Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for over two thousand years. In the Chinese view, all of the creation contains within it Yin and Yang. These terms refer to the complementary but opposing qualities that make up everything in the natural world. Harmony of Yin and Yang means health while disharmony leads to disease. The strategy of Chinese medicine is to restore balance between Yin and Yang.

Just as Nature contains air, water and land, the human body is comprised of Qi, moisture and blood.

 Qi is the animating force that gives us our capacity to move, think and feel. 

Moisture is the fluid which protects, nurtures and lubricates tissue. 

Blood is the material out of which our bodies create bones, nerves, skin, muscle and organs. 

Qi, moisture and blood circulate within a web of pathways called channels that link together all the parts of the organism.

The goal of treatment is to adjust and harmonize Yin and Yang, cold and heat, inner and outer, body and mind. This is achieved by regulating Qi, moisture and blood on the organ networks; weak organs are tonified, congested channels are opened, excess is dispersed, tightness is loosened, agitation is calmed, and heat is cooled.

Treatment may incorporate acupuncture, herbal remedies, diet, exercise or massage. Duration of treatment depends on the nature of the complaint, its severity, and how tong it has been present. Acupuncture may be scheduled as often as three times a week or as little as twice per month. Some patients need only a few sessions while others need sustained care to reverse entrenched patterns.

Doctors of Chinese medicine and or Naturopathic Doctors use acupuncture, herbs and food to recover and sustain health.  Acupuncture is based on the assumption that Qi courses through the channels of the body. Insertion of the needles goes unnoticed by some, and to others feels like a small pinch followed by a sensation of tingling, numbness, ache, warmth or heaviness. Some people feel Qi moving at a distance from the point of insertion. Needles remain in place for 15-20 minutes. Some notice a relief of the symptoms or feel more energetic in the days that follow treatment. 

Benefits of Acupuncture

Chronic Pain

Muscular knots/tightness

Infertility/Menstrual problems

Constipation/diarrhea/bloating

Headaches/migraines

Anxiety/Memory impairment

Mind-Body Balance

Sports Injuries

and much more…

Ask Dr. Maria Papasodaro, your Naturopathic Doctor about whether acupuncture can benefit you 

and begin your journey to wellness!