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With acupuncture becoming an increasingly popular complementary therapy globally, the following article explores what acupuncture is, the conditions it treats, and how safe it is - before telling you how you can book your treatment with our team of acupuncture experts in Naples, FL. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. This ancient technique is based on the belief that the human body has a system of channels, or meridians, through which vital energy, or Qi, flows. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when Qi becomes imbalanced or meridians become blocked, it can lead to various health issues. By inserting needles into specific acupuncture points along the meridians, practitioners aim to restore the balance and flow of Qi, promoting overall well-being and addressing specific ailments. How does acupuncture work? While the health benefits and exact mechanisms of acupuncture are still being studied, it is believed that the insertion of fine needles into the body’s acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the release of endorphins, promote blood circulation and modulate the nervous system. These physiological changes have the potential to activate the body's inherent healing capacities and enhance both physical and emotional well-being. Within recent years, acupuncture has gained significant credibility, and is increasingly recommended by healthcare professionals as an adjunct therapy to mainstream medicine and medical intervention. This growing acceptance within the medical community, ongoing scientific research and growing use makes acupuncture a credible complementary therapy for those living with a whole host of physical and mental health conditions. What conditions can acupuncture treat? Acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relieve stress, and treat a wide range of conditions, such as the following: Chronic Pain: Acupuncture has shown promising results in relieving various types of chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis and migraines. Stress and Anxiety: With acupuncture promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality and enhancing overall emotional wellbeing, it is often used as a complementary therapy for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Insomnia: In a similar vein, acupuncture has also been found to be beneficial in treating insomnia and improving sleep quality by regulating the body’s sleep-wake cycle and promoting relaxation. Digestive Disorders: There’s growing evidence that the therapy may provide relief for digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, nausea and bloating, by helping to regulate digestive functions and reduce inflammation. Women’s Health: Acupuncture has been used to address various women’s health concerns, including menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), fertility issues, and menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Respiratory Conditions: Acupuncture can be beneficial in managing respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and sinusitis by reducing inflammation, improving lung function, and relieving symptoms. Depression: As a complementary therapy, acupuncture may assist in alleviating symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and balancing neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation. Fibromyalgia: Acupuncture has shown promise in providing relief for individuals with fibromyalgia, helping to reduce pain, fatigue, and improving overall quality of life. Sports Injuries: Acupuncture is commonly used in sports medicine to promote healing, reduce pain, and enhance recovery from sports-related injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tendonitis. Chemotherapy Side Effects: Acupuncture can help alleviate certain side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and pain, and may improve overall well-being during cancer treatment. However, it’s important to note that while acupuncture may offer benefits for these conditions, it shouldn’t replace advice and treatment from your medical healthcare practitioner, and instead should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment. Full consultation with a qualified healthcare provider before starting acupuncture treatment is advised, and you should only use a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Can acupuncture help with weight loss? There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that acupuncture can aid in weight loss efforts but current scientific evidence remains inconclusive. Some individuals have reported positive outcomes when using acupuncture as a complementary therapy alongside healthy lifestyle changes. Acupuncture may potentially assist with weight loss by addressing factors such as appetite control, stress reduction, hormone regulation, and digestion. By targeting specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to stimulate the body's natural mechanisms and promote overall balance, potentially supporting weight management goals. However, it is important to note that scientific research on the direct effects of acupuncture for weight loss is limited, and individual results may vary. For comprehensive weight loss strategies, it is recommended to consult with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians who can provide evidence-based guidance and develop personalized plans. Is acupuncture safe? Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by trained, licensed practitioners using sterile, single-use needles. When proper hygiene and safety measures are followed, it has a low risk of adverse effects. However, as with any medical procedure, there may be some potential risks, such as minor bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the needle insertion site. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should exercise caution and inform their acupuncturist beforehand. It is also advised to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning acupuncture treatment - especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. Acupuncture in Naples, Florida & New York As licensed practitioners and registered Doctors of Oriental Medicine, our team of experts here at VitalGate Health bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our acupuncture practice. Having dedicated our lives to treating and enhancing the wellness and quality of life for our patients, we specialize in acupuncture for pain management, women’s health and emotional wellbeing. Our extensive training and commitment to ongoing research allows us to provide personalized treatments tailored to each individual’s needs, and our compassionate approach and dedication to patient care has earned us a strong reputation amongst our clients. If you’re seeking relief from various health conditions, are looking to enhance your health, and improve your quality of life, we offer a comprehensive and positive experience for our patients seeking acupuncture in Naples, Florida and New York. To enquire about acupuncture treatments at VitalGate Health, please contact us or text us using the buttons below. Chat with us using the Contact Us floating window and see what you need to get started to help you with your condition. SIGN UP for a FullScript account: If you haven't signed up for a FullScript account regarding your condition... Please click here. https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/vitalgate

The original Bach Flower Remedies is a safe and natural method of healing discovered by Dr. Bach from 1920 – 1930's in England. They gently restore the balance between mind and body by casting out negative emotions such as fear, worry, hatred and indecision which interfere with the equilibrium of the being as a whole. These flower remedies are a safe and natural method of healing as they work to gently restore the balance between the mind and body. They are proven to gently soothe negative emotions like fear, worry, hatred, and indecision that disrupt the body's equilibrium as a whole. Do Bach Flower Remedies Really Work?

One of the four main branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Medical Qigong corrects the bio-energetic imbalances and blockages by regulating the patients’ Qi. Qigong (“chee-gong”) is an over five-thousand year-old Chinese health method that combines slow graceful movements with mental concentration and breathing to increase and balance a person’s vital energy. It has been popularly referred to as Chinese yoga. Qigong is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with acupuncture, acupressure, and herbal medicine. Literally millions of people practice Qigong in China and around the world each day to successfully treat diseases ranging from osteoarthritis to cancer, to improve their overall health. Benefits of Qigong practice include optimizing the delivery of oxygen and nutrition to the tissues, increasing the efficiency of cellular metabolism, altering neurochemistry towards healing, managing pain and mood, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and facilitating relaxation and mental focus. Qigong can be done anywhere, anytime. It can be practiced while sitting, standing, moving, not moving, or lying down. It is excellent for stress reduction, prevention of illness, dealing with chronic illness, healthy and active aging, and longevity. As with the rest of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the main focus of Qigong is eliminating deficiency (associated with chronic illness) and stagnation (indicated by pain) of your qi (energy) through a combination of movement, breathing, and awareness. At first, the dynamic adjustment of posture, breath, and mind is only done during the time you set aside to do Qigong. With more practice, you’ll begin doing these adjustments throughout the day as Qigong becomes a natural part of your life and personal healthcare program.

Chinese herbalism has been continuously refined over thousands of years to the point it is now more sophisticated in its clinical applications than the pharmacy of western biomedicine. Indications, contra-indications, and potential side effects of Chinese herbal medicine are better known than the same aspects of Western pharmaceuticals. So far, more people die in America each year from adverse drug reactions than are killed in traffic accidents. Herbal formulas may be taken as a tea, concentrated fluid extracts, syrup, tablets, powder, or in combination with food. 1. Q: What’s the difference between Western folk herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine? A: Western folk herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms, such as headaches, runny nose, menstrual pain, etc. Chinese herbal medicine, when practiced as a part of TCM, is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. Tour pattern is made up of your signs and symptoms, your emotional temperament, and the overall composition of your body. The TCM patient receives a custom-written herbal prescription designed to treat their individual pattern as well as the symptom or disease. 