Within Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, we consider not only the Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture points - but also the spinal nerves, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves and motor points of the body in your treatment plan. 

Through assessment, we can determine the root cause of your pain or motor dysfunction at the level of the dermatomes, myotomes, and sclerotomes in order to provide neuromodulation at the level of the appropriate spinal nerve roots to reduce your pain and improve your motor function and wellbeing📍⚡️

Acupuncture increases your body's natural endogenous opioid (pain relief) release, relaxes muscle tension and induces relaxation for total body wellness.  

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What are Dermatomes?

A dermatome is an area on your body that relies on a specific spinal sensory nerve. That spinal nerve is critical for its dermatome because it carries all the nerve signals traveling between the dermatome and your brain.

Usually, this is a two-way connection. Your brain sends signals out to dermatomes, which is how your body responds to stimuli via the sensory nerves and the autonomic nervous system. The nerves in the dermatomes also send signals back, which is how you have your sense of touch, the sensations of hot and cold, and your ability to feel pain. However, some conditions can make this a one-way connection, or that can completely cut off the connection.

Contemporary Medical Acupuncture considers the spinal nerve root corresponding to your noted area of pain or dysfunction in treatment planning, for neuromodulation at the spinal nerve root as well as the peripheral area of concern. This is like looking at the road map of your body to pinpoint the root cause of your pain or mobility concern, and retracing our steps to ensure we can develop a path to recovery. 

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What are Myotomes?

Myotomes are groups of muscles that receive signals from a single spinal nerve root. These muscle groups work together to perform a specific motor function.

The motor nerve roots are responsible for muscle movement. They branch out from the different parts of the spinal cord. A myotome is the group of muscles on one side of the body that receive signals from one nerve root. 

Myotomes are often assessed alongside dermatomes. The main difference between a dermatome and a myotome is that dermatomes control sensation while myotomes control movement.

Neuromuscular testing can be used during assessment to determine the affected myotome and develop a thorough treatment plan to address your mobility concerns and any neuromuscular inhibition or neurological condition with Contemporary Medical Acupuncture.

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What are Sclerotomes?

Sclerotomes represent a map of deep tissues such as periosteum, bone and joint pain supplied by a single spinal nerve root. Sclerotomal pain can feel like a heavy, dull ache; deep, broad, vague pain that is unresponsive to massage or stretching. 

Typically, Sclerotomal pain represents pain referred from the spinal nerve root to another area of the body. Contemporary Medical Acupuncture considers the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the whole person in assessment and treatment planning for optimal results and relief of pain.

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What are Systemic Regulatory Points?

Acupuncture systemic regulatory points are specific anatomical sites on the body that tigger broad, body-wide responses instead of just localized effects. Needling these nodes modulates the central nervous system, endocrine functions, and the autonomic nervous system to restore overall physiological balance.

Because acupuncture points are dense clusters of sensory nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, stimulating them sends signals up to the brainstem, hypothalamus, and spinal cord. This cascade yields systemic benefits like reduced inflammation, balanced hormones, and pain relief. 

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Contemporary Medical Acupuncture can help with: 
📍 Chronic and Acute Pain
📍 Musculoskeletal Tension 
📍 Injury Recovery
📍 Stress Relief
📍 Insomnia
📍 Migraine Relief
📍 Regulation of the Sympathetic and Autonomic Nervous Systems 
📍 TMJ Disorder/Jaw Issues
📍 Facial Paralysis / Bell's Palsy 
📍 Trigeminal Neuralgia
📍 Sciatica 
... and more!

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Ready to get out of pain and back to a healthy, active lifestyle? 

Plan for health - book in advance!