How does Acupuncture help with pain?

Acupuncture has been proven to help manage pain through its analgesic (pain-relieving) effects:

1- Release of endorphins: Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. Endorphins help reduce pain perception and promote feelings of well-being and relaxation.

2- Modulation of neurotransmitters: Acupuncture may influence the levels and activity of various neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, which play a role in pain processing and modulation. By affecting neurotransmitter levels, acupuncture may help regulate pain signals in the nervous system.

3- Activation of opioid receptors: Acupuncture has been shown to activate opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, similar to the mechanisms of opioid medications. This activation can lead to pain relief by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals and modulating pain perception.

4- Regulation of inflammatory responses: Acupuncture may help regulate inflammatory responses in the body, including the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators of inflammation. By reducing inflammation, acupuncture can help alleviate pain associated with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries.

5- Stimulation of nerve fibers: Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body known as acupoints, which are believed to be connected to nerve pathways. The insertion of needles stimulates sensory nerve fibers, sending signals to the brain and spinal cord. This stimulation can trigger the release of neurotransmitters and other biochemical substances that modulate pain signals.

6- Restoration of balance and harmony: According to TCM principles, pain is often attributed to imbalances or disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood within the body. Acupuncture is believed to restore balance and harmony to the body's energy systems, thereby alleviating pain and promoting overall health and well-being.

Overall, acupuncture offers multifaceted effects on pain perception and modulation, involving complex interactions between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action, acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a valuable complementary therapy for managing various types of pain.

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Does Acupuncture needles hurt?

The sensation experienced during acupuncture can vary from person to person. For many individuals, the insertion of acupuncture needles causes minimal discomfort or pain. The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, much thinner than hypodermic needles used for injections or drawing blood. As a result, most people describe the sensation as a slight pinch or tingling feeling, if they feel anything at all.
Some people may feel a brief, dull ache or pressure as the needle is inserted, but this sensation typically subsides quickly. Once the needles are in place, many people report feeling a sense of relaxation or even euphoria during the acupuncture session.
It's essential to communicate openly with your acupuncturist about your comfort level during the treatment. If you experience any discomfort, they can adjust the needles or technique accordingly. Overall, while acupuncture involves needles, the vast majority of people find the experience to be tolerable and even enjoyable, with any discomfort being minimal and temporary.

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Acupuncture for Women's Health

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How Can Acupuncture help PMS?

The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of general and reproductive health. It gives a great deal of information about the status of various physiological processes in the body. Regulating the menstrual cycle using acupuncture and it’s modalities is often at the center of treatment for many chronic health conditions and for treating fertility issues. A healthy menstrual cycle is a sign of overall health.

Acupuncture works on many levels, including regulating the nervous system, which in turn regulates numerous physiological processes. Some of the effects acupuncture has in this way include reducing pain and inflammation, improving circulation, and reducing stress and anxiety. In the case of women’s health, acupuncture has been shown to regulate uterine and ovarian blood flow via its effect on the ovarian sympathetic nerves.

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How Acupuncture works for Fertility?

Acupuncture may potentially improve your fertility in several ways:

- Balances hormones: Acupuncture stimulates the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that affect ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy. By balancing the levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), acupuncture may help better prepare your body for fertility treatment.

- Increases blood flow: Acupuncture helps to increase blood circulation to the reproductive organs, especially the uterus and ovaries. This may improve the quality and quantity of eggs and the thickness and receptivity of the uterine lining. A well-nourished uterus and ovaries can increase your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby.

- Reduces stress: Stress can have a negative impact on your fertility by disrupting your hormonal balance, affecting your ovulation, and lowering your libido. Acupuncture is known to reduce stress by stimulating the release of endorphins. It also can calm your nervous system and lower your blood pressure, improving your overall health and well-being.

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How Acupuncture compliments Fertility treatment?

Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF, acupuncture can be a valuable addition to your fertility treatment plan. Here are some of the ways acupuncture can complement your fertility treatments:

- Enhances IVF outcomes: Some studies have suggested that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer can increase the pregnancy rates of IVF patients. This may be due to acupuncture’s ability to improve blood flow to the uterus, relax the uterine muscles, and reduce stress and anxiety. Acupuncture can also help reduce some side effects of IVF medications, such as bloating, nausea, headaches, and mood swings.

- Supports overall wellness: Acupuncture can help you address other health issues that may affect your fertility indirectly, such as insomnia, digestive problems, allergies, or chronic pain. By improving your sleep quality, digestion, immunity, and pain relief, acupuncture can help you feel more comfortable and energetic throughout your fertility journey.

- Promotes emotional well-being: Trying to conceive can be emotionally challenging and cause frustration, sadness, anger, or guilt. Acupuncture can help you cope with these emotions by providing a safe and supportive space to express yourself and receive compassionate care. Acupuncture can also help you cultivate a positive and hopeful mindset to boost your confidence and resilience.

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How Acupuncture helps with menopausal symptoms?

Acupuncture may reduce the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, and aches and pains. These symptoms occur due to hormonal changes in your body, and can have an effect on your life and work. Acupuncture can offer relief from these symptoms and help you get your life back.

While acupuncture is an ancient medicinal practice, it offers therapeutic benefits and has very few side effects, making it safe to use for most women.

Acupuncture can relieve the following symptoms of menopause:

- hot flushes

- night sweats

- insomnia

- anxiety

- depression

- fatigue

- mood swings

- headaches and migraine

- palpitations

- pain (low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain)

What is Microneedling

Discover the intricate workings of microneedling, a cutting-edge alternative medicine technique that employs fine needles to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate your skin.

How Does it work?

Microneedling, a cutting-edge therapeutic procedure, employs a series of fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin's surface. This process stimulates the body's natural healing response, triggering collagen and elastin production. By promoting skin rejuvenation and cellular regeneration, microneedling can effectively address various skin concerns, including fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture. Our service provides a comprehensive breakdown of the science behind microneedling, empowering individuals with the knowledge required to make informed decisions about their skincare journey.

What are the benefits of Microneedling?

Some of the benefits include:

Improved skin texture and shrinkage of large pores
Reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improved hyper/hypo-pigmentation, acne scares, stretch marks
Enhances collagen production resulting in a skin that looks and feels younger
Stimulates blood circulation in the treated area

What is a typical Microneedling treatment like?

Dr. Safari begins the process by

cleaning the treatment area and applying a natural numbing agent.
Next, the doctor will apply a thin layer of collagen stimulating products
Using a microneedling device the skin's upper most surface, aka epidermis, is punctured in a simultaneous 50% overlapping motion.
Finally, a topical skincare solution, appropriate for your specific skin type, is applied to the treatment area to help hydrate, protect, and heal the skin.

Microneedling is not typically painful, but the topical numbing solution should help with any discomfort. Immediate after, lasting 12-48 hrs, you can expect a pinkish or bright red looking skin. You may experience mild swelling and few tiny punctured scabs which will fade in a few days. Dr. Safari recommends over the counter pain medications in case of rare pain following the treatment. It's very important to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen until your skin recovers.

What is Nanoneedling

Nanoneedling, an innovative service that promotes natural healing and rejuvenation. Using microscopic needles to stimulate the skin's collagen production, this gentle technique helps to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and scars without any downtime.