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**Please note that Here and Now Acupuncture has moved to the Main Street Clinic (320 N. Main Street, Gunnison).  Jessica will be at the Main Street Clinic Mondays and Tuesdays and at Alpine Acupuncture on Thursdays.  ​

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Acupuncture is a surgical operation originating in China in which an acupuncture point (a specific muscle or connective tissue site) is punctured with an acupuncture needle (a fine, solid, but flexible needle) to cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent a disease or other conditions. Acupuncture is based on anatomy, physiology, and pathology.  It is a very safe and effective therapeutic agent when performed by a qualified practitioner.

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Acupuncture can be used as a stand alone treatment and can also be combined with other treatments such as massage, cupping (also known as myofascial decompression), gua sha or scraping (also known as Graston method), heat therapies, and herbal medicine.

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Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems.  Acupuncture is so effective because it works to regulate and stimulate many systems within the body. Through studies acupuncture has been shown to:

• Stimulate the production of the body's own pain relieving biochemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins.

• Stimulate the release of serotonin in the brain and body in levels that are measurable in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

• Decrease inflammation and increase circulation.  As acupuncture works by stimulating the increased rate of interstitial fluid flow it helps to both detoxify tissue and bring in nutrients to improve the health of tissue.  This can help organ function as well since the organs work with the circulatory system to supply nutrients to all the tissues of the body and to carry away waste products from all the tissues of the body.  

• Increasing the rate and efficiency of the body's own communication and bio-feedback systems.  

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Tui-na massage translates as "push and grasp" involves the use of the practitioners hands to create positive and negative pressure along muscle and connective tissue in the body. Tui-na feels wonderful and also addresses specific musculoskeletal problems and patterns.  Elements of Shiatsu massage are combined which follow the body's energetic pathways with gentle pressure, stretches, and rotations.  You can book this service online. 

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Cupping or "myofascial decompression" uses glass or silicone cups to create negative pressure over an area of muscle and connective tissue.  Cupping can release adhesions and layers of compressed tissue and open up blood flow and interstitial fluid flow.  It can open up capillary beds and bring blood to the surface of the skin creating a purple or reddish mark.  The mark is not a bruise and will diminish in approximately a week.  Cupping can be very therapeutic for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.  Please let Jessica know at the beginning your acupuncture or massage session (or beforehand) that you'd like to add cupping.  

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Scraping or gua sha (also known in the West as Graston method) is an ancient technique that breaks up fascial adhesions and areas that have poor blood circulation due to chronic tension, old trauma, or inflammation.  Using a metal instrument the practitioner applies positive pressure and repeatedly scrapes an area of muscle and connective tissue until redness appears.  Jessica may add this to an acupuncture or massage session, but she will always ask your permission first.  If you'd like it to be added please request it at the beginning of your session.

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Herbal Medicine is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has a long and rich history of use and documentation.  Chinese herbal medicine is safe and effective with someone who has studied it's use as thoroughly as Jessica has.  Her post-graduate program included extensive training in herbal medicine and she tested through a national exam company on the use of Chinese Herbal Medicine specifically.  She is able to make and prescribe internal, topical, and steam inhalation preparations.

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Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT) Jessica is now offering AAT treatments at Alpine Acupuncture on Thursdays.  To schedule these please call (970) 641-1200. When using the "Book an Appointment" button you can see availability, but you will still need to call in order to schedule.  To learn more go here.

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Jessica may bill insurance upon request.  She can also give "super bills" which have medical codes for reimbursement.  Payment is expected at time of service unless otherwise agreed upon.