About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the longest practiced medical systems in the world. It works by affecting the quality of our energy, or chi, that flows throughout the body.
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At North Shore Community Acupuncture you will have a unique experience that allows you to revitalize and maintain a healthier lifestyle, resolve personal challenges and enhance vitality.
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​Acupuncture is a process, and healing occurs over a series of treatments that build on each other. The benefits of acupuncture are greatly increased by receiving regular, frequent treatments. Generally it is good to come in 1 – 2 times per week until there is a change in symptoms.
Our Services
Community Acupuncture
Community Acupuncture is done in a quiet and calming space where other people are being treated at the same time.The affordable rates are possible because rather than treating in private rooms, we treat in a shared space.
​Each person gets individualized treatment customized to their needs. The atmosphere is quiet and meditative. The affordable prices enable patients to come regularly enough, to get better and stay better.
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​After a brief intake, patients recline in a comfortable zero gravity chair. The acupuncturist selects points, usually on the arms and legs. The patient then rests for approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
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NSCA also offers one-to-one private sessions.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping Therapy is used as an alternative pain therapy. Cupping is safe, comfortable and remarkably effective for many health disorders.
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During a cupping session plastic, silicone or glass cups are placed on the skin and a partial vacuum is created in the cups through suction. This draws up the underlying tissues and opens the meridians, allowing energy to flow through every organ and tissue of the body. When the cup is left in place on the skin, blood stasis is formed and localized healing takes place. It activates the lymphatic system, relieves muscles tension, joint pain and digestive disturbances and increases blood circulation. It also benefits the lungs, relieving symptoms of respiratory problems such as coughing and wheezing.
Moxa Therapy
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As you walk into any acupuncture clinic you often notice the familiar smoky odor of moxa. Moxibustion consists of burning an herb, called mugwort or artemisia vulgaris, on specific acupuncture points. The sponge-like herb is formed into small cones and placed against the skin and heated.
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Any type of heat applied to the body can increase the flow of chi and blood. Heat lamps, heating pads, or warming liniments can give a similar effect to moxibustion. But the heat combined with the powerful healing properties of mugwort gives moxibustion a proven advantage.
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Moxibustion can be used to maintain health as it tonifies and strengthens the body, organs and the immune system. It warms the meridians and expels cold. It promotes circulation over areas of chronic pain, muscle tension and arthritis. When applied to acupuncture points, that work to strengthen and lift the chi, moxibustion can boost the immune system and help with fatigue, digestive issues, and much more.
Gua Sha Technique
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Gua Sha (Gwa Sha) is a Chinese healing technique used to treat aching, tight and tender muscles, colds, flu, sluggishness, migraines and poor circulation. Gua means to scrape or rub. Sha is the reddish skin reaction caused by the rubbing.
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Every muscle, bone, nerve, vein, artery and organ in your body is wrapped in a connective tissue sheath called fascia. When fascia is in good health it will glide smoothly, allowing the body to move without pain. But sometimes scar tissue or stagnation builds up in the fascia and the layers bind to each other, restricting motion. Gua Sha can restore that motion of the fascia, allowing the body to move with less limitation.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
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Chinese herbs are plant based substances used to enhance, maintain and restore optimal health and wellness. The focus is not on fixing isolated problems but on enhancing the healing capacity and vitality of the body. Herbs are one choice for optimal health, which includes attentions to body, mind and spirit.
Following are some of the conditions that Chinese herbs can treat: insomnia, fatigue, stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, fertility, PMS, menstrual disorders, digestive disorders, allergies, colds, sore throat, sinus congestion, increase immunity, eczema and acne.