Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.
Our health and wellbeing are dependent on the quality and quantity of Qi, or vital life force. Qi flows through meridians or pathways in our body providing nourishment to our organ systems and protecting us from illness. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, physical as well as mental illness may occur. Western medicine views mental health disorders as disfunctions in brain chemistry. Chinese medicine acknowledges these disorders as imbalances in a person’s Qi which affects the organ systems. This imbalance in Qi can be resolved through Acupuncture. There are hundreds of Acupuncture points along the meridians that, when stimulated during an acupuncture treatment, influence our body’s innate healing abilities.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following:
- Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy
- Dental pain after surgery
- Addiction
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Low back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Asthma
- It may also help with stroke rehabilitation.
What Can I Expect During an Acupuncture Session?
During an Acupuncture session, the points chosen for treatment calm our nervous system by placing our body in a relaxed state so it can carry out its natural healing capabilities. The goal of acupuncture treatments is to get to the root cause of mental health issues, as well as addressing symptoms. Through a thorough diagnostic evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is designed to bring you back into mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Acupuncture treatments for mental/emotional health issues are very beneficial as stand-alone therapy. However, they work just as well in conjunction with any treatment you may already be receiving as they do not interfere with any other modalities and have been known to help medications work more effectively.
Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.
**Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up to the elbows and knees.
Meet Our Acupuncturist
Ilyse Garber, L.Ac, Dipl.Ac.
M.Ac. Master of Acupuncture
L.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Dipl.Ac. Diplomate of Acupuncture as recognized by NCCAOM – National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Qigong Instructor
"Helping people find their way to better health is my passion and goal as an Acupuncturist. I chose to study Chinese Medicine because of its holistic approach to healing and resonance with nature. I fell in love with Chinese Medicine because it helped me feel better. I have been witnessed to, and experienced firsthand, the transformative power of Acupuncture treatments. It has been a privilege to practice this beautiful medicine and an honor to be of service to all those who seek it."
Ilyse holds a Masters of Acupuncture degree from the Won Institute of Graduate Studies where she completed a three-year intensive program of Acupuncture and Meditation studies. Ilyse is nationally certified as a Diplomate of Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, meeting the national standards for the safe and competent practice of Acupuncture as defined by the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine profession. In 2005 she completed a ten-month Medical Qigong teaching apprentice program with The Heart of Healing in Westtown, PA and has taught at both Sanktuary Yoga in Lansdale, PA and The Seventh Moon Wellness Spa in Lehighton, PA. As an acupuncturist, Ilyse utilizes her training in Worsely Five Element and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) styles, among others. In her study of Chinese medicine, Ilyse has come to the knowledge that illness and health are individual to each person, therefore, it is of utmost importance to create a tailored approach to healthcare. It is her goal as a practitioner of Acupuncture to address not only the physical health concerns of her patients but the mental, emotional and spirit aspects of their being as well; to bring her patients back to wholeness in body, mind, and spirit, so they can live life to their full potential.
