Most medical insurances and auto insurances cover acupuncture in Oregon State. 

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an integral piece of a comprehensive system of health care known as Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. This system arises from a collaboration of a wide range of healing modalities that, in addition to Acupuncture, includes herbs, exercise, dietary therapy, and massage. These therapies work with the natural vital energies inherent within all living things to promote the body's ability to heal itself.

This system of healthcare has roots that are at least 5,000 years old, with 3,000 years of recorded clinical traditions. Today it is used by one-quarter of the world's population. It is rapidly growing in popularity in the U.S. because it is a safe, effective alternative, or complement, to allopathic medicine. Although TCM challenges our view of the body, the central principles are simple: self-awareness, balance, and prevention.

An acupuncture treatment may include the insertion of pre-sterilized, disposable stainless steel needles into specific points along energetic pathways, an infrared lamp might be used to generate heat as a supplement to this process.

Occasionally, cupping and guasha are used. Like massage, these techniques use friction to bring circulation to an area, break up subcutaneous fascial adhesions, and move lymph.

How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Work?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on an energetic model that differs from the biochemical approach of Western medicine. At its core, TCM focuses on a vital energy called Qi, which is believed to flow through all living things and processes.

Ancient Chinese practitioners observed a cyclic flow of energy in the human body. This energy circulation is influenced by nutrition, environment, organ function, and exercise. 

Illnesses are thought to arise from deficient or imbalanced Qi in the body's energetic pathways and associated physiological systems. Energy pathways, or meridians, communicate with the body's surface at specific locations called acupuncture points. Each point has a predictable effect on the vital energy passing through it.

Modern science has detected elevated electrical charges at these points, confirming the ancient meridian mappings.

TCM practitioners use intricate diagnostic techniques, including pulse diagnosis, abdominal diagnosis, and tongue diagnosis. These findings are combined with other signs and symptoms to create a comprehensive diagnosis.

Based on the diagnosis, a treatment plan is formulated to restore balance and health in the body. By addressing imbalances in the body's energy system, TCM aims to promote overall health and well-being, treating both symptoms and underlying causes of disease.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe because it uses pre-sterilized, disposable, stainless steel needles, which eliminate the risk of infection. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and testing in Clean Needle Technique and must be certified to practice.

What can it treat?

 Acupuncture is known to treat a wide range of disorders including:

• Neurological conditions such as headaches, migraines, difficulty sleeping/insomnia, nervous tension, stroke, some forms of deafness, facial neuralgia (Bell's Palsy), trigeminal neuralgia, some forms of paralysis, sequelae of poliomyelitis, peripheral neuropathy, noises in the ears/tinnitus, dizziness, and Meniere's disease.

• Cardiovascular disorders such as high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, chest pain, angina pectoris, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and muscle cramps.

• Respiratory conditions such as bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough, laryngitis, sore throat, influenza and the common cold.

• Digestive system disorders such as toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, hiccough, spasms of the oesophagus, gastric and duodenal ulcers, acid reflux/heartburn, gastritis, hiatus hernia syndrome, gas, bloating, paralytic ileus, colitis, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, liver and gall bladder disorders, and weight control.

• Urogenital disorders such as cystitis, prostatitis, orchitis, low libido, urinary retention, kidney disorders, nocturnal enuresis, and neurogenic bladder dysfunction.

• Gynecological and obstetric disorders such as premenstrual tension (PMS), painful, heavy or irregular, or the absence of periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, hormonal disturbances, disorders associated with menopause, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, difficulty with conception/infertility, and morning sickness.

• Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, nerve rash, herpes zoster, acne, scar tissue and resultant adhesions, hair loss and dandruff.

• Eye conditions such as visual disorders, red, sore, itchy or watery eyes, conjunctivitis, simple cataracts, myopia in children, and central retinitis.

• Musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, sciatica, lumbago, weak back, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tenosynovitis, shoulder and neck pain, cervicobrachial syndrome, 'frozen shoulder', and 'tennis/golfer's elbow'.

• Sporting injuries such as sprained ankles and knees, cartilage problems, corking and tearing of muscles, torn ligaments and bruises.

• Psychological conditions such as depression, phobias, emotional disturbances, anxiety, nervousness and addictions such as smoking.

What should I wear?

At Chi Touch Holistic Care, we provide everything you need to enjoy a comfortable session. If access is needed to a part of your body that is covered by your clothing, you will be asked to undress to your comfort level and a gown will be provided. Many people find it more comfortable to disrobe for sessions so that clothes are not constricting the body in any way. Wearing clothes that are easy to get on and off will ensure that you have an easy transition at the beginning and end of your treatment.