Acupuncture originated in China at least 5,000 years ago. It gradually spread to Japan and Korea where those cultures developed their own styles. Although acupuncture is the most well-known of the Chinese medical practices, it is only one of many, known collectively as the Eight Branches of Classical Chinese Medicine. Some of the other practices include herbology, nutrition, cupping and moxibustion, all of which we use daily at Canyon Health Center.

Acupuncture can be defined as a medical practice whereby a practitioner inserts a hair-fine needle beneath the skin of a patient in order to achieve a therapeutic effect. The patient often feels little or no sensation. Where the needles are placed and to what depth depends upon the intention of the practitioner, the desired effect and the treatment requirements. Some acupuncture points are needled at a depth as little as 0.1 inch.

Chinese medicine is holistic in nature. Its intention is to treat all aspects of the human being: the physical, the emotional and the spiritual. All of these are considered to be affected by the disease process and thus are part of the treatment. This leads to a more comprehensive healing and sense of well-being. It also encourages the patient to become active in their own healing process.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Acupuncture

Gynecological
Fertility Enhancement, Menopause, Infertility, PMS, PCOS, Fibroids, Ovarian Cysts, Irregular Cycle, No Menstrual Cycle, Heavy Menstrual Cycle and Painful Menstrual Cycle

Neurological
Headaches, Migraines, Stroke, Post-operative Pain, Bladder Dysfunction

Emotional
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, Irritability and Postpartum Depression

Musculoskeletal
Sports Injury, Arthritis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Carpal Tunnel, Pain Management, Hip and Knee Pain, Shoulder and Wrist Pain, Enhancing Athletic Performance, Muscle Cramps, Pain & Weakness

Respiratory
Bronchitis, Sinusitis, Asthma, Common Cold and Smoking Addiction

Digestive
Abdominal Pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Indigestion, Hyperacidity and IBS - Irritable Bowel

Miscellaneous
Weight loss, Hypothyroidism, Imbalanced Hormones, Side-effects from Chemo & Radiation, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Hypo/Hypertension, Weak Immune System and Anti-Aging