Hypnopuncture
The Best of Acupuncture + Hypnosis
What is Hypnopuncture?
Hypnopuncture is a relatively new treatment modality; by combining the ancient science of acupuncture with the equally ancient art of hypnotic trance, the client often sees positive shifts in both body and mind.
Who are the best candidates for Hypnopuncture?
Those who have had unsatisfactory results from other modalities will often experience the greatest rewards. These include people with issues related to….
Chronic Pain
Insomnia
Anxiety
Stress
Weight Loss
Smoking Cessation
Substance Abuse
Depression
Phobias
IBS (constipation, other digestive issues)
PTSD
How do acupuncture and hypnosis work?
Although these explanations are greatly simplified, still, Acupuncture moves stuck electromagnetic energy to ‘jumpstart’ the body’s immune processes. Hypnosis, often described as a state of physical relaxation accompanied by mental concentration, accesses the subconscious in order to affect desired long-lasting change.
Do you always use needles in this process, and if so, how many do you use?
Whether using painless pins or magnets, I typically use four to eight core acupuncture points to clear a path for healing.
Is it safe to mix two different systems?
After utilizing both together for ten years, I can say the treatment is absolutely safe. They both seek to create homeostasis (balance) in both body and mind. When used together under the right circumstances, they work synergistically. Clients often report afterwards that they experienced a deeper healing experience than any they had ever accessed previously.
Acupuncture is great. Why would I need to use hypnosis on top of that?
The word synergy has been overused to the point of being almost meaningless. And yet, these two modalities work beautifully together. Acupuncture works on the mind as well as on the body. Hypnosis, on the other hand, works on the body via the mind. The subconscious is our source of wisdom and positive action. In order to fully be ready to make a change (i.e., lose some pounds) it helps to work with the subconscious, and trance work is the method of choice whereby change takes place most easily and without struggle.
Do you suggest Hypnopuncture for everybody who walks into your office?
Absolutely not. I wouldn’t hypnotize someone with a sprained ankle, just as a ‘fear of flying’ client might not see benefits from acupuncture. Before any treatment I develop a Report Of Findings to determine if the client is a viable candidate for treatment of any kind. If they are, then we discuss what the best direction might be for that particular client.
The River Metaphor:
Acupuncture theory and practice are rooted in the premise that our vital energy, called Qi (pronounced Chee) circulates through pathways (meridians) in the body. When one or more meridians. become blocked, Qi stagnates and we go out of balance, resulting in illness.
One commonly used metaphor for how acupuncture functions is through a description what of happens when a beaver builds a dam on a river, blocking the flow of water. One side of it becomes swamp-like, while the other becomes parched and lifeless.
Only by clearing the blockage will the waterway once more flow freely. Stagnation in the body can similarly impact on the fluids in our bodies, including blood, lymph, saliva and, yes, Qi as well.
The goal of acupuncture is to restore the body’s natural internal movement and, thus, its vitality. The Eastern approach views your health problems as occurring within the context of your life and therefore cannot be isolated or apart from who you are in the moment.
Do you do dry needling?
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture and is sometimes practiced by physical therapists as well as acupuncturists. What distinguishes how we acupuncturists do it is in the tiny, filiform pins use (sterile, and one time use only). Physical therapists on the other hand, can legally use only syringe needles for each point. Unfortunately, the average patient perceives syringes to be incredibly uncomfortable.
The difference between acupuncture pins and syringes is this: When seen under a microscope, acupuncture pins are rounded at the end, and therefore part the flesh rather than pierce it. This is why there’s no blood when the pins come out.
Syringes are, when seen under a microscope, extremely sharp. They actually pierce the flesh, and the trauma to the body can lead to bleeding. For this reason most people prefer to go to licensed acupuncturists when their MD suggests sending them for dry needling.
We hope this helps explain the difference between dry needling done by an acupuncturist, and that done by a physical therapist. If you think you might be a candidate for acupuncture, hypnosis, or hypnopuncture, contact me for a 15 minute free consultation at 212 777 7191.