Accupuncture Treatment in Salt Lake City

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that involves the placement of very fine, single use sterile needles into precise points along the body and in certain muscle groups. These needles stimulate the autonomic nervous system, which is the part of the body that we do not have conscious control over. So acupuncture is one of the few ways that we can tap into it and help regulate it in a noninvasive way! The body registers each needle as a “micro-injury” and stimulates the brain to release natural pain killers (endorphins) and increase circulation to those areas to help with healing. This circulation also helps to clear out the build up of cortisol (a hormone we get from stress) which is how it helps manage anxiety, insomnia, stress, and more.

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture? Dry needling is a TYPE of acupuncture that focuses on the trigger points of a muscle. The needle will stimulate the nerve bundle to cause a contraction/release of the muscle. If the muscle is malfunctioning and has a “knot,” this stimulation will remind the brain to release the contracted fibers of the muscle.

We often pair our acupuncture treatments with body work, heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines. Research has shown that acupuncture is safe, effective, and pain free. This therapy has been proven to decrease inflammation, increase circulation, regulate the nervous system, and benefit the cardiovascular system. Acupuncture can help resolve pain, boost the immune system, balance hormones, regulate emotions, and improve sleep and digestive function

What to expect during an acupuncture treatment:

Your acupuncturist will start with an intake asking about your primary concerns and basic health history. You will then lay down on the massage table and the acupuncturist will start with some gentle bodywork to feel out certain muscle groups and channels and to calm the body. She will then insert 10-20 needles along certain points on the body. These points will sometimes be near an area of local pain, and others will be along the arms and legs. You might feel a slight sensation when the needle is first inserted but afterwards the point will just feel like a dull pressure. Some people report the points as feeling heavy, “buzzy”, warm, or like nothing at all (everyone’s experience is different!). You then rest with the points in for about 20min. People will often rest and take a little nap during this time (you’ll be surprised how fast you can fall asleep during acupuncture!). When your acupuncturist comes back in she will remove the points and give you time to wake up. After the treatment people often report feeling relaxed, rested, and sometimes sleepy. We recommend taking the day easy afterwards and letting your body continue the healing process.