2. Q: Are there any other differences? A: Western folk herbalism usually focuses on one symptom or disease at a time and uses a single herb or group of herbs for treatment. TCM formulas are crafted to treat your entire pattern as well as the symptoms or disease that prompted you to seek treatment. TCM formulas may include six to eighteen herbs to treat the symptoms or disease as well as your entire pattern. 3. Q: Are all the “herbs” vegetables in origin? A: Chinese herbal medicine may include vegetable, animal, and mineral ingredients, however, the majority of ingredients are from vegetable sources. Leaves, flowers, twigs, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes, and bark are among the parts of the vegetable used. 4. Q: Do all the herbs come from China? A: The Chinese adopted and incorporated herbs from all over the world. Fifteen to twenty percent of the 500 ingredients considered standard originated from outside China. What makes these “Chinese” herbs is that they are prescribed according to Chinese medical theory and a TCM pattern diagnosis. 5. Q: Does Chinese herbal medicine work for Western patients? A: Yes, Chinese herbal medicine works as well for Westerners as it does for Chinese. Chinese herbal medicine has been used successfully in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and all throughout Asia. 6 Q: How are Chinese herbal medicines taken? A: The most common method of taking Chinese medicine is drinking a liquid prepared by boiling the selected herbs. There are also herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts for those who do not have the time or taste for drinking the more traditional liquid form. 7. Q: What are the benefits of drinking Chinese herbal medicines in liquid form? A: This method allows the practitioner maximum flexibility in writing a prescription. They can put in just what is necessary for just the right amounts. The formula can be changed frequently, if necessary, and the liquid forms tend to be more potent than other means of administration. 8. Q: Why do liquid herbal medicines taste so bad? A: Chinese herbal teas end up tasting very bitter because they are made mostly from roots and bark, where the strongest medicinal ingredients are found. The bitter taste may go away after a day or two. 9 Q: What are the benefits of pills and powders? A: Pills and powders are good for: Prolonged administration, like for chronic disease* Where formulas do not need to be very potent Where formulas do not need to be changed very often, Pills and powders are also commonly used to continue therapeutic results after successful initial treatment with liquid herbal medicine. ​10. Q: Do Chinese herbal medicines have side effects? A: Most of the components of Chinese herbal medicine have very low toxicity compared to even common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When they are prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, they should have a few, if any, side effects, only beneficial healing results. If you experience any discomfort while taking Chinese herbal medicine, tell your practitioner, who will modify the formula until there are no side effects. 11. Q: What is Chinese herbal medicine good for? A: Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human diseases. It is used to treat: Acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold* Chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, auto-immune diseases, and chronic viral diseases. Degenerative diseases due to aging Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body’s ability to heal and recover from illness. ​12. Q: Can pregnant women take Chinese herbs? A: A professional TCM practitioner can write prescriptions that are appropriate for pregnant women and lactating mothers. 13 Q: Can children take Chinese herbal medicine? A: Yes, again. Pediatrics is a specialty within TCM, and children can be given reduced dosages. There are also specially prepared pediatric medicines in pill and powder form. Chinese herbal medicine can treat colic, the fussiness of teething, earache, diarrhea, cough, and fever in babies and children. 14. Q: How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbal medicine? A: In acute conditions, results may occur in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and practitioner alike almost from the very start. 15. Q: How do I know if a practitioner is professionally trained in Chinese herbal medicine? A: Although Chinese herbal medicines are safe when prescribed by a trained, knowledgeable practitioner, they are strong medicine. Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient’s specific ailment.

Cupping is a form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. What is Cupping? The body has a remarkable ability to repair itself, yet we might become "stuck" or unwell as a result of chronic stress or foreign diseases. We may experience regular anxiety, irritation, impatience, and melancholy, or sickness may develop as the energy becomes backed up. The suction of the cupping technique draws energy and red blood cells to the affected area. What are the benefits of Cupping? Cupping can help you overcome old and new injury by: Increasing circulation, Increasing oxygenation and tissue delivery, Remove old stagnant blood and inflammation, Cause beneficial inflammation, Create new blood vessels, Stretch fascia and connective tissue.

