Acupuncture is a part of an ancient form of medicine know as traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. In TCM, it is believed that energy or Qi (pronounced chee) flows through the body in channels or meridians to keep the body functioning at optimal levels.
If there is a disruption of the flow of this energy, then disease or pain may follow. Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles inserted into specific points along those channels to help improve the flow of the Qi in the body to help bring the body back to a healthy, harmonious state. When the body is in homeostasis, it is able to begin to use its energy to heal itself and prevent disease.
It often takes about 4-5 consecutive treatments at once a week intervals to understand how your body is responding to the treatments and what needs to be adjusted from week to week in each appointment. Each treatment is custom tailored to that individual based on the symptoms they are experiencing that day.
The biggest question I get is “does it hurt”? The needles that are used are very thin, sterile needles. They are inserted in a quick, fluid manner to make for a very comfortable experience for the patient. Once the needles are inserted, you may feel unique sensations of heaviness or warmth. These are good sensations meaning that Qi and blood are being activated in those channels. Most patients can’t believe how minimal the sensation of the needles being inserted are.
If needles are something you are not willing to try, we also offer a modality called cupping. There are two types of cupping offered. One is fire cupping and the other is facial cupping. Fire cupping uses glass cups that are vacuumed onto the skin by placing a flame inside of them very quickly and extracted before placing them on the skin.
This modality can help with tight muscles, digestion, and boosting your immune system. Facial cupping utilizes very light suction with constant movement to move lymph and fluids in the face helping to relax tight facial muscles and to smooth fine lines. It helps to make the face appear tighter and more toned.
All of these treatments are fantastic for helping the body to relax and escape from all the stress that exists in our lives. If you have any questions please email Dan at info@innercompassacu.com
Acupuncture available at Avere Beauty in Pittsburgh
Dan began learning about traditional Chinese Medicine at the age of 12 while practicing martial arts leading to a lifelong passion for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). After a severe auto accident, acupuncture helped him to recover fully and heal at a much faster rate than was expected.
Following his recovery, Dan enrolled in an acupuncture program at Finger Lakes School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine of the New York Chiropractic College where he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture in 2019. While in school, Dan completed 3000-plus hours of clinical training during which he gained proficiency in modalities that are instrumental in Traditional Chinese Medicine such as Acupuncture, Zhen Gu Tui Na (Chinese orthopedic massage), gua sha, moxibustion, cupping, and qi gong.
He also furthered his understanding of TCM by studying at the Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of TCM in Hangzhou China where he completed 100 hours of clinical training in advanced acupuncture and tui na. There he observed how Eastern and Western medicine can be combined to obtain the highest level of recovery for patients. Dan continues to incorporate this in his practice.
Specialties include treatment of painful conditions both acute and chronic; mental health concerns such as stress or anxiety; digestive issues including IBS and Celiac disease; asthma, immune function disorders, and other autoimmune conditions.