Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that uses the insertion of very fine needles into various points on the body to restore the free flow of Chi/Qi (the body’s vital life force) and stimulate one’s innate healing abilities. The disruption of Chi flow leads to dis-ease.

Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicinals, when combined with regular acupuncture and a healthy diet, can be very effective in speeding the healing process. Carefully crafted Chinese herbal formulas consist of several herbs, anywhere from four to twenty, and can be used for acute or chronic conditions. These herbal formulas are meant to be modified according to changes in the client’s signs and symptoms.

Herbal formulas come in various forms: decoctions, pills/tablets, granules, and tinctures. At Armonía Health LLC, we use formulas that adhere to strict Good Manufacturing Practices and companies using Chinese herbs processed in the USA.  Some of the herbal and supplement companies we use are Kan Herbals, Health Concerns, Pure Encapsulations, Gaia herbs, Far East Summit, Rainforest Remedies.  We are also interested in connecting and sourcing with local community herbalists.

Conditions that respond well to Chinese herbs include, but are not limited to: gynecological issues, digestion problems, allergies, low immunity, fatigue, emotional issues, cold/flu, and pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

What can acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:

•Musculoskeletal Disorders: tennis elbow, neck/shoulder tension, TMJ, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, arthritis, muscle tension, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder

•Gynecological Disorders: PMS, endometriosis, fertility challenges, menstrual irregularity, menopausal symptoms, morning sickness during pregnancy

•Gastrointestinal Disorders: peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, anorexia, constipation, gastritis, food allergies, diarrhea, weight gain/obesity.

•Emotional Disorders & Neuro-logical disorders: stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, post-stroke rehabilitation

•Respiratory Disorders: common cold, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis

•Circulatory Disorders: hypertension, high cholesterol, angina pectoris

•Urogenital Disorders: stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction

•Skin conditions: facial rejuvenation, acne, eczema, psoriasis

Acupuncture can also help diminish the side effects of chemotherapy such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, low immune function.

For our pregnancy and fertility support programs, we incorporate acupuncture and the Arvigo® therapies, visit our Arvigo®therapies page to learn more about how these two therapies are integrated.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is one of the key components of Oriental Medicine. It involves adjusting the flow of energy (Qi, pronounced “Chee”) along specific pathways called meridians. Dis-ease arises when the Qi is blocked, and can manifest as physical, mental, and/or emotional symptoms.
Within the framework of Western sciences, many theories have been proposed about how acupuncture works. These include: 1) Regulating the nervous system and aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells; 2) Altering brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones, thus affecting involuntary body functions, blood pressure and blood flow.

Does acupuncture hurt & as it safe?
No, acupuncture does not hurt and is extremely safe when practiced by a competently trained, licensed professional. Acupuncture needles are very thin and flexible, about the size of a strand of human hair. They are pre-sterilized and disposed of after each insertion.

What is the difference between individual acupuncture and community acupuncture?      

INDOOR COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE WILL NOT BE HELD AT THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC.  We offer individual acupuncture, massage, virtual consultations on a sliding scale, and virtual courses at this time.  Stay tuned for any updates on sliding scale offerings.

 An individual session is in a room with one massage table, your session is in private and your practitioner devotes more time to you for the intake and treatment that can include additional modalities based on the practitioner’s preference and training, such as tui na (Chinese bodywork), cupping, guasha, moxibustion, energy healing, Arvigo®Techniques of Maya abdominal therapy.  Sessions are 75-90 minutes with the initial session being 75-120 minutes.

Community acupuncture at Armonía Health LLC is in a large room with four massage tables.  Initial sessions include a private 15 minute consultation with the acupuncturist before moving into the community room to receive acupuncture.  Follow up sessions are generally scheduled every 15 minutes. Your intake is shorter than during an individual one-on-one session and your treatment focuses on acupuncture.  This structure is designed to provide good care at a low cost and to make regular weekly sessions more accessible.  Many people are surprised at how easy they can relax in a group setting during the acupuncture and feel the support of being in a group setting where everyone is there with a common goal: to receive assistance and balance.  Community acupuncture is a good fit for treatment of most musculo-skeletal issues, especially backache, joint pain, neck pain, headaches, stress relief, immune balance, seasonal balance, and as part of a detox, fertility, or pregnancy support program.  For our pregnancy and fertility support programs, we incorporate acupuncture and the Arvigo® therapies, visit our Arvigo®therapies page to learn more about how these two therapies are integrated.

Choosing between individual or community acupuncture many times depends on cost, time, preference of being in group or private setting.  The acupuncture points chosen by the acupuncturist may the be same or very similar.  The main differences are the length of time of the session, the number of therapies used and the length of the one-on-one educational and personal interaction with the acupuncturist.  One can combine individual sessions of acupuncture, Arvigo® therapy, life coaching, and Reiki with community acupuncture into a treatment plan.  Communicate with your practitioner to determine a good fit, our therapists at Armonia Health LLC will also suggest a treatment plan for you.

What can I expect during the treatment?
The client lies comfortably on the massage table as the practitioner taps the needles into different areas of the body. Most people feel very relaxed almost as soon as the points are all inserted. Many hardly notice that the needles have been inserted. Others experience some tingling, warmth, prickly sensation, heaviness, or a feeling of Chi moving up and down the meridians. If any of the points are uncomfortable, let your practitioner know and she will adjust it. You will then rest for about 30-40 minutes for the duration of the treatment.

How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your main complaint. It can vary from one treatment for an acute condition to 5-10 to resolve a chronic condition.  Acupuncture is most effective is the sessions are scheduled weekly towards the beginning of the course of treatment. Some degenerative conditions may require treatments over an extended period of time. Chinese herbs, dietary modifications, specific exercises, self-massage, and relaxation techniques increases the efficacy of the changes brought about by acupuncture.

How should I prepare for a treatment?
Avoid treatment when too fatigued, hungry, full, or when intoxicated. We recommend eating breakfast for your morning acupuncture session; avoid caffeine, excess cane sugar, and alcohol. Focus on your breathing during your treatment and let your practitioner know if anything bothers you. If possible, give yourself time to relax and take it easy after your acupuncture session.

How long does each treatment last?
The individual sessions last 75 minutes-90 minutes, with follow up sessions lasting 60-90 minutes. Please arrive to your appointment on time, print out and complete the appropriate forms on our Welcome page under Rates & Intake.   Make  sure  to  complete  the  viral  signs and symptoms form and call the clinic number or your practitioner when you arrive.