Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, stainless steel, single-use, disposable needles into the skin in different place all over the body to varying depths, sometimes as little as 1 mm, to promote healing and vitality.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture's mechanism of action is Qi, typically translated as Vital Energy or Life Force. Like gravity, electro-magnetism, or love, it is something that we all have and exists everywhere but we usually don't see. Qi is the bridge between matter and consciousness/spirit, and so acupuncture provides deep healing by connecting you to a deeper part of yourself. East Asian medicine is a holistic system of medicine, in continuous practice for at least 3,000 and even as many as 10,000 years, and acupuncture is one potent part of it. Channels of energy run through the body, and acupuncturist's spend four years studying the complex relationships between the channels, the actions and indications of over 400 acupuncture points, hundreds of single herbs and herbal formulas, adjunctive modalities, as well as modern Western medicine to be able to fluently converse with allopathic medicine doctors and support their patients as thoroughly as possible.

What does acupuncture feel like?
Usually what new patients say after the first needle is inserted is "I didn't even feel anything!" Acupuncture often feels like nothing, but patients sometimes notice slight achiness, heaviness, warmth, or tingling at the insertion site, signifying that Qi has arrived to promote healing. Because of the interconnectedness of the body, sometimes people feel a sensation in a completely different part of the body from where a needle is placed!

What can acupuncture help?
Acupuncture was the primary form of medicine for millions of people all over China, Korea, Japan, and southeast Asia for thousands of years, and truly can treat anything. Acupuncture works wonders as the primary form of care for some conditions patients are experiencing, and sometimes as adjunctive care along with other modalities, depending on the type and severity of the condition, and the constitution and age of the patient.

Acupuncture excels in the treatment of pain relief, digestion, insomnia, women’s health, pediatrics (with acupressure), immunity (such as frequent colds/flu, allergies, autoimmune), cardiovascular conditions, neurological conditions, and mental/emotional disease.

What is an acupuncture treatment like?
First you have time to discuss your health care concerns with your acupuncturist, and then lie down on a comfortable heated treatment table. Clothing with sleeves that can be rolled to the elbow and pant legs that can be rolled to the knees without restricting circulation are great. Sometimes patients will need to disrobe to access certain areas, such as shoulders or hips, in which case a drape is provided. Your acupuncturist will check your pulse, and then begin the treatment. When the needles have all been placed, patients will rest between 10-40 minutes, depending on the treatment they have purchased and if other modalities are needed or requested. After the needles have been removed, sometimes recommendations for further care at home will be given to continue the treatment. A treatment plan will be provided so patients can best know how to use acupuncture successfully.

What else is included in full service treatments?
Full service treatments include a far more comprehensive intake to be able to address 3 or more conditions in each treatment session, along with more time for patients to share their concerns and questions. These treatments will also frequently include complementary healing modalities that have a synergistic effect with acupuncture, such as herbal formula prescription, shiatsu massage, cupping, gua sha, and nutrition consultation. There is also ample time to share resources and guidance about meditation, tai chi, qigong, and more.

What are Victoria Branson’s specialties?
Victoria has advanced training and experience in the treatment of pain relief, digestion, women’s health, pediatric medicine, immunity, and mind/heart/body medicine.

Free phone consultation
Victoria offers a free 15-minute phone consultation. Call her at (812) 727-0714 or by email at mapleseedwellness@protonmail.com

What is Acupuncture?