Blog
Rediscovering scalp acupuncture
At the end of September, I had the opportunity to travel to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend a scalp acupuncture seminar taught by Suzanne Robidoux. I have occasionally used scalp acupuncture since learning the basics in acupuncture school over 10 years ago, but am now inspired to use it a whole lot more. I was aware of the effectiveness of the method, but needed the more in-depth instruction on how to understand it better and use it to achieve the best results possible. Over the past couple of weeks I have started to employ what I learned, and am pleased with the results so far.
How does acupuncture work?
To the typical Westerner, acupuncture may seem rather esoteric and unscientific. It doesn’t help that acupuncture is mostly explained with ancient Chinese metaphorical language and imagery. We typically hear about energy meridians that traverse the body through which energy (Qi) travels. Acupuncture points are described as areas where stuck energy can be unblocked, like turning on a light switch. The basic premise of Chinese medicine is that where Qi and blood are moving, disease can’t take hold.
Interrupting the pain cycle
When it comes to pain, it’s all in our heads.
Actually, pain is experienced by way of our brains, via a cycle described in detail below. Pain can be acute, resolved quickly, or chronic, variously defined as lasting longer than 3 to 6 months. Acupuncture is particularly helpful in interrupting the pain cycle, especially for chronic pain. Herbs and bodywork are useful as well, depending on the condition.
Pain in the muscles and connective tissues
At some point we have all experienced pain in the muscles and their surrounding connective tissues, known as myofascial pain. Some people experience this kind of pain, whether widespread or localized, at all times.
Healing after a whiplash injury
Every day, on average, 85 Minnesotans are injured in car accidents. And the most common injury that results from car accidents is whiplash.
Tools for combatting headaches
Headaches come in many forms, all of them distressing. I commonly see people in the clinic who suffer from tension headaches, sinus headaches, cervicogenic (stemming from the neck) headaches, migraines, or various combinations of these.
Managing stress with acupuncture
You know what it feels like to be stressed out. Your nerves get jangled, and you can’t relax. You may experience muscle tightness and pain. You may develop a headache. Your heart may even feel like it is going to jump right out of your body. The scary thing is that when you feel like this on a regular basis, it not only feels uncomfortable, but it also slowly erodes your health.
In search of health
As this year comes to a close, I am filled with excitement and gratitude as I think of all the wonderful people who have walked through the doors at Red Clover Clinic. I have witnessed some profound shifts towards health during the past year…pain has decreased, anxiety has become manageable, depression has lifted, digestion has improved, and other complaints have faded away. The shift that has impressed me the most, and seems to be a common thread in all of my clients, is a new respect and understanding of how to nurture one’s body and one’s health.