Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the Four Branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), along with herbal medicine, Tui Na, and food therapy. These modalities can be traced back over 2500 years.

Qi is the vital life force and energy that flows throughout the body within an organized network of channels/meridians, called the Jing-Luo system. Yin and Yang are the two contrasting forms of Qi: Yin is darker, cooler, more still, and downward moving, while Yang is brighter, warmer, more active, and upward moving. The body is in harmony when Yin and Yang are balanced. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor, Yin and Yang become imbalanced and disease and pain occurs. Acupuncture restores the flow of Qi, bringing Yin and Yang back into balance and restoring homeostasis.

Treatment is developed according to TCVM theory: Yin-Yang, Five Elements, Eight Principles, and Zang-Fu Physiology and Pathology. 

Some of the many examples of conditions in which acupuncture is recommended include:

-Musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, muscle soreness, and back pain

-Neurological conditions, including spinal/disc disease, paralysis, and seizures

-Gastrointestinal conditions, including vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and inappetence

-Chronic conditions, including endocrine disease, skin problems, behavioral problems/anxiety, renal disease, and ear/eye issues

-Quality of life and end of life care

Expect treatments to take between 30-50 minutes. The first session may take a little longer than follow-up treatments. While some results may be immediate, please allow for a minimum of three to six treatments spaced one to two weeks apart. Treatment may also include discussion of food therapy, Tui Na techniques, and herbal therapy.

Dr. McCoy is a graduate of the Chi Institute.