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to help promote the flow of Chi and stimulate natural healing. It works by inserting thin needles into specific points in the body, stimulating nerve endings, and promoting the circulation of energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these needles help to restore balance to the body's energy system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally and promoting overall well-being. Research has found that acupuncture can effectively treat various conditions, including headaches, anxiety, digestive disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. In addition, it has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, boost immunity, improve energy levels, and reduce the effects of aging. Understanding Acupuncture According to many studies in animals and humans, acupuncture can cause many biological responses. Its effects can occur close to the site of application or at some distance throughout your body, primarily mediated by the central nervous system and its neurons. In some cases, the effects can be observed both locally and generally. The role of acupuncture in the body is still being researched to determine its efficacy and to understand its mechanism more. The most common focus on the uses of acupuncture is pain relief or what we call analgesia. It is not surprising since many people suffer from chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, vertebral distortion and the likes which are undeniably painful. It has also been documented to have an effect towards the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. This supports the idea that acupuncture has broad spectrum systemic effects. Other studies have also shown that it has immunologic effects which are still unclear. Considerable efforts have been exerted to know more about acupuncture and its “acupuncture points” which still remain debatable. Despite the uncertainty of some information about the technique, it continues to play an important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment in acupuncture. The specificity of biological changes of acupuncture in humans is still vague; therefore, accuracy in measuring the biological changes in control groups is vital. Some of the biological changes are that of blood pressure and the release of endogenous opioids. The therapeutic outcome may be influenced by many factors which include the degree of trust between the clinician and the patient, the quality of relationship, the compatibility of the backgrounds and belief systems of the acupuncturist and the patient, the expectations of the patient including the many factors that define the therapeutic setting. Some of the uses of acupuncture are its efficiency in treating nausea and vomiting in adults post-surgery or those under chemotherapy treatment and a number of other conditions. Despite these facts, research continues in order to define the role of acupuncture in healthcare. The method provides not only a chance to discover its many benefits in healthcare; it also opens an opportunity for exploration of human physiology not previously examined in a systematic manner. Although the full effect of the method still remain unclear, it is promising to note that research studies have already been delineated making it easier for further studies to trace the flow of improvements. It is wise to be open-minded about Oriental medicine if you are looking for a natural and drug free alternative to conditions successfully treated with acupuncture. The China Connection. Acupuncture originated in China wherein the energy flow “Qi” is considered important for a person’s health. A disruption of the energy flow throughout the body can result in illnesses or certain diseases. The theory states that needle insertion at certain points on our skin can actually alter some physiologic phenomenon in our body. Many Western doctors today include acupuncture as part of the healthcare interventions alongside the conventional ones. Sometimes you need to rely on more natural ways to counteract some diseases, stress or psychological bearings. As I mentioned earlier, one example is its efficacy in adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. Generally, nausea and vomiting is the side effect of anesthesia during surgery and by the chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of cancer. Also noted is its efficacy in alleviating post-operative dental pain. It can also be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative in a comprehensive management program for menstrual cramps, asthma, tennis elbow, stroke rehabilitation, addiction, low back pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches. The resurgence of acupuncture alongside conventional treatment, has made it readily available for the public to benefit from. Just remember it’s important you choose the reliability of a New York acupuncturist who is licensed and certified. Check with a friend or relative if they know a good acupuncturist they’ve had results with. Read the testimonials on their website to see what others say about the practitioner and their skills and bedside manners. How Acupuncture Works As mentioned, acupuncture is based on the belief that the body has an internal energy system, known as "Chi" or life force energy, which flows through 14 distinct pathways throughout the body. When these pathways become blocked or out of balance, it can lead to physical and mental health issues. