Red Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center

Acupuncture is an ancient system of natural healing that originated in China 4,000 years ago. Acupuncture's popular interest in the United States was stimulated by President Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. Today, the National Institute for Health is spearheading numerous scientific investigations of acupuncture’s physiological action in pain management and its integration into other dimensions of medical practice. Acupuncture is rapidly taking its legitimate place as a valuable therapeutic technique in modern medicine.

Acupuncture is a complex system of examination, diagnosis and treatment based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is preventive medicine, that is, it creates and maintains health and is often used as an analgesic technique which brings relief from pain. Acupuncture can also be employed for anesthetic purposes, although most Western practitioners are not trained in acupuncture anesthesia. needles

Acupuncture is based upon the principle that any dysfunction is the result of an imbalance in the body’s organic, energetic and natural activity. The insertion of acupuncture needles opens up the flow of vital energy, also known as ‘Chi’ (or Qi), thereby restoring health to the body. When ‘Chi’ is flowing properly throughout our meridian pathways, all of our processes operate in a rhythmic and harmonious way.Meridians are energy pathways that run from the top of the head to the tips of the toes and fingers. There are 14 main meridians each corresponding directly to certain vital organs of the body. For instance, there is a Lung Meridian that runs from your upper torso to your thumb and a Stomach Meridian that runs from right below your eye to your second toe. It is helpful to liken meridians to our circulatory or nervous systems, except in this case the system is transporting energy rather than blood or nerves.

Acupuncture points are specific areas located along the meridian pathways where energy can be accessed. There are 365 main acupuncture points utilized by an acupuncturist to restore health to the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory states that when acupuncture points are blocked or congested, the result is “imbalance” or “disease.” During an acupuncture treatment needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points to stimulate the energy that is either blocked or congested. The points are chosen on a particular meridian based on the patient’s symptoms and root cause of disease.

One example of an acupuncture point is Stomach 36 (Zusanli) which is used to strengthen digestion and vital energy. Its translation is “3 mile point” and tradition holds that treatment of Stomach 36 enables a weakened patient to easily walk three miles.Application of various means of manipulation to the needle is employed by the acupuncturist to either sedate or tonify the acupuncture point. The needle manipulation stimulates and balances the flow of Chi (vital energy), which in turn restores health and aids in prevention of illness. The ultimate goal of this process is activation of the patient’s vital energy to allow the body to balance and heal itself.

The number of acupuncture treatments necessary for a course of treatment varies with the type of illness, degree of seriousness, length of time the patient has been ill, and the patient’s condition at time of treatment. Young children respond very quickly, often immediately, and older people more gradually. In general, one month of treatment is indicated for every year that a problem has existed. An average course of treatment lasts anywhere from 10 to 15 weeks, however, this can vary considerably due to individual needs.After energetic balance has been restored and a patient’s problem has been alleviated, it is suggested that acupuncture treatments be received four times a year at the change of seasons. The purpose of an acupuncture treatment at these times is for health maintenance and disease prevention.

Swedish Massage: is a technique which applies long superficial strokes combined with deep kneading, rolling, and rubbing of the body’s musculature. Swedish massage is always done in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. It’s purpose is to relieve stress, relax muscles, increase circulation, and remove metabolic waste products. It also helps the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness and a better awareness of their body. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes.

Deep Tissue Massage: This form of massage focuses on removing knots and releasing chronic muscle tension.  Stubborn patterns of tension are released through slow stokes and deep pressure.   Deep tissue massage promotes physical and emotional well-being—and the rewards that come from releasing muscle tension and adhesions within the deep fascia of the body are simply wonderful.

Myofascial: works with the body’s contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) through the application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web which affects the musculo-skeletal, nervous and organ systems. Myofascial release techniques coax muscles in spasm to relax and break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to this therapy by releasing tension stored in the fascia, thus increasing flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures.

Neuromuscular Therapy: uses advanced concepts in pressure therapy to break the stress-tension-pain cycle. It aims to relax muscle so that circulation can increase and the body will return to normal neuromuscular integrity and balance

Sports Massage: focuses on the muscles related to one’s particular athletic activity. It includes pre-event, post-event and maintenance massage techniques that promote improved athletic endurance and performance, lessen chance of injury, and reduce recovery time.

Trigger Point and Myotherapy: are pain-relief techniques to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates `trigger points’ which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or in spasm. The major goal is to reduce spasm thereby inducing new blood flow into the affected area.