Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical procedure practiced for thousands of years. During treatment, your Fairfield Family Health provider inserts thin needles into specifically chosen areas of your skin. Once positioned, the needles stimulate your body’s healing process, increasing circulation, relieving muscle tension, and reducing inflammation.

At Fairfield Family Health, the providers combine TCM with Western medicine. This unique approach allows them to treat various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, chronic illnesses, and behavioral disorders.

What problems can benefit from acupuncture?

At Fairfield Family Health, the team uses acupuncture to manage various health problems, including:

• Arthritis
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Cancer
• Immune system disorders
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes
• Sports injuries
• Respiratory conditions, like asthma

You might also benefit from acupuncture if you suffer a repetitive strain injury, like carpal tunnel syndrome.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

At Fairfield Family Health, acupuncture treatment begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms. Your provider then examines your skin, identifying areas that will benefit most from treatment.

You lie down on an exam table, and your Fairfield Family Health provider inserts a series of needles into specific areas of your skin. They leave the needles in place for 5-20 minutes. During that time, lie still and relax. The needles release natural chemicals, like endorphins, into your bloodstream, reducing pain and promoting healing.

At the end of treatment, your Fairfield Family Health provider removes the needles. There’s no downtime, so you can immediately return to work and other routine activities.

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture is safe and usually well-tolerated. You might feel a mild prick each time your Fairfield Family Health provider inserts a needle, but it’s no more painful than getting a shot or having your blood drawn. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and designed for comfort.

After treatment, you can experience redness or mild bruising at the insertion sites, but any discomfort should go away quickly.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

The number of acupuncture treatments you’ll need will depend on various things, including your health history and how severe your symptoms are. The holistic doctors at Fairfield Family Health often recommend 6-8 acupuncture treatments spaced a week apart.

Call Fairfield Family Health or book an appointment online today to learn more about the benefits of holistic treatment with acupuncture.