Acupuncture at SCW
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine that began nearly 3,000 years ago in China and is quickly gaining widespread acceptance among practitioners and patients due to it’s effective drug-free approach to wellness.
The healing methodology of acupuncture is primarily achieved through the use of very thin, sterile, disposable needles inserted superficially into specific locations on the body known as acupuncture points. The stimulation of these points is known to alter the network of nervous, cardiovascular and hormonal systems in order to help your body heal itself.
Conditions Treated
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of the following conditions including:
Ears, Eyes & Mouth Disorders: Acute conjunctivitis, Earache, Meniere’s disease, Pharyngitis, Tinnitus (ringing in ears), Toothache
Respiratory disorders: Acute rhinitis, Allergic Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Bronchial Asthma, Common Cold, Sore throat, Tonsillitis
Mental-Emotional Disorders: Anxiety, Addictions, Depression, Insomnia, Stress, Weight Control
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Bursitis, Back pain, Fibromyalgia, Frozen shoulder, Neck pain, Sprains, Sciatica, Tendinitis, Osteoarthritis
Neurological Disorders: Dizziness, Headache, Migraines, Peripheral neuropathies, Trigeminal neuralgia
Reproductive System Disorders: Infertility, Irregular menses, Menopausal symptoms, Menstrual cramps, Morning sickness, Premenstrual syndrome
What does a treatment include?
Initial treatments begin with a thorough health history, examination of your vital signs and an Eastern medical assessment of your tongue and pulse. These diagnostic tools guide the practitioner to create a custom treatment plan.
Follow up treatments include discussion of your current condition, tongue and pulse evaluation and treatment. Your progress will be reviewed and your treatment plan will be adjusted accordingly.
Treatments may include the following therapies: acupuncture, acupressure, cupping, gua sha, ear seeds, electro-acupuncture and moxibustion.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Many patients are happy to discover that acupuncture is relaxing and enjoyable! As the thread-like needles are inserted into the skin, some patients report a quick minor sensation but oftentimes, patients report no sensation at all.
How many sessions will it take for me to see results?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so often, more than one treatment is necessary. Patients typically begin to notice changes within the first 2-4 treatments, and significant improvements within 5-10 treatments. The number of treatments depends on the individual and condition(s) being treated. Once a diagnosis is made, Dr. Zimmel will determine the best course of treatment for you and your condition.
Practitioner Qualifications
Dr. Zimmel, D.C., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac (NCCAOM)® completed her master’s of science acupuncture degree at National University of Health Sciences; an accredited program by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). Her education included classroom training in differential diagnosis and proper treatment principles and strategies as well as extensive clinical training. In addition to graduation from her ACAOM program, she passed the NCCAOM certification examinations.