Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of the holistic system of healing known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) or also known as East Asian medicine. Acupuncture improves the overall function of the body and returns your body to your optimal state of health and wellness. Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific parts (points) on the body. This process stimulates movement of energy within the body, allowing natural healing to take place.  These points are selected based on over 3,000 years of experience in China and your acupuncturists’ extensive Master’s level didactic and clinical training.

How does acupuncture work from a Western standpoint? When acupuncture needles are inserted into the body the body detects the needles. When the body recognizes this change, it produces a physiological response. Recent use of modern technology allows scientists to now see this physiological response in real time. Using an MRI, researchers have seen that when a needle is inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body a corresponding change occurs in the brain.  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine enhance the activity in your brain and improve micro-circulation to the effected area.

Acupuncture points also stimulate the central nervous system to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals such as hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.

Acupuncture is an effective, minimally invasive compliment to your allopathic treatments. If you are looking to accelerate your recovery time, and improve your overall health and mood, schedule a free consultation with Gracia Tharp, EAMP. At Thrive, see how acupuncture can benefit your health and wellness goals.

Like any medical procedure, side effects can occur. Acupuncture has minimal side effects. The few that may occur include:

Fatigue
Acupuncture is extremely relaxing and some people experience fatigue following a session of acupuncture.  This may actually be a positive sign that the acupuncture is working.

Soreness
The body parts that have received the needles during the acupuncture session may feel sore for a few days, but residual or unexpected soreness can actually help identify trigger points or underlying medical issues.

Bruising
Most of the time bruising should not occur, but some places in the body are more prone to bruising.  Special topical ointments can be applied if bruising occurs to reduce discoloration.

Not everybody feels comfortable receiving treatments within a clinical environment We remove some of the intimidation factors by practicing in your patient’s own space. That’s why we offer on-call services for patients that are unable to travel for a variety of reasons.

In-home services can be useful for:

• Injury
• Post-Surgery
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
• Difficulty with transportation
• Families with multiple patients needing services
• To feel comfortable in your home environment

What to expect?

We will come to your home and bring all supplies and equipment. Our intake process, paperwork and visits are similar to our onsite services at Thrive, however with the convenience of your home or requested site.

Fees

Our rates for service fees remain the same, however we include a travel fee based on travel time.

On-Call (existing patients only)

After-hours may be available on request for an additional fee. These will be accepted on a case-by-case basis.