What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of complementary medicine that involves puncturing the skin with solid, hair-thin, sterile, single-use, disposable needles. It is used to alleviate pain and to treat many different physical, mental, and emotional conditions. It has been used as a modality of healthcare throughout Asia for more than two thousand years to treat a variety of ailments, such as menstrual irregularities, acute injuries, chronic pain, chronic diseases, and psychiatric disorders. Today in North America and Western Europe, the scientific basis and understanding of acupuncture is growing and gaining more appreciation for its capabilities than ever before.
How does Acupuncture work?
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by balancing the life energy, or qi (chee), that flows through the body. It can be influenced by stimulating particular points on the body in combination, which are located on channels of energy known as meridians. These meridians connect all of the major organs and extend to the tips of the limbs. When qi is not flowing properly through the channels or is blocked, illness or pain may arise. Acupuncture is then used to restore the proper flow of qi, as well as increase blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and stop pain.
Modern research has significantly improved our understanding of how acupuncture works from a scientific perspective. It influences the nervous system, the body’s biochemistry, blood circulation, hormones, and more. Especially in regards to pain, many studies have proven acupuncture’s ability to promote blood circulation in order to improve the body’s healing ability as well as its affect on various neurotransmitters.
How does acupuncture affect hormones and endorphins?
According to modern research, acupuncture points are areas where more nerves are densely distributed and have a higher concentration of charged ions have been found, making those areas more excitable (1). By inserting needles into these points, particular nerve fibers are stimulated and signals are sent to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which is located at the base of the brain and the adrenal glands (near the kidneys). “A major component of the homeostatic response is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, an intricate, yet robust, neuroendocrine mechanism that mediates the effects of stressors by regulating numerous physiological processes, such as metabolism, immune responses, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The HPA axis consists of a cascade of endocrine pathways that respond to specific negative feedback loops involving the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary gland, and adrenal gland.(2)”
(1) Gong, Y, Li, N, Lv, Z, et al. The neuro-immune microenvironment of acupoints—initiation of acupuncture effectiveness. J Leukoc Biol. 2020; 108: 189– 198. https://doi.org/10.1002/JLB.3AB0420-361RR
(2) Sheng, J, Bales, N, Myers, S, et al. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2021; 14. ttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601939
What happens when a needle is inserted?
“When a needle is inserted and manipulated either manually or electronically, the local free-nerve endings and specialized neural receptors receive the stimulation that is then transformed into nerve impulses. In turn, these impulses are sent to the central nervous system (CNS) through afferent neural pathways. Every level of the CNS responds to the signals, leading to downstream effects—a possible healing process. The crosstalk of the nervous system with the endocrine system and immune system may amplify and enhance these effects.(1)”
(1) Zhu H. Acupoints Initiate the Healing Process. Med Acupunct. 2014 Oct 1;26(5):264-270. doi: 10.1089/acu.2014.1057. PMID: 25352943; PMCID: PMC4202904.
As a new patient, during your first treatment you can expect a thorough intake and examination regarding your chief complaint. Your appointment is typically 45 to 60 minutes long, and during that time, Talia will ask you a series of questions that will help determine a treatment plan. Needles will then be inserted into various acupoints, after which you will be able to sink into deep relaxation for 25-30 minutes in order to allow acupuncture's effects to go to work. Depending on your chief complaint, other modalities may be included in your treatment.
What can I expect during my first treatment?
The amount of treatments required varies greatly on what the condition being treated is. Generally, acute musculoskeletal disorders have a quicker healing time, ranging from 3 visits to 10. Other disorders, such as neuropathy, radiculopathy, anxiety, and sleep disorders may require regular visits as part of comprehensive symptoms management plan. This will be discussed during your first visit.
How many treatments will I need?
Yes! Dahms Acupuncture accepts personal injury cases and is in-network with Blue Shield of California PPO (excludes ASH plans), United Healthcare, California Schools VEBA, and Optum. For out-of-network PPO plans, you will be given a superbill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. We do not accept Medicare or MediCal as Talia Dahms, L.Ac. is not a Medicare or MediCal provider.
Do you accept insurance and personal injury (auto accident/slips and falls)?
Yes. Please inform Talia that you will be paying with an FSA or HSA card, and she will provide you with a superbill to present to the proper entity. Payment is due at the time of treatment.
