Basic Balance, PLLC
Acupuncture & Asian Healing Arts
Keene, NH. Allison Millar, L.Ac.
Introduction to Acupuncture- Narrated
Research has shown acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of over 100 conditions:
Anxiety
Depression
Hypertension
Fatigue
Addictions
Tics/Spasms
Dizziness
Vertigo
Tension
Insomnia
Acid Reflux
GERD,Heartburn
Nausea
Gas
Bloating
Constipation
IBS
Gastritis
Chrohn's
Diverticulitis
Sciatica
Arthritis
Back Pain
Neck Pain
Joint Pain
Carpal Tunnel
Tennis Elbow
Fibromyalgia
Migraines
Shingles
PMS
Menstrual Pain
Menopause
Obesity
Edema
Diabetes
Numbness
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Bell's Palsy
Neuropathy
How does acupuncture work?
We don’t know yet! Although medical research has proven that acupuncture works, the mechanism via which it works is still unknown. It has been shown to improve circulation, increase endorphins, regulate neurotransmitters, release anti-inflammatory compounds, activate key brain regulatory centers, and block pain sensation via the ‘Gate Control’ mechanism of our nervous system. As far as how it does these things, interesting research is being conducted to try to get to the bottom of it.
Chinese Medicine works by changing a pattern that’s been established in your body. Think of the needles as electrical conductors. With each treatment, we use them to ‘rewire’ your nervous system, reminding your body it that it has the resources and information to create a new pattern.
Acupuncture needles are extremely thin. The ones we use are as thin as a piece of hair and 6-7 of these can fit on the head of a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow, so unlike hypodermic needles, they do not pierce the skin when inserted; they slide between skin cells. Insertion of the needles is not always felt and when it is, it is a mild prick that subsides quickly. Patients generally feel deeply relaxed during and after a treatment and often, fall asleep.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Is acupuncture safe?
If received by a properly trained acupuncturist, yes. All the needles we use are sterile and disposable, so they are only used once and there is no risk for cross-contamination. We are well trained in terms of contraindications, point depths, and locations. We are certified by CCAOM (Council of Colleges of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine) in Clean Needle Technique.
How many treatments will I need?
We generally work with patients for a season, or 12 weekly treatments. We assess the progress each week. A large factor in us achieving results is consistency; coming in regularly helps keep the gains and build on them. Our aim is to see a two-week time span in which your chief complaint has resolved or decreased to a level that you are happy with. At that point, we'll decide by mutual agreement, what works best for maintenance and prevention.
Our goal is NOT to have you come in every week for the rest of your life. It’s to work intensively together for a period of time, have you get back on track with your life, and call us when you need some help again, with the same issue or any other issue that comes up. We are happy when our patients graduate from care, because that means we’ve done our job well! Of course we do have patients who just love acupuncture and come weekly - and that’s fine, too!
A healthy person has many wishes, but the sick person has only one.
-Indian Proverb