ACUPUNCTURE 

Promote your body’s natural self-healing process and improve its functionality with this safe, effective, alternative medicine modality. 

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE? 

Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The treatment ACUPUNCTUREinvolves inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture points on the body. 

By stimulating the acupuncture points, the nervous system releases chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals influence the body’s own internal regulating and hormonal system, reducing energy blocks, imbalances in the body, and eliminating pain.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Our bodies have energy channels that run in patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels are called meridians, and they’re like rivers that flow through the body to hydrate and nourish the tissues. When there is a block or obstruction in one of these meridians, the energy or “chi” gets blocked, and our bodies can’t function or heal themselves properly.

The process of “needling” the acupuncture points helps stimulate the nervous system and unblock the obstruction, allowing circulation of energy and a regular flow throughout the meridians. There are 350 acupuncture points in the body where the meridians and energy channels can be accessed. 

By releasing the obstruction, the body’s biochemical balance is restored, energy is improved, and pain is reduced. The body’s natural healing abilities can do what they do best and promote physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

At OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group, we combine the best of this proven, ancient wisdom with modern integrative techniques to bring you the most effective treatment protocol. While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it can also have broader applications. It can help prevent illness, treat various medical conditions, and promote an overall sense of healthy & well-being. 

Below are some of the conditions acupuncture can treat:

  • Ankle & foot pain
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic pain
  • Digestive disorders
  • Hand pain
  • Headaches
  • Hip pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Knee pain
  • Low back pain
  • Menstrual problems
  • Neck pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder pain/frozen shoulder
  • Sports injuries
  • Stress & tension
  • TMJ disorder
  • Tennis elbow/tendinitis
  • Wrist pain

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Once we complete an evaluation and create a customized treatment plan, we will have a better idea of the number of treatments needed to achieve your specific goals. For chronic, long-standing conditions, you may need one-two treatments a week for a few months. Or, for acute issues, you may need fewer visits to help alleviate your condition and start feeling good again.

DO THE TREATMENTS HURT? 

Each person experiences the treatments differently. Most feel no pain when the needles are inserted, and some feel a slight pinch or a minimal sensation. And once the needles are placed, you can’t feel them, so you can lie back and enjoy the deep relaxation.

WHAT KIND OF NEEDLES ARE USED? ARE THEY SAFE?

At OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group, our acupuncturists use disposable stainless steel needles, so there is no risk of infection from the treatments. The needles are very thin—about the diameter of a cat’s whisker, with a smooth point (not like hollow needles used to draw blood or give an injection). Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/8″ to 1″ inch. The risk of skin irritation or bruising is quite minimal. 

COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Along with traditional acupuncture, we use Cupping, Heat, and Electro Stimulation with a TENS unit for a more comfortable, comprehensive, and effective experience. 

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is an all-natural, drug-free therapy. Patients usually don’t experience any adverse side effects with acupuncture. However, it is common to feel a deep state of relaxation and sometimes a bit of disorientation right after the first one or two treatments. A little rest after treatment is ideal. It’s also common to feel the energy surging through your body, known as the Qi (chi) sensation.

Because energy is being redirected in the body, and healing occurs, sometimes the initial symptoms can worsen for a few days, but this is temporary. There can be changes in sleep, urination and bowel patterns, and even appetite or emotional states. However, there is no cause for concern, as these changes are signs that the effects of acupuncture are beginning to work. 

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE DO?

Acupuncture treats the root cause of pain or an ailment and allows the body to help heal itself. This natural treatment helps to:

ACUPUNCTURE DO

  • reduce pain and inflammation in joints and muscles
  • stimulate and regulate the body’s circulatory system
  • support the body’s nervous system function
  • restore hormonal balance 
  • strengthen the digestive system
  • reduces the stress and anxiety

WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

You are in good hands with our Acupuncture specialists at OC Wellness Physicians Group. To get the most out of your treatments, we suggest the following:  

  • If you are eating before or after a treatment, enjoy light foods instead of a large meal.  
  • Don’t over-exert yourself with exercise or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours of treatment.
  • Especially with the first few appointments, plan your day so you can rest or partake in light activities after your visit. 
  • Wear comfortable clothing, as you will be lying down for up to 30 minutes during your treatment.

ACUPUNCTURE IS AN EFFECTIVE THERAPY

The acupuncturists at OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group have the skills, experience, and talent needed to help patients achieve superior well-being and health. 

We are huge proponents of acupuncture’s benefits. We address and treat a myriad of issues in our clinic. From chronic headaches, fatigue, back pain, and anxiety, our caring, friendly acupuncturists are fully licensed and ready to help you unlock the best benefits of this time-honored treatment. 

Our acupuncture doctors also work with our holistic team of chiropractors, medical doctors, and physical therapists to create customized treatment plans that address your specific health and wellness goals. 

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Pain can be managed in a multitude of ways, depending on the cause and specific circumstances. 

 At OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group, we incorporate various modalities to get you the best results as fast (and long-lasting) as possible. From Functional Medicine and Conservative Therapies such as Physical Therapy to Chiropractic and Acupuncture, we offer a combination of effective treatments to get you feeling good again.

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