Dreamclinic Massage Seattle - The Trusted Place for Massage Therapy in Seattle - Swedish Massage - Deep Tissue Massage - Sports Massage - Medical Massage - Massage Classes - Acupuncture
How big are the acupuncture needles?
An acupuncturist works by inserting ultra-thin needles (about the diameter of a strand of hair) into the subcutaneous tissues of the body at very specific locations. In addition to needlework, acupuncture uses several adjunct modalitare - moxibustion (heat therapy), cupping therapy and Chinese gua-sha (dermal friction) - that generate heat and loosen muscle tissue to increase the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment.
Do the acupuncture needles hurt?
Because the needles used are so thin, there is generally little to no pain involved with an Acupuncture treatment and most find the experience to be pleasantly calming. The degree of perceived pain or discomfort, however, can depend on the technique and the sensitivity of an individual practitioner. At Dreamclinic, we are committed to the most gentle approach to practicing Acupuncture that adjusts to the sensitivity of each patient to ensure little or no discomfort.
What conditions are treatable with acupuncture?
The most common conditions treated effectively by Acupuncture include:
While Acupuncture can be used for a wide range of ailments, its most common use today is for the relief of pain. For example acupuncture effectively treats severe tension headaches, migraine, acute backaches, shoulder and neck aches, muscle related injuries, post-surgery recovery, sports injuries, tennis elbow, tooth aches, abdominal pains, arthritic pains, rheumatic pains, sciatica and frozen shoulder.
How does acupuncture work on the body?
There are a number of hypothesis that explain why acupuncture consistently works and also lessens pain, although no one definitive answer has been adopted by the medical community. Among frequently cited explanations are:
“Augmentation of Immunity" - this is a theory points to the fact that Acupuncture has been clinically shown to raise white blood counts, overall anti-body levels and levels of specific hormones which act together to boost the immune system.
In Chinese medicine, there is the saying, "Where there is pain, there is stagnation. Whether that stagnation is caused by blood (as in a bruise), chi , cold, heat, or moisture (such as edema in the extremities), or any combination thereof, by inducing movement in the body Acupuncture works to reduce the pain that accompanies stagnation.
“Circulatory theory” states that acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels thus improving circulation. This may be caused by the body's release of vasodilators (such as Histamine), in response to acupuncture.
What to expect regarding the treatment session?
Your initial visit typically lasts 60 minutes and starts with a review of your health history and a health assessment. This helps the acupuncturist establish where you are in the healing process and come up with a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
The actual treatment takes place on a massage table. You remain clothed or partially unclothed for best access to certain areas. When needles are inserted, you experience anything from no-sensation to that of a fleeting pin prick. Our approach at Dreamclinic is to focus is on your warmth and comfort and one of our acupuncturists, Timothy Miller or Daniel Cook, remains in the room during your session to check in on your comfort level throughout the session. After the session, many people feel a sense of well-being, peace and relaxation that can last for days.
If you are at Dreamclinic to treat an acute condition, you may only need a few sessions. However, to treat long-standing, chronic conditions it may require a longer period of time to address. At the end of your initial visit, the acupuncturist will discuss with you treatment options that best fits your health goals and busy schedule. Subsequent visits last 45 - 60 minutes.
When it comes to massage, Seattle leads the way among U.S. cities in terms of the popularity of therapeutic massage and the level of knowledge among Seattle residents about the health benefits of massage. Seattle massage schools are also regarded as among the best in the country, graduating massage therapists that are able to skillfully combine both the relaxation and the treatment aspects of massage.
Dreamclinic is proud to be a Seattle-based massage
practice:
- Practicing massage in Seattle allows us to attract to our team some
of the top graduates from local massage schools.
- Practicing massage in Seattle allows us to offer a valuable emerging
wellness service in a city where it is understood and appreciated.
- Lastly, practicing massage in Seattle allows us to promote
the
highest standards for the massage profession and to continue to
contribute to the general education of the population about massage.
