About Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

The principles of acupuncture are based on the theory of Yin and Yang and the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi corresponds broadly to energy or life force. Yin and Yang describe the dynamic opposites that exist in our body and all of nature. A balance of Yin and Yang must be maintained so that Qi is not disrupted. Human beings are bioenergetic systems. When the balance of Qi is disrupted, disharmony, pain and illness result. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the body. This process acts as a catalyst to create positive change. By stimulating our innate ability to heal ourselves, acupuncture can relieve symptoms of disease and promote health on many levels. It is based on traditions and philosophies thousands of years old and it continues to evolve to meet modern health challenges.

What is community acupuncture?

Most US acupuncturists are in private practice. They treat patients in individual treatment rooms, schedule one patient an hour, and charge at least $65 for a session. This is very effective, but can be difficult for many people to afford given that healing with acupuncture often requires a series of consistent visits over the course of several weeks or months. Community acupuncture provides an alternative that is just as effective and much more affordable. Community acupuncture treatments occur in a semi-private open space with several people receiving treatment at the same time, similar to treatment practices in China. The acupuncture session is streamlined allowing the acupuncturist to treat more people at once, resulting in lower patient cost. This allows for frequent, affordable treatments while providing high quality care.

What does acupuncture treat?

Below are the lists of the conditions effectively treated with acupuncture that are recognized by the NIH (National Institute of Health) and WHO (United Nations World Health Organization). Acupuncture treats imbalances in the body, mind, and spirit. It can, therefore, be helpful with many more conditions and symptoms. Please feel free to call the office for details about your concerns.

National Institute of Health
Addictions
Allergies
Ankle Swelling
Arm and Shoulder Pain
Arthritis
Attention Deficit Disorder
Back Pain
Bed Wetting
Blood Pressure
Bronchial Conditions
Bursitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Circulatory Issues
Colds
Colitis
Constipation
Cough
Depression
Detox
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Dizziness
Emphysema
Fatigue
Feet
Fibromyalgia
Flu
Gall Bladder Disorders
Gas
Gynecological Concerns
Hay Fever
Headache
Heart Problems
Hemorrhoids
Hip Pain
Immune System Deficiency
Indigestion
Infertility
Injuries
Insomnia
Joint Pain
Kidney Problems
Knee Pain
Leg Pain, Cramps
Liver Problems
Neck Pain, Stiffness
Nervousness
Neuralgia
Pain
Pleurisy
PMS
Pregnancy Symptoms
Prostate Problems
Rheumatism
Sciatica
Shingles
Shoulder Pain
Sinus Trouble
Skin Problems
Sports Injuries
Stomach Problems
Sore Throat
Thyroid Conditions
Ulcers
Urinary Problems
Whiplash
 World Health Organization
Abdominal Pain
Acid Reflux & Indigestion
Addiction Support
Allergies & Asthma
Anxiety
Arthritis
Belching & Flatulence
Bell's Palsy
Common Colds & Flu
Depression
Diarrhea & Constipation
Digestive Disorders
Ears, Eyes, & Nose Disorders
Emotional Disorders
Facial Pain
Headaches & Migraines
Impotence
Infertility
Insomnia
Joint & Limb Pain
Low Back Pain
Lowers Blood Pressure
Menopause
Menstrual Syndromes
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Cramps
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Neuralgia
Neurological Disorders
Ovarian Cysts
Parkinson's Disease
PMS
Post-operative Pain
Reproductive Disorders
Sciatica & Disc Problems
Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, & Bronchitis
Sprains, Strains, & Injuries
Strengthens Immune System
Stress Reduction
Uterine Fibroids

What styles are practiced at New Paltz Community Acupuncture?

There are many different styles of acupuncture. At New Paltz Community Acupuncture we do full-body treatments (many community acupuncture clinics utilize a style that only uses points below the knees and elbows) that incorporate some or all of the following styles:

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM is the most common form of acupuncture practiced in the US. The National Acupuncture boards are primarily based on this style. Developed in China during the 1950's, TCM drew on many classical Chinese styles and modalities in an attempt to standardize Chinese Medicine. A TCM diagnosis is made by discerning patterns of disharmony based on an examination of a patient's signs and symptoms. Treatments focus on the resolution of the found patterns. This style is very well suited to the practice of internal medicine.

  • Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM): APM is a modern style of acupuncture developed by Dr. Mark Seem. This approach combines classics-based French meridian acupuncture and trigger point dry needling technique, which is inspired by the work of Janet Travell, MD. A trigger point is a tender, palpable area of muscle tissue that has become chronically contracted. These knots can refer pain to distant areas of the body. A primary focus of this style is the release of trigger points through the use of acupuncture needles. This release often causes the affected muscle to involuntarily twitch (fasciculate) and can result in tremendous relief of pain. This style can be intense and will only be done with your consent. More gentle approaches are also very effective.

