Acupuncture has been catching on in the U.S. as a go-to therapy for older adults, either on its own or alongside conventional medicine. More and more studies are showing that it can help with a range of issues that older adults often face. Plus, it’s generally safe and has very few side effects. Let’s dive into some common health conditions and how acupuncture can benefit.

In Chinese Medicine, living in tune with nature and its seasons is key. This means eating seasonal foods and changing up your daily routines—like sleep and activity levels—to match the seasons.

With June being Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, it's a good opportunity to discuss medications that might impact cognitive health, especially in seniors. Many of my senior patients are unaware that their medications could be causing some of their symptoms. During my acupuncture sessions, I talk with patients about their lifestyle choices, including diet, nutritional supplements, and medications.

Did you know your ears can reveal a lot about your health? In Chinese Medicine, the ear is seen as a micro system of the body, with over 200 acupuncture points on the external ear. Ear acupuncture stimulates these points to promote healing in other parts of the body.

Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes?  You or someone you know is probably suffering from these type of allergy symptoms right now – as do 30% to 40% of the population. 

If you’re a woman between the ages of 45 to 55, you are either entering or well on your way to menopause. This can bring along troublesome symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Maybe you feel sudden waves of warmth across the body, that can strike at any hour and vary in intensity and frequency.

Acupuncture has emerged as an effective treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), surpassing conventional therapies like anti-inflammatory drugs. It not only relieves pain and inflammation but also restores dexterity by alleviating numbness and enhancing motor function.

Your first acupuncture session can bring a blend of excitement and curiosity about what lies ahead. Acupuncture follows the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and can offer many health benefits. It is based on a holistic view of the human body and seeks to address the root causes of illness. But to make sure you’ll enjoy a positive experience, you’ll need to do a bit of preparation. 

As an acupuncture practitioner, I prefer using a heat therapy called Moxibustion as part of your treatment. With this technique, a heat source is brought close to, or placed on acupuncture points to stimulate the immune system for therapeutic effect. Specifically, it involves burning dried moxa plant material near the skin to stimulate Qi (energy) flow and dispel pathogens.

At Harmony Point Acupuncture, we offer Fire cupping, also known as traditional cupping, as well as other cupping methods (like vacuum or suction cupping).  Both offer common benefits, but there are differences in their application. Here are some advantages of fire cupping compared to other cupping methods.

Five Element Acupuncture is a traditional form of acupuncture rooted in the 2,000 year old Chinese philosophy. This holistic approach views the human body and its ailments through the lens of five elemental forces—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—each associated with specific organs and functions.  Five Element Acupuncture aims to identify and address imbalances within these elements to promote overall health and well-being. The treatment involves assessing a person's constitution and addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual aspects connected to the elemental imbalance. By restoring harmony among the Five Elements, Five Element Acupuncture seeks to facilitate the body's natural healing processes and promote a sense of balance and vitality. This approach goes beyond symptom management, focusing on the root causes of disharmony. Five Element Acupuncture may use a combination of acupuncture, lifestyle recommendations, and mindfulness techniques to support the restoration of balance and harmony within the individual, acknowledging the inter-connectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Listen to Misti Oxford-Pickeral, Director of Clinics, at the Academy of Five Element Acupuncture, how she describes this cycle and power of each element within us.