Green Tea Acupuncture Acupuncture Boise, ID

Acupuncture for Migraine Relief

December 20, 2020

If you’ve ever had a migraine you’re probably familiar with the powerlessness that comes with them and how they monopolize the moment by immobilizing you with throbbing pain and in some more extreme cases nausea. If you’re a chronic migraine sufferer you’ve probably heard to drink more water or take some medicine, but what happens when you’ve exhausted those resources and you know you’re hydrated and the medicine you take makes you feel like it’s a temporary crutch for your symptoms?

Acupuncture and Migraine Relief

According to The American Migraine Foundation, acupuncture might be a great holistic remedy to consider. In a clinical trial, the number of migraines experienced dropped by 50% and patients saw results in as little as six sessions. Acupuncture also has no major side effects as opposed to taking Acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) in the long run.

Another clinical trial conducted in Germany also proved that acupuncture can be an effective alternative for migraines. They ran two tests, one where participants had no acupuncture treatments vs acupuncture treatments and another where they tested acupuncture’s effectiveness vs a β-blocker taken daily over a six-month period for the relief of migraines.

After running these trials they found, “that there is consistent evidence that acupuncture is beneficial in the treatment of acute migraine attacks and that the available studies suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as prophylactic drug treatment and has fewer adverse effects. Therefore, acupuncture should be considered an option for patients willing to undergo this treatment.”

Of course this was probably of no surprise to the Chinese practitioners that observed and recorded this study nearly 2,000 years ago.

How does Acupuncture Help?

You might be wondering how some needles can be just as effective (or more) as medicine and that’s because acupuncture pin points specific pressure points to help slow the migraines. Acupuncture keeps the energy flow or qi balanced and when this energy falls out of balance pain, or headaches in this case can happen. The pressure points would be carefully mapped out by your acupuncturist to be around your back or neck and in some cases some dietary suggestions can be made to help you keep the migraines away.

What Can I Expect from an Acupuncture Session?

When coming to an acupuncture session at Green Tea Acupuncture you can expect to spend at least an hour during a session. If this is your first time you should plan to come a little earlier to go over your medical history before your session even starts to make sure that we are aware of any ailments and tailor your acupuncture appointment to best the needs of your body. 

I want to make sure you get the most relaxed possible so I always recommend to turn off your phone to be able to fully relax and enjoy the session, wear loose fitting clothes and eat a light snack before your session with me.

For migraines, most patients see results after six sessions but everyone’s body is different and the time curve might be different for you. To learn more, and to schedule your first appointment – visit: https://greenteaacupuncture.com/.

Anxiety Management & Acupuncture

November 24, 2020 by Cynthia Cates, L.Ac.

The holiday season is upon us – and regardless of how you are celebrating this year, it is challenging to get through this time of year without some anxiety. For chronic sufferers, the events surrounding the holiday season can add fuel to an already overwhelming fire. The general stress of things to do, social situations, or even the lack thereof with existing social distancing restrictions.

Acupuncture & Anxiety Treatment

Acupuncture is a widely-used method of treating anxiety disorders and depression in both Chinese and western cultures. Clinical research studies have shown acupuncture to be a valid treatment of anxiety without significant adverse effects, making it an attractive option for many patients.

What Should I Expect from an Acupuncture Treatment?

The prospect of visiting an acupuncturist may seem intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. You want to be sure to choose a licensed acupuncturist. At your first appointment, you’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any health concerns you may have. During your session, your acupuncturist will insert sterile, hair-thin needles into different pressure points on your body. The treatments are not painful, in fact many patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep.

Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes, including the health history and any questions you may have of your acupuncturist. Most patients are not able to see immediate lasting results, but may need up to six to fifteen sessions – particularly for chronic sufferers. Usually, patients start to feel relief after the first few sessions. Side effects are typically mild and mainly include occasional bruising.

The key for a successful treatment plan is to find a trained and licensed acupuncturist. In Idaho, you should look for a practitioner who is certified by NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). In addition, training for acupuncture requires four to five years in a Master’s degree program (MSTCM). Finding the right practitioner is vital to a positive experience with acupuncture.

Who is a Good Candidate for Acupuncture?

At Green Tea Acupuncture, you can expect expertise in a variety of techniques and styles to address your health concerns. In addition to anxiety and stress relief, acupuncture is an effective treatment for respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, emotional imbalances, infertility, menopause, and more. Every person is different, and an individual treatment plan is needed to create the most effective approach to your unique needs.

The best way to learn more about acupuncture is to try a session!  

You can also schedule a free phone consultation to go over any questions, concerns and to determine if acupuncture is an appropriate treatment for the health issue in question.

COVID-19 Update: We are still taking patients. If you are feeling unwell or showing symptoms of COVID, we ask that you stay home.