  • Kiiko Matsumoto's style (KM): KM is a modern style of traditional Japanese acupuncture. It was developed by Kiiko Matsumoto over the past 35 years. It has its roots in classical theories and texts, as well as in her studies with several Japanese acupuncture masters. In this style, a palpation sequence is followed in which specific active reflexes suggest the underlying diagnosis, and the efficacy of treatment is gauged by changes in these same reflexes. The community clinic setting is not conducive to administering a full KM treatment, but aspects of this style may be worked into your treatment.

  • Acupuncture Detox (NADA): This protocol was developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. It involves placing acupuncture needles in certain points on the ear. The NADA protocol has proven to be highly beneficial as an adjunctive treatment for addictions: it helps to relax the nervous system while supporting the detoxification process. It is most effective when administered as often as possible during acute recovery. It can be used to treat any addiction (including smoking and caffeine) and it can be helpful for detox from many things, including chemotherapy. It may be incorporated into a full treatment when appropriate.

What other modalities are used at New Paltz Community Acupuncture?

One of the following may be used during your treatment with your consent:

  • Cupping: Cupping is the placement of vacuum cups on the skin. This produces a deep penetrating massage to a localized area. It can be used to loosen tight muscles and to move stagnation/congestion.

  • Gua sha: Chronic muscle pain is often accompanied by stagnant blood. This is the result of oxygen deprivation to a certain area of the body. Gua sha is an ancient technique in which a smooth-edged surface (such as an Asian soup spoon) is moved vigorously over the affected area. This moves stagnant blood to the surface and allows fresh, oxygenated blood to take its place.

  • Electrical stimulation: Electrical stimulation involves using a device that is attached by clips to certain needles to generate a gentle, continuous electrical pulse between the needles. This can assist in the management of musculoskeletal pain.

  • Hot stones: It is often beneficial to bring heat to specific acupuncture points or to affected areas of the body. This is typically done through the use of moxibustion, the burning of mugwort. We are not allowed to use moxibistion in the rental space of New Paltz Community Acupuncture. Instead, we may place warm stones on the points or areas.

  • Castor oil packs: Castor oil packs have been used for a wide-range of health conditions. At New Paltz Community Acupuncture, they are primarily used for gynecological conditions such as fibroid tumors, endometriosis, and ovarian cysts. The treatment consists of using castor oil and a heating pad on the lower abdomen and allowing you to rest with that for about an hour. It can be added to an acupuncture treatment at an additional cost or you can come in just for a castor oil pack treatment. You and your acupuncturist can discuss an appropriate course of treatment.

How does acupuncture work?

          Used with permission from Katie Finley, M.S., L.Ac.
  • Traditional Chinese Explanation: Acupuncture is based on the premise that Qi (energy or life force) flows through many channels in the body. When the movement of Qi is impeded, symptoms of disease occur. Acupuncture works by harmonizing the movement of Qi in the body. Acupuncture points are located on the skin where the channels come closer to the surface. The points are like gates through which Qi is accessed to correct energetic imbalances, and to restore both harmony and the natural ability of the body to heal itself.

  • Biomedical Explanation: The complete mechanism of acupuncture is multifaceted and complex, and there are many aspects of it that cannot be measured. As a result, acupuncture is not fully understood by Western science. Some theories do exist that attempt to explain the healing capabilities of acupuncture, including Chemical, Structural and Electromagnetic:

  • Chemical Theory: The acupuncture needle elicits a biochemical cascade of events; from the site of the needle, signals are sent to the brain to release natural pain killing substances into the blood stream. These substances include endorphins, such as the Opioid Dynorphin, natural mood enhancers such as Serotonin, and various hormones and neurotransmitters.

  • Structural Theory: Acupuncture can relieve pain by needling the trigger and motor points. The needle causes a localized jump or contraction (fasciculation) in the muscle. The fasciculation and full contraction force the muscle to a post-excitation relaxation response. The needle allows the muscle to relax allowing for better blood flow and healing.

  • Electromagnetic Theory: This is the most comprehensive explanation for the long-term effects of acupuncture, and also the most difficult to research and evaluate. Acupuncture points may be primary sites of conduction for electromagnetic signals throughout the body. By affecting the acupuncture point we can change the flow of electrical energy in the body. Although complicated, Electromagnetic Theory is most closely aligned with the Chinese theory of Qi.