Advanced Acupuncture

Acupuncture has evolved over time with many treatment styles, both traditional and modern. Generally, studies show acupuncture to be effective for a variety of conditions, but some approaches rise above in their research and refinement. Rosanna has continued studying, specializing, and participating in master classes and mentorships since graduating from acupuncture school and offers advanced acupuncture techniques that work. She combines multiple styles to bring you the very best that acupuncture has to offer including Neuro-Meridian Integrative Acupuncture, Neuro-Acupuncture, French Medical Auriculotherapy, and Electro-Acupuncture.

At Inner Light Wellness, you will receive customized care for your unique health concerns. Rosanna will use a combination of acupuncture techniques specific to your needs.

Acupuncture has at least a 2,000 year history as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture encourages your body’s natural healing abilities. This means good health and vitality for you!

Scientific research shows that acupuncture stimulates chemicals in the brain and body that stop pain, relieve stress, and reduce inflammation. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can be balanced and enhanced with acupuncture. Serotonin is important for symptom such as depression. Dopamine imbalance is implicated in ADHD and is vital for motivation.

Acupuncture can also trigger neurological reflexes that activate specific structures in peripheral nerves, the spinal column, the brainstem and cerebral cortex. By way of this activation, acupuncture can help initiate a process known as “neuroplasticity,” or re-learning in the nervous system. Neuroplasticity can facilitate the healing process for everything from chronic pain, paralysis, and dysautonomia, to even GERD, vertigo and hormonal imbalances.

Finally, acupuncture has been documented to have various histological or “tissue mediated” effects that can improve the functioning of our immune system, promote circulation and generate a healing response in damaged or inflamed areas of the body.

Acupuncture developed during a long period of time when some of the terms most usefully applied to describe the complex medical phenomena being observed were “qi” (breath/energy), Yin and Yang, and related traditional terms. The system that evolved under this terminology was so clinically agile that 2000+ years later, many of the same traditional terms are still used by licensed practitioners around the world to this day.

However, modern research also shows that acupuncture can largely be explained with neuroscience.  Acupuncture methods are known to stimulate the peripheral and central nervous system. This releases physiological chemicals that target nerves, muscles, blood vessels, the spinal cord, and the brain. Biochemicals and reflexes generated by acupuncture can stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, promoting physical and psychological well-being.

Acupuncture uses strategically located neuro-vascular junctions on the body that most often lie along nerve pathways. Your nervous system is spread throughout your entire body and affects every bodily function including those of your organs, glands, digestive system, circulatory system, and brain. So, an acupuncture point, located far from a problem area, can transmit a signal through the nervous system to produce healthy change. It does this via electrical signaling. Electrical signals govern all the processes that occur in your body via the nervous system.

Your entire body is constantly communicating along bioelectrical pathways (the nervous system) to keep you functioning. Acupuncture points are measurably electrically active. The most neurologically and electrically active points are the most often used points in the Traditional Chinese Medicine system.

After determining your underlying imbalances through a comprehensive intake and examination, acupuncture points are selected. The majority of points lie between elbows and wrists, knees and ankles. Some are located on the ear auricles, scalp and torso. You remain completely clothed for most acupuncture treatments.

First you lie comfortably on a padded massage table. The selected points are swabbed with alcohol, then sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are inserted into those areas.

Our needles are many times smaller than those used in a medical doctor’s office. Most people feel little except a general heaviness or tingling, and report a pleasant relaxation within a few minutes, often drifting into a light sleep during their treatments. After 20-25 minutes, the needles are removed and you’re free to go about your day!

The word ‘needle’ can provoke a lot of fear – even in some of the bravest people! Please don’t worry, acupuncture is usually not painful. In fact, most people describe the sensation as a light tap, followed by a heavy or full sensation that is not at all unpleasant.

The heavy sensation people feel is called ‘de Qi’ which means ‘the arrival of Qi.’ Qi is the traditional term for living energy and function inside you that if stagnant, may be causing pain or illness. The ‘de Qi’ sensation may come and go during a treatment – or you may notice wandering sensations in areas where no needles have been placed. You are feeling your systems circulate. It is a healthy response to acupuncture treatment.

When a needle does cause discomfort, it is temporary! Some points are more sensitive than others. Certain people need a lighter touch. We are happy to accommodate your preferences. We have needles that even most children find painless. (Yes, we treat children!)

Acupuncture treatments are cumulative and work best when done two to three times per week to start. Symptoms that are new or more acute require less treatments. However, most people are dealing with chronic, long term issues and require an average of six to eight weeks to begin to heal.

You’ll notice gradual improvements as we restore your body to balance. Symptoms lessen as you notice additional benefits such as improved energy levels, deeper sleep, and more resilience to stress.

Once your condition is resolved, it may be recommended that you continue with maintenance treatments to maintain your results. Maintenance treatments also prevent illness from returning and may keep you from developing them in the first place. An added bonus: most patients find acupuncture to be profoundly relaxing!