Evolve Acupuncture Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine and Microneedling in Ferndale, Michigan

How Does Acupuncture Work for Pain?

Acupuncture is one part of Chinese Medicine and works in the body as follows to help with musculoskeletal pain and inflammation:

• Acupuncture promotes blood flow and vasodilation in the body. Restoring proper blood flow is vital to promoting and maintaining health. Blood flow decreases as we age and can be impacted by trauma, injuries, and certain diseases.
• Acupuncture stimulates the body’s built-in healing mechanisms. Acupuncture stimulate the body’s ability to spontaneously heal by creating "micro-traumas" to the tissue that activates the nervous, immune and endocrine systems.
• Acupuncture releases natural painkillers. Inserting a needle sends a signal through the nervous system to the brain, where chemicals such as endorphins, norepinephrine, and enkephalin are released.
• Acupuncture reduces both the intensity and perception of chronic pain. It does this through a process called “descending control normalization," which involves the serotonergic nervous system.
• Acupuncture relaxes shortened muscles. This in turn releases pressure on joint structures and nerves, and promotes blood flow.
• Acupuncture reduces stress. Acupuncture can turn off the “fight-or-flight” response that is governed by the sympathetic nervous system and switch to “rest-and-digest” or the “calm-and-connect” parasympathetic nervous system.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel when inserted. The needles are gently stimulated and may produce a sensation that Chinese medicine calls de qi. Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic needles. They won't! Most patients find acupuncture very comfortable and leave the treatment feeling deeply relaxed both mentally and physically.

Acupuncture treatment creates deep relaxation in the body.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more than one treatment is necessary.  Acupuncture is a process-oriented medical intervention similar to physical therapy.  It requires consecutive treatments to see benefits.  We recommend starting with weekly sessions and re-evaluate changes every 3-5 visits. 

For acute conditions you can expect to see relief in 3-5 sessions. It may take longer for chronic conditions to respond such as long term chronic pain, digestive problems, allergies or infertility.  The number of treatments required is dependent upon the type, severity, and duration of the condition. 

Once results are achieved, there is often a long term maintenance phase to maintain the results.  Treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis after you complete a treatment plan and move into maintenance..

How Much Does Acupuncture Cost?

EVOLVE Acupuncture offers private, individualized treatments to our patients. Our rates are comparable in the area and are based on years in practice and experience treating a variety of conditions.  Mike Tocco, LAc, RN has 8 years of hospital-based acupuncture experience and is familiar with treating complex medical conditions with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Sessions last for approximately 45-50 minutes.

Current fees can be found on our scheduling page.

We accept all forms of payment including cash, credit card and flex spending cards such as HSA/FSA.  More information on pricing and insurance questions can be found here. 

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Dr. Mike Tocco, DACM, Licensed Acupuncturist and Registered Nurse at EVOLVE Acupuncture conveniently located in Ferndale, MI near Royal Oak and Woodward provides Acupuncture, Microneedling and Chinese Herbal Medicine to the communities of Metro Detroit.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website, email and affiliated EVOLVE Acupuncture websites and social media pages including our trusted collaborators is for information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The information and products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any illness or disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The opinions and endorsements expressed in our testimonials are strictly those of the customer submitting the review. Consult your physician for medical advice.

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