Acupuncture Techniques
Acupuncture is among the oldest forms of medicine in the world today, dating back over 4,000 years. Acupuncture balances the body for optimal health by stimulating specific locations, or points, in the body with acupuncture needles, acupressure, heat, or electricity. The locations of these points lie along pathways, called meridians. Current research shows evidence of acupuncture decreasing pain, reducing inflammation, calming nerves, aiding digestion, improving sleep, preventing nausea, strengthening the immune system, and much more. Acupuncture is effective as a wellness and preventive medicine, and for both acute and chronic conditions.
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Each body has its own story and needs that change over time. We offer a variety of therapeutic techniques, each designed to complement and support one another, in order to bring you back to your optimal state of health.
Acupuncture sessions vary according to each individual’s needs. A typical session lasts approximately 25 minutes. While many clients experience quick relief from acupuncture, the therapy is best used in a series of treatments to relieve acute and chronic conditions, correct imbalances, and maintain optimal health. As health improves, fewer visits are necessary. Learn more about Nashville Acupuncture and what to expect.
Acupuncture Techniques & Methods
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) is also referred to as Dry Needling, Trigger Point Needling, Trigger Point Therapy, and/or Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy. TDN is considered a form of acupuncture that focuses on needling trigger points in the body rather than meridian points. The treatment of myofascial trigger points is found in the muscles and fascia. Trigger points form a local contraction within a small number of muscle fibers in a larger muscle or muscle bundle. These points can pull on tendons and ligaments, causing deep pain within the joint. Trigger Point Therapy/ Dry Needling can release and soften the nodule.
Dry Needling is often used for neuromuscular skeletal conditions, such as repetitive stress injuries, neck pain, headaches, muscle tendonitis, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff impingement, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
During the acupuncture session, extremely fine, sterile, single-use disposable acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points on the body according to the client’s individual presentation. It is common for clients to experience a feeling of general warmth or a tingling sensation during the treatment.
Orthopedic Acupuncture
Orthopedic and sports acupuncture focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. This approach is highly effective in treating pain in the joints, spinal column, low back/hip/groin, lower extremities, and neck/shoulder/upper extremities.
Following a personal and confidential consultation, your acupuncturist will create a customized plan to assist in achieving your personal healthcare goals.
FSM Therapy
FSM Therapy uses low-level electrical currents in a non-invasive and painless pain reduction technique. The multiple frequencies available with FSM are effective in decreasing inflammation (swelling), repairing tissue, and reducing pain.
Scalp Acupuncture
Practitioners trained in Zhu Scalp Acupuncture insert needles into the scalp, then gently manipulate the needles and encourage patients to move the affected joint or pain area. The process is consistent in generating results for disorders of the brain, stroke, and spinal cord injuries, and is typically painless.
Cosmetic Acupuncture
The Cosmetic Acupuncture protocol is a great alternative to fillers and surgical procedures. It gets down to the root of the problem, removing toxins and dead skin cells; resolving underlying factors that contribute to the aging process; and increasing circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Recovery time is much faster than cosmetic surgery, and no foreign substances are introduced to the body. Many people are converting to the “acupuncture facelift” because it treats the whole face instead of certain locations, is minimally invasive, does not require recovery time, and has significant and lasting results.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping uses local vacuum pressure with glass cups applied to the skin. Cupping can relieve tension, increase circulation to the area, activate the lymphatic system, and release toxins. It is often used for muscle pain, allergies, common cold and cough, and stress relief.
Electro Acupuncture
The application of electricity to specific locations on the body, typically by attaching electrodes to acupuncture needles to relieve pain, calm or activate nerves, and increase circulation. Electro acupuncture therapy is very successful for treating acute and chronic pain, sports injuries, back pain, and other muscle and joint ailments.
TDP Infrared Heat Therapy
TDP Infrared Heat Therapy uses an FDA-approved heat lamp with a specific wavelength of light (infrared) to apply therapeutic heat to skin, muscles, and joints. Infrared therapy has been clinically proven to relieve pain, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and strengthen immunity. It is especially beneficial for chronic pain and arthritis.
Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture Therapy
The Mei Zen Cosmetic Acupuncture protocol is a great alternative to fillers and surgical procedures. It gets down to the root of the problem, removing toxins and dead skin cells; resolving underlying factors that contribute to the aging process; and increasing circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Additionally, acupuncture is a low-risk treatment. Some light bruising may occur around needle application sites, but recovery time is much faster than cosmetic surgery, and no foreign substances are introduced to the body. Many people are converting to the “acupuncture facelift” because it treats the whole face instead of certain locations, is minimally invasive, does not require recovery time, gets to the root of issues, and has significant and lasting results.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
For thousands of years, Eastern cultures have used Oriental Medicine to promote and restore health. Rooted in the Taoist philosophy of change, growth, and harmony, Oriental Medicine incorporates acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, gua-sha, nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle counseling.
Interest in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine developed in the United States after President Nixon’s trip to China, where he received acupuncture anesthesia during emergency surgery. Forty years later, public interest continues to grow and leads to research on the efficacy of acupuncture as an alternative treatment for a wide variety of ailments and conditions.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutrition has been used as medicine for thousands of years across the world. At Affinity Acupuncture, we know that proper nutrition is a powerful tool in every wellness plan. That is why we strive to educate our clients with each visit on the many ways they might improve their own health. Our objective is to help you reach your nutrition goals with a realistic approach that fits your specific lifestyle and eating preferences. In addition to our complimentary education on nutrition, Affinity Acupuncture offers a more in-depth nutritional counseling service called Affinity for Nutrition.
