Acupuncture at Naturally Inspired
At Naturally Inspiring in Scottsdale, AZ, we offer acupuncture as part of our holistic, whole-body approach to wellness.
Originating in China more than 3,000 years ago, acupuncture is a time-honored practice that is now widely recognized around the world as a beneficial and effective therapy. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to support balance, encourage natural healing, and promote the smooth flow of energy (qi).
Today, many people turn to acupuncture to support pain relief, stress reduction, hormone balance, digestion, sleep, and overall well-being.
Is Acupuncture right for you?
Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms? If so, acupuncture may offer significant benefits for your health and well-being.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient treatment where very thin needles are inserted into the skin at certain parts of the body in order to stimulate points that are thought to connect internal organs to the surface of the body. These areas of connection are referred to as “meridians,” with 12 principal meridians, which are thought to connect the limbs to the trunk and head. In ancient tradition, Qi (pronounced chee), or life energy, flows through these meridians. The needles are inserted along these meridians to remedy the imbalance of Qi
How does Acupuncture work?
When a needle is inserted into connective tissue and manipulated, the tissue constricts around the needle, which is called “needle grasp.” This coupling of connective tissue with a needle produces a mechanical signal, which can, in turn, create a biochemical signal that leads to several effects, including nervous system pathway activation, gene expression changes, modification of extracellular matrix composition, and protein synthesis. This means that acupuncture has the potential to significantly positively influence the make-up of the cell populations connected to the tissue beneath the skin. By using functional MRIs, researchers have shown that acupuncture impacts the brain’s Limbic system to reduce pain.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture generally involves minimal discomfort. The needles used are very thin, much thinner than those used for injections or blood draws. When the needles are inserted, you may feel a slight prick, tingling, or a dull ache. Most people find the sensation to be mild and tolerable.