At Therapeutic Kneads, we offer many different types of massage therapy, all of which have unique benefits. However, we also offer some alternatives to massage therapy, such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is founded on the belief that disease is caused by disruptions to the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. Acupuncture stimulates points on or under the skin called acupuncture points, thus releasing this qi. The qi then travels through channels called meridians and restores proper energy. Acupuncture is very personal and varies for each individual patient. Two patients could go to an acupuncturist for the same reason, but have different acupuncture points chosen for their treatment.
Acupuncture needles were originally made of stone, bamboo, and bone. However, today’s needles are made of extremely fine stainless steel. They are about the thickness of two human hairs.
Many people are apprehensive about having needles stuck in them. However, the insertion of a needle into an acupuncture point is quick and painless. You may feel a tiny sting or nip akin to a mosquito bite. Once the needles are in place, you rest quietly for 20 minutes. At the end of the treatment, the needles are removed and discarded.
The World Health Organization endorses the use of acupuncture to treat over 200 symptoms and diseases. It can benefit a wide variety of conditions including: emotional disorders (anxiety, depression, etc.), digestive conditions, pain syndromes from injury or chronic diseases, neurological problems (migraines, Parkinson’s disease, etc.), rehabilitation for stroke victims, and much more. Acupuncture has proven to relieve pain especially in the teeth, jaw, neck, shoulder, lower back, and knee. Many doctors believe that the reason acupuncture decreases pain is because it increases the blood flow, decreases muscle tension, and helps the body product natural painkilling chemicals, like serotonin.
Sandy Saldano, Lic. Massage Therapist
Owner of Therapeutic Kneads, Ltd.
847-266- 0131