feel.

Acupuncture is similar to dry needling, but it’s not the same procedure. Both involve the use of needles, but that’s where the similarities end.
Acupuncture is based in Eastern medicine, and licensed acupuncturists perform it. Dry needling is based in Western medicine and healthcare providers such as physical therapists perform it.
Acupuncture treats musculoskeletal pain and other body systems. Physical therapists usually use dry needling as part of a broader physical therapy approach that includes other treatments.

No needle acupuncture is not covered by insurance at this time. However, if you have an HSA or FSA account, you may use that to pay for services.