Our customized treatment plans address two things: pain and nerve dysfunction.

 

Acupuncture points are activity centers -- when stimulated correctly they systematically flood the body not only with nourishment from increased blood circulation but also with powerful pain-relieving endorphins (aka HAPPY HORMONES) such as enkephalin's, beta-endorphins, dynorphins, and ACTH. At the same time, acupuncture begins a chain of reactions driving the vagal-adrenal axis to release catecholamines (norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine) to curb and reduce inflammation for lasting effects. Many medications seek to mimic the effects of these neurotransmitters, but not without some nasty side effects.

 

As the body habituates strong painkiller use, in time it not only damages the pain receptors and builds up a tolerance so strong the only options left are prescribing stronger dosages or an even stronger prescription. What's more, the body basically forgets how to and becomes unable to release and form these neurotransmitters on its own. Acupuncture works by letting the body inform the brain, strengthening the connection between the two, and allowing it to do what it was meant to do for thousands of years.... heal.

 

One of the most important type of cells located in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) and making up about 90% of the brain is the glial cell. Glial cells are sometimes referred to as the "glue" of the nervous system, responsible for providing physical and chemical support to neurons and maintaining their environment. Healthy happen neurons = happy muscles, no numbness, no tingling, no burning.

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Specifically the Schwann cell (SC), the major glial cell of the PNS is responsible for keeping neurons alive and covering them with a healthy myelin sheath, SC's promote axonal regeneration and secrete critical neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Electroacupuncture releases and regulates Schwann cells, NGF, and BDNF to effectively regenerate nerve fibers and form new synapses along their pathway.

 

If you don't remember anything else from freshman year biology, you probably remember that "the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell"! Well, what seemed like pretty useless information at the time actually ties in so much about what we know about health today. Yes, the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell as it's responsible for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) -- a critical supplier of energy. ATP IS ENERGY, it is a type of Qi, it's used by muscles to move, it's the fuel that drives all the physiological processes of the body. When our cells are damaged or our mitochondria is otherwise unable to produce ATP, we cannot have proper cell function, our bodies cannot metabolize food, absorb important nutrients, or dispose itself of toxins.

 

If the engine isn't working properly, no amount or quality of fuel (vitamins, supplements, medications) will get you as far as you could potentially go.