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance to the chi pathways by stimulating specific points along the energy pathways. This stimulation helps to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and increase blood flow, resulting in improved health and well-being. Does Acupuncture Hurt? Acupuncture needles are considered to be very safe, and acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and as thin as human hair. They are inserted into the skin at specific points and should not cause any pain or discomfort. However, some people may experience a slight prickling sensation when the needles are inserted, as well as a feeling of warmth or tingling in the area where the needles are placed. This is usually only temporary and is not considered to be painful. The needles may be left in place for a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the desired outcomes of the treatment. Additionally, some practitioners may use heat, electricity, or massage in addition to the needles to further stimulate the Chi flow and improve the efficacy of the treatment. It is important to consult with your practitioner to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your individual needs. Schedule an Acupuncture Appointment BOOK AN APPOINTMENT Acupuncture for Low-Back Pain The evidence for acupuncture for various types of chronic pain is quite strong. According to the National Institutes of Health, multiple reviews have found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic low-back pain, as well as knee and hip osteoarthritis. A systematic review conducted by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society concluded that for chronic lower back pain, acupuncture is one of several treatment options that may provide a small to moderate amount of relief. The research also suggested that acupuncture may be considered an alternative to conventional treatments, such as medications or physical therapy. Acupuncture for Headaches Yes, acupuncture is an effective treatment for headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. In one study, researchers found that people who received acupuncture had nearly 50 percent fewer days with tension headaches compared to those receiving conventional care. Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia Research suggests that acupuncture can offer many benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including reducing pain levels, improving sleep, and stimulating the immune system. Additionally, research has shown that acupuncture can have real effects on the brain structures involved in pain processing. Electroacupuncture (EA) appears to be especially effective for fibromyalgia, as studies have suggested that it may cause changes in the levels of two neurotransmitters—serotonin and substance P— which are key to FM. Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be highly effective for the treatment of arthritis. Studies have found that TCM is effective in treating both rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints. A review of 43 clinical studies showed that TCM for RA helps reduce inflammation and improve immune system function. Additionally, a review of eight clinical trials concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for reducing pain due to osteoarthritis. Furthermore, acupuncture treatment combined with Chinese herb supplements and personalized diet coaching has been shown to be effective at alleviating symptoms due to different types of arthritis, and may even be able to reverse and prevent further damage to the joints Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Studies have found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and is more effective than usual care, including anti-inflammatory medications. It has been shown to successfully alleviate pain, inflammation, and numbness, and restore motor dexterity. Electromyography (EMG) testing has confirmed these results, showing improvements across multiple parameters. Additionally, a study conducted in Taiwan compared the effectiveness of acupuncture and steroid pills for hand and arm pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The researchers found that the group of patients who received eight acupuncture treatments over a one-month period reported more relief from their pain and that this relief lasted for a longer time than the relief reported by patients taking medication. Some Do’s and Don’ts Regarding Acupuncture Treatment You might not be sure about getting acupuncture New York because it is a treatment you are really not familiar with and all you’ve heard about this treatment is that it uses needles which already raise scary thoughts about it. You may also wonder about how much it costs but you may be attracted to it because you know it as an all natural treatment that has been around for a long time. The first thing you can do is to go and visit an acupuncturist who can also be your doctor since a lot of physicians are now practicing medical acupuncturists. You can inquire all about this treatment and if it can treat your specific health problem. Do not be ashamed to ask questions that deal with this treatment and about the qualifications, credentials and experience of the acupuncturist. Conferring with the acupuncturist regarding any concerns gives you peace of mind and makes you better informed about what acupuncture can do. If you have undergone acupuncture treatment, the next best thing to do is to drink copious amounts of fluids. You need to stay hydrated to wash away toxins that may need a little help to push them out of the body system. You might experience specific body aches if you are not fully hydrated. After drinking fluids, you may need to rest your body. Sometimes after an acupuncture treatment, you might feel tired. You can rest or sleep if you want to. Do not expose yourself to a full day of work if possible after you have been treated with acupuncture. If after treatment you might feel energized, you can be active but be sure not to stress yourself. Another thing you should do after an acupuncture treatment is to avoid drinking alcohol. You need to refrain from drinking alcohol at least for one full day (24 hours). One main reason to refrain from alcohol intake is that the body has more difficulty in filtering out toxins from the body. The fact is alcohol does add more toxins to the body causing the liver and kidney to overwork and damaging them as well. One thing you can do also is to eat healthy diets. Acupuncture has restored balance in the body and this balance can be thrown into disarray once again when you eat a poor unhealthy diet. If you do want to eat junk foods then eat them as minimally as possible and not regularly. Foods rich in proteins and vegetables are best to help you maintain proper balance in the body. Before and after undergoing acupuncture, do not travel long distances for at least a day. Allow your body to completely rest to be able to maximize the benefits of the treatment. Acupuncture in Naples, FL can done in our office when you book a session!