How to Go Beyond Temporary Fixes and Treat the Root Cause with Acupuncture

Living with chronic health conditions can feel like an endless cycle of treating symptoms without ever addressing the root cause. You may rely on medications and other temporary fixes just to get through each day, but true healing remains out of reach. There is a better way. Classical Chinese medicine and acupuncture offer a holistic approach that can resolve health issues at their source for long-lasting wellness.

The Limitations of Symptom-Based Care

Conventional medicine excels at diagnosing diseases and providing medications to relieve your most bothersome symptoms. However, this problem-focused method often fails to uncover why you originally became unwell. Your symptoms are simply manifestations of a deeper imbalance within your body. Without treating the root dysfunction, your illness is likely to recur after symptom relief subsides.

Medications also come with side effects that generate new symptoms over time. Relying too heavily on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and surgical procedures tends to trap patients in a vicious cycle with no permanent cure. Just covering up the symptoms is not enough. For complete healing, you need to identify and correct the underlying cause.

The Holistic Approach to Acupuncture in Brooklyn

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a fundamentally different perspective on health and illness. Practitioners view the human body as an interconnected whole rather than isolated parts. Acupuncture restores balance to your entire system so you can thrive free of nagging symptoms.

This holistic healing art dates back over 2,500 years in China. It utilizes fine needles inserted at specific points on the skin to manipulate the body’s flow of vital energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”). Imbalanced, blocked, or depleted Qi is considered the root cause of disease in TCM.

Skilled acupuncturists determine where your Qi has become unbalanced and use appropriate techniques to restore smooth circulation throughout the energy meridians. This regulation boosts your immune defenses and stimulates healing responses. Instead of just covering up symptoms, acupuncture brings your whole being back into harmony.

Key Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy

• Provides lasting relief from chronic pain
• Reduces inflammation responsible for many diseases
• Lowers oxidative stress linked to cellular damage
• Regulates hormones to resolve endocrine disorders
• Improves sleep, mood, and mental clarity
• Strengthens immune function to resist illness
• Aids natural detoxification of waste products
• Increases blood flow and oxygen delivery

What health complaints could improve with the root-cause healing of classical Chinese medicine and acupuncture? The list is extensive. Scientific studies have validated the efficacy of acupuncture for:

• Headaches and migraines
• Back, shoulder, knee, and joint pain
• Arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sciatica
• Anxiety, depression, and insomnia
• High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Fatigue, low energy, and chronic fatigue
• Infertility, menstrual cramps, and menopause
• Obesity, food cravings, and diabetes
• Digestive disorders like IBS, Crohn’s, and colitis
• And much more!

Acupuncture Styles Used in Brooklyn

There are numerous acupuncture techniques from different cultures and healing traditions. At our clinics in Brooklyn, patients benefit from a diverse range of methods.

Japanese Acupuncture

This style involves a diagnostic technique called palpation to examine the abdominal region. The abdomen and chest have a reflective connection to all internal organs. Areas of tenderness often correspond to underlying dysfunction. Japanese acupuncturists gently treat related points to relieve organ imbalance.

Classical Chinese Acupuncture

The traditional approach uses meridian pathways and acupoints located throughout the body. It focuses on restoring the proper circulation of Qi and blood to reestablish homeostasis. Classical techniques are especially helpful for addressing complex chronic disorders.

Korean 5 Element Acupuncture

This method aligns with the five phases theory of Chinese medicine – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. It utilizes just five acupoints associated with the internal organ networks. Direct stimulation provides rapid balancing effects.

European Acupuncture

Contemporary Western styles concentrate on treating local regions, especially the ears, scalp, and trigger points. These convenient areas offer quick relief from pain, inflammation, and neurological symptoms.

Complementary Wellness Techniques

To enhance acupuncture’s healing potential, we also incorporate supportive therapies, including:

1. Moxibustion – This uses a heated mugwort herb to warm acupoints and stimulates Qi flow. The infrared heat penetrates deeply to relax muscles, reduce pain, and boost immunity.
2. Cupping – Glass cups create suction on the skin to improve circulation in stagnant tissues. Helpful for relieving back pain, inflammation, and digestive complaints.
3. Gua Sha – A massage technique using a jade stone that releases muscle tension and myofascial adhesions to restore range of motion.
4. Tuina – Therapeutic Chinese massage to alleviate muscle knots, stiffness, sciatica, and joint pain throughout the body.
5. Electroacupuncture – Gentle electrical pulses amplify the needling effects to release endorphins, relax muscles, and reduce inflammation.

FAQs About Acupuncture Treatment

If you are new to acupuncture, you probably have some questions about what to expect during your treatment sessions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What will my first appointment be like?

Your initial consultation will last 60-90 minutes. The acupuncturist will ask detailed questions about your health history, lifestyle habits, and current concerns. They will check your pulse, examine your tongue, and possibly palpate your abdomen. Based on all this assessment data, they will design a customized treatment plan. You may receive brief acupuncture or massage on this first visit.

Does inserting the needles hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, so most patients feel only minimal sensations of tingling or dull pressure during needling. Any discomfort is usually brief. Let your acupuncturist know if any points feel painful so they can adjust the insertion depth and technique.

Where are the needles placed?

Acupoints are located all over the body. The sites chosen for you will depend on your unique imbalances and symptoms. Most points are found on the arms, legs, back, stomach, or head. Nothing is ever needled near the heart or other vital organs.

How long do the needles stay in?

Needles are typically left in place for 15 to 30 minutes while you relax comfortably on the treatment table. Some points may be stimulated manually or with gentle electrical pulses to enhance the effects.

How many sessions will I need?

Your acupuncturist will advise how many treatments are ideal based on your health status. Those with longstanding chronic illnesses often need 12 sessions or more. Improvement is progressive, so allow sufficient time for core-level healing.

What should I do after treatment?

Avoid vigorous exercise, alcohol, and stressful activities for several hours so your body can integrate the treatment benefits. Rest, hydrate, and eat a light, healthy meal. Apply heat or ice to any lingering soreness. Make a note of your responses to share at your next visit.

When will I see the results?

Benefits commonly begin accumulating after the first few treatments. You may notice improved sleep, more energy, reduced pain, and better digestion. More time is required for complex or stubborn conditions. Communicate openly with your practitioner about your progress.

Experience Acupuncture Differently at Bonafide Acupuncture & Herbs

Don’t wait any longer to start resolving your health problems at the root. Call Bonafide Acupuncture & Herbs in Brooklyn to schedule an initial consultation. We offer personalized care tailored to your needs with a diversity of Chinese medicine modalities. Our compassionate practitioners will partner with you on your healing journey back to wellness and balance.