Myths Surrounding Acupuncture

Let's break down the walls

MYTH: Acupuncture is voodoo, magic, snake oil or is based on superstitious beliefs.

FALSE: True only when we wear our grass skirts and body paint on casual Friday. Seriously, acupuncture is based on careful observations by the ancient Chinese through clinical experiences. It is the longest existing medical system still in use today. Acupuncture education in the United States is regulated by a single national organization. The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) is the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit Master's-level programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Additionally, this post graduate degree requires 1905 hours to be eligible for testing set forth by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine).

MYTH: You have to belong to an Eastern religion for acupuncture to work.

FALSE: Acupuncture originates from China. However, acupuncture works based on repeated careful observations through clinical experience, and does not require one to belong to one religious belief or another. The Chinese Medicine Theory from which acupuncture operates crosses all cultural boundaries in the assumption that each human body, regardless of race or heritage, are essentially operating by the same principles. We are all humans beings.

MYTH: Acupuncture relies on the placebo effect for it to work.

FALSE: Until Western scientists and doctors can fully explain the acupuncture effect, let's consider that acupuncture works on animals, and one would be hard pressed to argue that animals experience a placebo effect.

MYTH: Acupuncture only treats pain.

FALSE: The treatment of pain is what acupuncture is best known for here in the West, and even is the primary condition for which the Merck Manual states for its use. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical model, treating symptoms (in addition to pain) related to the cold, the flu, menstrual disturbances, digestive disturbances, anxiety, insomnia, and many more. Click Here to see a list of what The World Health Organization states acupuncture to be an effective treatment for.

MYTH: Acupuncture can cure everything.

FALSE: All too often in America do we reach for the "one-size-fits-all" philosophy for all things in our lives, from weight loss and dieting tips, to ways to build interpersonal relationships. Acupuncture treatments are individually tailored to best for your presenting condition. However, it would be unethical and morally inept for us to ignore Western medicine. Acupuncture is excellent as adjunctive therapy to a doctor's treatments, particularly in the cases of cancer by which acupuncture may mediate the side-effect of chemotherapy and radiation. We hope this information has been useful. But don't just take our word for it, please see what other people have to say about acupuncture and our services by visiting our testimonial page.

- John Charlebois, L. Ac.

The Myth of Improper Alignment and Relief

Cranial Sacral Therapy Explained

Optimal health includes and resounds from proper alignment of all body tissues; adjustments in alignment is one of the many options to accomplish this goal.  For those who work in the physical medicine field, D.O.'s chiropractors and physical therapists, to name a few, adjustments are one of the many treatment options to use where appropriate. 

There are many ways to accomplish the relief  that comes with neutral alignment.  One very gentle way is through the  hands on technique of Cranial Sacral Therapy.  Through this very light touch approach, a therapist can use the body's own fluid and innate healing ability to release tissue strain  and tension.

When strain is released from the tissues, the pull ( out of alignment) is resolved and thus, the bone return to their natural and neutral resting place.  All of this, in turn, leads to comfort and relief and allows the body to regain balance, alignment and health.

- Sarah Wolf DPT

The Importance of Good Posture

It can help you feel better

Posture is important in everything you do.  Here are some easy tips to be aware of as you move through your day:

• Tuck in your chest.  Imagine lifting through the crown of your head towards the sky.
• Gently lift your sternum or breastbone.
• Pull in lower abdominals.  Imagine pulling your belly button in towards your spine as your pelvis tilts underneath you.

- Nancy Charlebois, PT, MT

Fight Colds and Flu with Acupuncture

The flu, you and Chinese medicine

Clinical studies have suggested that using acupuncture as a preventative approach to colds and flu can reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illness.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work by rebalancing the body's system, regulating the body's healing energies and enhancing the immune system.

- John Charlebois, L. Ac.

Yoga Health Tip of The Month

Breathe to nourish your mind

Most people use only a fraction of their full breathing capacity.  A combination of stress, poor posture and long hours behind a desk can attribute to why many people tend to be "chest breathers."  Chest breathing creates an imbalance in the oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio.  For optimal health, breathing should be full and rhythmic using the diaphragm and ribs to fill and empty the lungs.  Deep abdominal breathing promotes a full exchange of air, keeping the oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio balanced.  Proper breathing soothes the nervous system, clears the mind, improves concentration, focuses attention, and increases the ability to deal with complex situations without suffering from stress.

- Maura Hintlian, RYT