Synergy
  Acupuncture
 

• Acupuncture                                      

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine, dating back 3000 years.  Acupuncture originated in China and from there found its way to Japan, Korea and beyond.  In the early 1970's acupuncture began to grow in popularity worldwide.  Acupuncture is a natural, safe and effective method for treating injuries, illness and for restoring emotional well being.  It is based on an energetic model of the human form and has its roots in Taoist philosophy.  The human being is seen as a microcosm of the universe, a tiny depiction of the whole.  The body/mind is viewed as an ecosystem, made of interrelated parts and as having an innate balance.
So how does it work?
Energy or Qi is accessed through acupuncture points, which lie along the pathway of a channel/meridian.  Each point has an effect on the energy traveling through it.  Acupuncture treatment seeks to restore homeostasis or balance in the body and mind by communicating with the Qi.  For example, Qi may be encouraged to move to relieve stagnation or soothed to nourish. As each of the points correspond to a particular channel, 10 of the channels correspond to an organ system and 2 correspond to the front and back body.  From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture can influence the body on many levels.  It can access the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a deep relaxed state and it can also have a regulating effect on the autonomic or sympathetic nervous system.  It can interrupt the pain signal from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system(the brain).  Researchers suggest that it helps stimulate the release of the body's natural pain killers, endorphins and serotonin and that it can help reduce inflammation by affecting the immune system and influencing the pituitary gland.  
What can you expect from a treatment?
Many people find acupuncture to be quite relaxing.  The needles are thin and flexible, about the diameter  of a human hair.  Very often there is little to no sensation upon insertion and as the needles are activated there may be a tingling sensation, which may travel or spread.  A warm, achy or zingy sensation is also possible. Once the needles are in, many people report a sense of well being and calm.  Acupuncture sessions are formulated to encompass the whole person as well as treat any symptomatic presentation.  Whether you are seeking treatment for an acute physical flare up or a long standing pattern, acupuncture can be helpful.  Some conditions are rapidly alleviated while more chronic conditions take a bit more time and show slow but steady progress.  For a list of conditions treated by acupuncture compiled by the World Health Organization visit http://acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=29001  
 

• Massage

Massage may be used in conjunction with the acupuncture treatment to promote relaxation and to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Shannon offers a variety of massage techniques, from Tuina to the more well known techniques such as Swedish and Deep Tissue.

• Tuning Forks

Shannon offers needle-free activation of acupuncture points with tuning forks, which can be used in conjunction with a treatment with needles or as a completely needle-free treatment.  Tuning forks access qi through vibration/sound waves.  Read more http://acutonics.com

• Crystal Singing Bowls

Shannon offers sound therapy during the acupuncture session upon request.  Many patients find the bowls to be sublimely relaxing and transporting.  Sound healing can access subtle layers of our being, it can help release tensions or holding on any level and have a transformative effect overall.  Read an article on sound baths at www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/tune-in-and-chill-out-what-are-sound-baths-and-why-you-should-try-one/2017/05/02/e74c697c-2b7c-11e7-a616-d7c8a68c1a66_story.html?utm_term=.2dfae88a566d