Specialty Acupuncture
Mystic River Acupuncture offers a number of specialty acupuncture techniques.
In conjunction with the American Cancer Society® Great American Smokeout®, for the month of November 2010 we offer four smoking cessation sessions plus one week supply of Chinese herbs for $300.
Trigger Point Acupuncture
Is a modern adaptation of ancient methods. It is largely based on the work of Dr. Janet Travell, who was the “grandmother” of physical therapy. Kathleen Poole studied with Mark Seem who adapted Travell’s work to acupuncture. Dr. Seem, Dr. Joseph Helms, and other practitioners who have developed trigger point release methods have taken acupuncture into the modern world of pain management.
Using the trigger point method, the practitioner isolates the muscle knot and releases it with a gentle tapping of the needle into the area. Acupuncturists who use this technique know how to pay attention to which meridians have been affected and can treat the entire affected channel.
When receiving this type of acupuncture, you may feel your muscle jump as the knot releases, or you may feel some sensation radiating into the muscle tissue around the knot. Although most people do not experience discomfort, you may be sore for a while afterward. Typically, the soreness is much less than what you would experience with a trigger point injection. Applying moist heat or sitting in a hot tub should alleviate any discomfort after treatment. Soreness should not last for more than a day or two at the very most. Trigger point acupuncture is often combined with therapeutic massage.
Acupuncturists trained in this technique can effectively treat both the entire affected channel and the related muscle groups at the same time.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Is a welcome alternative for women who don’t want to use medications to control problems like allergies, headaches, gastrointestinal problems and pain during pregnancy. Acupuncture is a safe way to control health problems when prescription medicines are not advised. It is also an excellent way to relieve the normal discomforts of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, fatigue, low back pain, indigestion, and swelling.
Acupuncture can be used to turn breech babies and help control pain while giving birth. We often teach the father or birth attendant specific acupressure points to help manage birthing pain.
Many women get acupuncture when they are near term to reduce anxiety and promote a healthy birthing process. Postpartum acupuncture will help new mothers regain their strength or help them recover from any complications resulting from the birth.
Acupuncture can be used to induce labor in women who are at term or post term. If your baby is going to be induced, you may prefer trying acupuncture first. At Mystic River Acupuncture we only do labor induction under the direction or with the approval of the attending physician or midwife.
Kathleen Poole has wide experience in treating through the whole sequence of events from preparation for pregnancy, pregnancy, birthing, and the postpartum period. She has attended several births, and can work with local midwives. All of our acupuncturists are trained in management of pregnancy and its related health issues.
Acupuncture for Fertility and IVF
For fertility treatments, we recommend that both prospective parents be seen for at least one acupuncture session in the beginning. During the evaluation we take into account past attempts to conceive with the help of western medical intervention. We will work in conjunction with your doctor if you are currently undergoing treatment.
Fertility treatments may focus on the woman’s menstrual cycle. Weekly sessions are given for the first three cycles. We expect fertility to improve as her cycle becomes normal. We reevaluate as treatments progress, and as the menses and ovulation normalize, we continue to focus on strengthening reproductive energies. Fertility treatments can also focus on the the man’s reproductive health. If there are issues with sperm count or motility, acupuncture may be able to help. Men often find acupuncture helpful for other types of male reproductive issues, as well.
Acupuncture has been shown to increase the effectiveness of in vitro fertilization or IVF. In a 2002 study published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine the rate of pregnancies among the participants was 43% for those who had received acupuncture, as opposed to 23% for the control group. At Mystic River Acupuncture we treat the woman through the IVF cycle, helping with the side effects of necessary medications and keeping her “reproductive qi” as healthy as possible through the process. We are available for treatment before and after embryo transfer. If necessary we will try to work our schedule around this event whenever possible.
Acupuncture is one of the safest ways to enhance fertility for both men and women.
We are very proud of all our “acu-babies” at Mystic River Acupuncture!
Smoking Cessation Acupuncture
Is one of the best ways to quit smoking. Needles are used to stop craving, relieve irritability, insomnia and other side effects of quitting a habit, and to support your Lung energy in regaining its full function. Acupuncture can help prevent weight gain associated with quitting smoking.
At Mystic River Acupuncture your smoking cessation program includes the standard auricular acupuncture protocol plus a full evaluation and treatment. We believe that the better you feel, the easier it will be for you to give up smoking. The healthier you are, the less your body will need nicotine. The less stressed you feel, the less you will need to turn to cigarettes. Be sure to tell us about other health issues when you come so we can address these during your smoking cessation sessions.
No smoking cessation program works unless you are ready to quit. People appreciate help when the time comes for them to give up cigarettes or tobacco. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with the nicotine patch, hypnosis, pharmaceutical medications, or any other smoking cessation plan you find helpful.
Acupuncture can also be used on its own, and is one of the safest ways to break the habit and heal from the effects of smoking.
In conjunction with the American Cancer Society® Great American Smokeout®, for the month of November 2010 we offer four smoking cessation sessions plus one week supply of Chinese herbs for $300.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Increases your success rate, especially if you are committed to a good diet and exercise. People often feel more motivated in sticking to their weight loss programs when acupuncture is included.
When we see people for weight loss, we evaluate their metabolism from a Chinese perspective. We take into account factors such as stress, stage of life, physical complaints, and family history. Acupuncture can stabilize your metabolism so you process food completely. It can also help with cravings. By treating any stress factors, acupuncture will calm your system so you are less likely to eat due life’s pressures.
