Acupuncture

ACupuncture at Peace and Harmony Pain Management CenterAcupuncture can offer hope, adding safe therapies to reduce pain and ease suffering. Acupuncture is an excellent tool for maintaining the balance from which good health can flourish. Healthy lifestyle habits are also essential to support the healing process and greatly enhance the outcome of acupuncture treatment.

A common treatment plan for a single complaint at Peace & Harmony PMC would typically involve six to twelve appointments, scheduled over a few weeks. Several maintenance sessions per year also may be recommended.

Acupuncture is a non-drug therapeutic treatment which is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to be effective in the treatment of various types of pain.

Call us for an appointment today: 617-209-9762


Acupuncture Sessions May Include Insertive and Non-Insertive Techniques. 

Non-Insertive Techniques Include: 

  • Ear and body acupressure
  • Zen facial massage
  • Guasha
  • Moxibustion
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Therapeutic Exercises
  • Nutritional Counseling
  • Lifestyle Counseling
  • Electrical and Laser Acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine involving the insertion of very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points on the skin. 

 How does acupuncture work from a Chinese point of view?

Acupuncture works by adjusting the flow of qi (pronounced “chee”) in the body.

The medical classics describe the flow of qi like the movement of water through a system of canals in a country. When the water in the canals is flowing properly, the reservoirs are full, the fields are irrigated, and the transportation routes are open. When the canals are obstructed, the reservoirs may flood or dry up, the fields may lose their irrigation or become swamped, and the transportation routes may become impassable. Acupuncture needles adjust the flow of qi in the “canals” of the body, and so return the “country” of the body to working order.

What is qi 氣?

Qi is often translated as “life energy.” It is the active, moving force in the body.

In Chinese, the word qi is also a part of the word for weather 天氣. This literally means “sky qi.” So just as weather is the activity of the sky, qi is the activity in the body.

What is a typical session like?

A session usually lasts about 75 minutes. Of this time, 15 minutes is spent performing diagnostics—asking questions, taking pulse, examining tongue and palpation—and 10 minutes is spent needling. The remainder of the time, the patient relaxes on the table while listening to music.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Patients typically report feeling either no sensation upon the insertion of needles, or feeling a small pinch. After insertion, patients typically do not feel pain. Most patients report feeling very comfortable and relaxed during and after treatment

How much does treatment cost?

The cost of treatment varies depending on the condition.

Is Acupuncture covered by my insurance?

At this time, We are not contracted with insurance companies as providers. However, we do accept most flex spending accounts for payment. If your insurance company reimburses for acupuncture we can provide the necessary paperwork for you to get reimbursement from your insurance company.  

How long does treatment take?

An initial course of treatment is usually four sessions, two per week. Many acute conditions will resolve after the initial course of treatment. More chronic conditions take longer to heal, but will typically show signs of improvement after the initial course. In such cases, the acupuncture doctor will construct a personalized treatment plan.

How should I prepare for my session?

The patient should dress in loose-fitting clothing. For the initial session, the patient should also download the intake paperwork,

 


Treatable Conditions

Below is a list of conditions and circumstances for which acupuncture may be an effective treatment.

Acupuncture for Pain

  • Headache & Migraines
  • Orofacial Pain
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorder | TMJD
  • Sports injuries
  • Low Back pain
  • Knee pain
  • Rib pain
  • Shoulder pain/ Tension
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Neck pain
  • Stiff neck | Torticollis
  • Pelvic pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Sciatica
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Arthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Menstrual Problems – Gynecology – Pregnancy – Fertility

  • IVF & Natural Conception – For Males and/or Females
  • PMS
  • Painful Periods | Dysmenorrhea
  • Heavy Periods | Menorrhagia
  • Absent Periods | Amenorrhea
  • High FSH
  • Abnormal Cervical Mucus
  • Luteal Phase Defect
  • Sexual Disorders
  • Painful Sex | Dyspareunia
  • Fibroids and Cysts
  • Blocked Fallopian Tubes
  • Recurrent Miscarriage
  • Menopause
  • Morning Sickness
  • Pelvic/Symphysis Pubic Pain
  • Muscular-skeletal Conditions
  • Swollen Ankles
  • Postpartum Depression
  • Insufficient Lactation
  • Night Sweats

Mental and Emotional Concerns 

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleeping Problems | Insomnia
  • Low energy
  • Grief
  • Shock
  • Fear
  • Anger/Frustration
  • Guilt
  • Worry

Digestive Complaints

  • IBS
  • Constipation
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain
  • Gases | Bloating
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loose stools | Diarrhea
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Respiratory Conditions

  • Asthma
  • Sinusitis
  • Hay fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sleep apnea
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Bronchitis
  • Colds and Flu