Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain.Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as qi or chi (CHEE) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow.

What types of conditions does acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is commonly used for pain relief, though it is also used for a wide range of other conditions, such as nausea, headaches and migraines, allergies, depression and anxiety, fertility, and many others.

Is acupuncture similar to dry needling?

Yes, there is very little difference between dry needling and acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture, dry needling is not based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both methods rely on ultra-thin needles inserted into trigger points to facilitate relaxation and recovery. Click here for more on dry needling at Astra Performance Health.

What is an acupuncture appointment like?

While there can be some initial discomfort, acupuncture is generally a safe and relaxing treatment for most patients.

Schedule an Appointment

Doctors at Astra Performance Health use acupuncture to treat pain and promote well-being. To learn more and see if acupuncture can help you, contact us online or call us at (913) 345-4840. We are currently accepting new patients.