Acupuncture won’t miraculously make you shed those pounds, but it will help you reduce in a healthy way, and after you reach your goal, you can come for regular “tune-ups” to help you maintain your proper weight.
Acupuncture for Athletes and Musicians
Acupuncture is an asset to athletes. It is a good way to prepare for a competition or event. Many athletes like to get a treatment a day or two before a major event. Healing from sports injuries is enhanced with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
At Mystic River Acupuncture, we treat young athletes and professional athletes. We treat amateur and seasonal athletes, as well. Whether you are beginning spring training, dealing with an injury, or trying to keep focused or stay in shape, think of acupuncture as a training tool.
Musicians have many of the same issues as athletes do. They can sustain injury from repetitive use of specific parts of their bodies while playing an instrument or dancing. They need to feel focused, yet relaxed for performances, and acupuncture can relieve performance anxiety. Acupuncture can help with creativity.
The clinicians at Mystic River Acupuncture have experience with the specific kinds of injuries athletes, artists, and musicians may sustain.
Dental Acupuncture
Is an excellent tool for reducing toothache and jaw pain. Many of our patients use acupuncture to control pain until they are able to schedule an appointment with their dentists. Acupuncture also reduces pain and swelling that occurs after dental procedures and enhances healing of the area.
Many patients schedule to come by for a treatment on their way home from dental work. We can take care of the numbness from Novocaine and reduce the pain so you won’t need as much medication. Many patients report that they need no painkillers at all, or are able to use mild over the counter pain medicine instead of a prescription drug.
We work with area dentists when you have more serious problems such as TMJ or chronic pain. Often pain of this sort is accompanied by neck and muscular pain in the upper back. Acupuncture can be the perfect thing in these situations.
Pre-Surgery and Post-Surgery Acupuncture
Is a huge asset to people undergoing surgery. You can come for a treatment to prepare for surgery, and afterward we can help reduce pain and swelling so your body can heal faster. Often you will need less medication and sleep better with acupuncture. The best time to receive treatment after surgery is as soon as possible.
We recommend seeing if the hospital has someone on staff to treat you afterward. Then you can continue care with us after you return home. If you are having out patient surgery you can come on your way home or the next day. We also can make a house call. Nowadays most physicians are open minded about acupuncture for post-surgical pain control.
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Uses micro-fine needles to soften wrinkles and relieve tension. Many people prefer acupuncture to Botox or surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation. You can use acupuncture to look and feel more vibrant and younger. You can also use herbal formulas to help with acne, eczema, and other skin conditions.
Facial Rejuvenation involves a commitment to twelve 90-minute treatments. This is a process during which you will also receive standard acupuncture and herbal treatments, so that you will not only find yourself looking younger and healthier, but you will be healthier and more balanced. Numerous tiny needles will be inserted in your face, your jaw and cheek-bones will be sculpted, systemic points will also be addressed in your ears and body.
You may well notice a change during your first treatment, but this change will become more apparent with multiple treatments. Your friends will notice that you look well, but may be unable to define how (such comments as “Did you change your hair?” are often heard). You will not look as though you have been through a face-lift or Botox. You will look healthier, younger, better balanced, with a glowing complexion and a sparkle in your eyes.
Auricular Acupuncture
Is an ancient tradition. The ear is seen as a microcosm of the entire body. The shape of the ear is likened to a curled up human image, and the acupoints align accordingly. Different parts of the ear relate to different parts of the body.
Auricular acupuncture, also known as “ear acupuncture”, is most commonly known for treatment of addictions, stop smoking, and weight loss. But it can do so much more. Using auricular acupoints, we can treat pain in different parts of the body, relieve symptoms of many illnesses, and calm anxiety and stress related problems.
Auricular acupuncture can be given using a micro-current instead of needles. A special micro-current device is used to find the acupoint, and then a light painless stimulation is applied with the micro-current.
Using auricular acupuncture, you can go home with tiny needles or “ear tacks” in your ears, or with tiny seeds taped to your auricular acupoints. This prolongs the effect of the auricular treatments. This is routinely done for addiction type treatments or for chronic problems. To remove the tiny needle or seed, you simply pull the tape off your ear.
Auricular acupuncture can be administered on an emergency basis. We often use this when someone needs urgent care and cannot be seen immediately for a full treatment. Ear acupuncture is a popular aid for weight loss and stopping smoking, especially when you choose “take home” treatment with ear tacks or seeds.
Chakra Balancing Acupuncture
Is often used to calm and balance people who are on a spiritual path using meditation, yoga, or martial arts. It can be adapted to help with artistic creativity and promote a sense of well being. Athletes and performers can use acupuncture to mentally prepare for competition or events. This type of acupuncture is very helpful for calming and balancing before major events such as weddings or important exams.
Tong Ren (We no longer offer Tong Ren, but will be happy to provide you with resources. Just call to inquire.)
Is a highly focused energy healing utilizing acupuncture principles either with or without needles. Channel blockages are addressed, emphasizing nerve and arterial supply, venous return, and endocrine output. Developed by Tom Tam of Quincy, MA, this unique system has had amazing results with severe, chronic cases and cancers. Healing sessions can be private, communal, or distant, meaning the individual seeking help need not be present.
There is a widespread international network of Tong Ren practitioners and group workshops called “Guinea Pig Classes.”
