Acupuncture Therapy

Learn the Basics of Acupuncture

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Ancient Therapy & Modern-day Practice

Acupuncture is the insertion of sterilized, stainless steel needles into acupuncture points with the intent to alter the circulation of energy to stimulate the function of muscle tissue, blood vessels, nerves, glands and organs.

Acupuncture is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. This medical system treats the person as an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit while targeting the root cause of illness and disease, not just the symptoms. The fundamental principle behind acupuncture is manipulation and stimulation of the energy flow to create balance and health. This vital force, called Qi, moves throughout the body along 12 main channels called meridians. These meridians represent the major organs and functions of the body. The goal of acupuncture is to correct any imbalances assessed and observed through an extensive intake of the patient. This intake includes assessment of medical history, current signs and symptoms, observation of the physical body, and various questions about lifestyle and habits.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Below are various ways this ancient medical system works to promote balance, health, wellness, pain relief and more:

Targets painful tender points, sometimes called trigger points, and releases the restriction in the muscle and fascia.
Stimulates the body’s pituitary gland to release cortisol, a hormone that is known to reduce inflammation.
Influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain.
Stimulates the release of pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin.
Influences the electrical currents of the body.
Influences the autonomic nervous system.
Stimulates circulation.

We integrate 3 styles of this ancient medical system into our practice to best treat our patients and their various conditions: Acupuncture Physical Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kiiko Matsumoto Style.

Acupuncture Physical Medicine

Acupuncture Physical Medicine is a modern approach to acupuncture developed over the past twenty-five years by acupuncturist and founder of Tri-State College of Acupuncture Mark Seem, Ph. D. This style is inspired by the French and Japanese meridian styles of acupuncture and the trigger point teachings of Dr. Janet Travell. The APM approach to treatment is aimed at relieving myofascial pain, optimizing muscle strength, and improving mobility by combining eastern medicine with trigger point release. Trigger points cause muscular constriction, restricted range of motion and referral pain. Release is achieved by inserting an acupuncture needle into the TP to facilitate a muscle twitch and unbind the knots in the fascia and muscle fibers. This style is not only great for the athlete, but for any patient with myofascial pain.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Our acupuncturists are also trained in the acupuncture styles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Kiiko Matsumoto Style. TCM is the most common form of acupuncture. It focuses on bringing balance to the body by restoring the proper flow of Qi (life energy) along the body’s meridians (energy pathways).

Kiiko Matsumoto Style

Kiiko Matsumoto Style of Acupuncture (KMS) utilizes palpatory method which is designed to provide instant feedback by identifying reflexes. Specific active reflexes suggest the diagnosis and the treatment efficacy be established by changes in the same reflexes. TCM and KM, along with APM, are used for a variety of health conditions.

How Can Acupuncture Help Me?

Below are some of the conditions we treat with acupuncture and other modalities.

Myofascial Pain
Musculoskeletal Problems
Headaches
Sciatica
Low Back Pain
Arthritis

Joint Pain
Immunity
Digestive Issues
Stress
Anxiety
Depression

Insomnia
Allergies
Sinusitis
Infertility

Other Variations of Treatment

At CAMISA, our acupuncturists offer different types of acupuncture appointments which include Comprehensive Acupuncture, Trigger Point Therapy, and Cosmetic Acupuncture. The goal for each appointment is to assess the underlying cause of each concern and focus on the root cause of the symptoms.

Comprehensive acupuncture can address various health concerns, identify the root of a specific condition, and/or promote overall immunity and wellness. Learn More

Trigger Point Acupuncture is utilized to release a trigger point in the muscle or fascia and relieve pain, however, multiple muscles may be released to improve the range and motion and stimulate tissue healing. Learn More

Cosmetic Acupuncture stimulates the facial tissue to enhance the appearance and texture of the skin, but will also address the underlying cause of the undesirable skin issues. Learn More

CAMISA acupuncturists also utilize cupping, Frequency Specific Microcurrent, and gua sha to address multiple conditions ranging from muscular pain to digestive health to emotional health and more.

ACCEPTED PAYMENT TYPES:

We accept all commercial insurance providers. For those with private insurance, we operate as an out-of-network facility since we spend more time with our patients. We serve as an in-network provider for Medicare patients only. Workers comp and coverage from automobile cases are honored, but only via doctor referral. We confirm every new patient’s benefits and let them know what the cost will be before starting treatment. Self-pay options are available for those without coverage or for services not covered by insurance.