Alternative Health | Scarborough, near Portland ME | Holistic healthcare | Family Health & Wellness

Acupuncture Treatment

Expertly treating the community in the Scarborough, ME area

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that uses very thin needles to redirect the nervous system and vital energy flows in the body. This therapy uses the philosophies of Eastern Traditional Medicine dating back thousands of years, and is used to treat a multitude of conditions, improve nervous system function, and balance vital energy flows which govern the body’s health.

  • Read More About Acupuncture

    Acupuncture was first recorded using sharpened bone and stone in place of needles in 6000 BCE. As the foundational modality of Eastern Traditional Medicine, Acupuncture provides the knowledge base for all other Eastern methods of assessing and treating health conditions and gives practitioners information on other modalities such as acupressure, moxibustion, and cupping.

    Acupuncture uses the concept of meridians, which function as the body’s energetic circulatory system. The main concept is that energy can be redirected, freed, or otherwise corrected using carefully placed needles. This in turn causes vital energy, ‘Qi,’ or ‘Chi,’ to interact with your body in a more cohesive way, leading to better health and more optimally functioning energy and optimal overall health.

    The Western interpretations and understandings of acupuncture tend to focus on the nervous system and how nervous system signals may be blocked or stimulated by acupuncture needles. Explained in this way, the process can increase blood flow to areas of concern, alter the pain signals the brain receives, and cause the release of natural painkilling compounds. It is worth noting that this difference in understanding is largely semantic as the nervous system is an electrochemical system that transmits information as electrical pulses throughout the body. The modern Western and traditional Eastern understanding of the meridian systems overall have a very strong resemblance at their foundation and work toward the same goal of healing.

  • What does Acupuncture Treat?

    • Anxiety and Depression
    • Digestive issues
    • Stress management
    • Health maintenance/Preventative care
    • Acute or chronic pain
    • Chronic fatigue
    • Headaches
    • Menstrual irregularities and pain
    • Menopause symptoms
    • Allergies and Asthma
    • Hypertension
    • Infertility and IVF support
    • Nausea and Morning sickness
    • Stroke recovery
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • And much more!

    Because acupuncture aims to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and restore balance within the body it can treat a wide array of health and wellness complaints. Acupuncture provides a holistic solution for those seeking relief from chronic pain or complex health conditions or even enhancement of general well-being.

  • What to expect during Acupuncture Treatment

    Your first acupuncture appointment will begin with a thorough intake conducted by your acupuncturist. This includes going over main complaints and reviewing your health history. She will then feel your pulse and look at your tongue to complete the diagnosis. This allows your acupuncturist to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

    While acupuncture points are found on most areas of the body, most points used during treatment will be on the lower arms and lower legs. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that gives access to these areas is ideal.

    Acupuncture needles are very thin and, unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid rather than hollow. With the insertion of needles patients get a varying array of sensations. Some needles you won’t feel being inserted and some may feel like a quick pinch. People also experience Qi sensations, which are the feeling of energy arriving at an acupuncture point. This is often described as achy, crampy, full, distended, warm, or just a funny, indescribable feeling.

    Once all the needles are inserted you will rest with them in for roughly 20 minutes. Most patients become deeply relaxed, and some people take a restorative “acu-nap”! Many people notice the benefits of acupuncture immediately. After your first treatment you may experience greater energy, a better night’s sleep, less stress, and a reduction in pain.

Meet Your Practitioner: Breta Kotkin

Learn More

Start Your Wellness Journey

We look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey towards better health and wellness at Oasis Wellness Partners in Scarborough, Maine. Call 207-833-5549 today to make an appointment.

Contact Us Today