Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with incredibly thin needles which are then activated with electrical stimulation, or more commonly, through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands. Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese medicine, whose practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by meridians or pathways. These pathways create an energy flow through the body known as Qi (pronounced ‘chee’) that is responsible for overall health and wellness. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease, injury, and chronic health conditions. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it helps improve the flow of Qi, thereby enhancing health. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions, from inflammatory conditions to autoimmune disorders.

Acupuncture is considered complementary medicine. Complementary medicine encompasses treatments and therapies that are not considered scientific medicine but may be used alongside it to aid in the healing and recovery process.

Each acupuncturist has a unique style and may blend aspects of both Eastern and Western approaches. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will be most beneficial, the practitioner may ask the patient about their symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle. They may also closely examine:

• Painful areas of the body
• The shape, coating, and color of the tongue
• The color of the patient’s face
• The strength and rhythm of wrist pulse

During the procedure, the acupuncture practitioner will tell the patient the general site of the planned treatment and whether any clothing needs to be removed; a gown, towel, or sheet will be provided. Patients lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:

• Needle Insertion — Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on the body, depending on the symptoms/conditions being treated. The needles are incredibly thin, so insertion usually causes a little discomfort; patients often do not feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment; when a needle reaches the correct depth, a mild aching sensation may be experienced.
• Needle Manipulation — After placement, the practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles; they may also apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.
• Needle Removal — In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while the patient lies still and relaxes. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed, and many patients report a feeling of relief after the treatment.

Acupuncture can safely and effectively treat a wide number of conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Arthritis of the large and small joints
• Breech presentation
• Bursitis (painful swelling of the joints)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic sinusitis (long-term swelling in the sinuses)
• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (painful wrist condition)
• Fibromyalgia (widespread muscle pain and tenderness)
• Headache pain
• Inability to get pregnant
• Inducing labor
• Low- and mid-back pain
• Menstrual pain and problems
• Migraine
• Morning sickness
• Muscle tension
• Neck pain
• Neuropathy
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Sciatica
• Sports injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Stress
• Tendonitis (pain or irritation of a tendon)

At The G Spa San Francisco, we are dedicated to providing you with all of your acupuncture needs. Our qualified and experienced acupuncturist can help you recover faster and more effectively. Call us today or book an appointment for acupuncture, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 490 Post St, Suite 1703, San Francisco CA 94102. We serve clients from San Francisco CA, Oakland CA, Pacifica CA, Brisbane CA, Millbrae CA, and San Francisco Bay Area CA.