Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Asian medicine that involves the insertion of extremely thin sterilie one time use disposible needles into specific points on the body. It is used to treat a broad myriad of conditions and supports healing, reduces pain and inflammation, and improves overall health and balance.
What natural methods can I use to help quit smoking?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine we use a specific acupuncture protocol for smoking cessation which includes ear point stimulation combined with body points to reduce the urge for smoking. This protocol works best with 5-10 weekly treatments when the patient is really ready to quit. We often begin exercise program recommendations which aid to build healthy habits.
What natural treatments help with back pain?
Acupuncture is an excellent method for treating back pain due to its ability to relax muscle spasm, improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Additionally chiropractic care is very effective for back pain. It restores normal spinal mobility which helps relieve pain quickly. At Birch Hill Natural Medicine we use a combination of acupucnture, chiropractic care and other modalities (including Cupping, Guasha, Massage therapy, Yoga therapy, and Reiki) to alleviate pain and promote healing.
What helps with sciatic pain naturally?
A combination of acupuncture and chiropractic care work best to alleviate sciatic pain. At BHNM we recommend sleeping with a pillow between your knees and limit time in prolonged sitting lifting bending twisting combinations. Often we add things like electro acupuncture to speed up progress.
How can I relieve chronic pain without medication?
Chronic pain has a myriad of causes. Our first job is to find the source of the pain. At Birch Hill Natural Medicine we have 40+ years of diagnostic experience. Once the source of pain is determined we devise a treatment program utilizing a combination of acupuncture, chiropractic care and lifetstyle modifications that target the source. We have patients that after months or years of being misdiagnosed have had their pain alleviated naturally.
What are natural ways to manage joint pain or arthritis?
At BHNM we use chiropractic care to restore joint mobility which is essential for normal pain free joint function. We also utilize acupuncture to restore circulation and reduce nerve irritation and inflamation around joints. We provide recommendations for healthy diet and exercise which can also improve joint conditions.
Can acupuncture or chiropractic help with headaches or migraines?
Yes, Many times headaches stem from muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Chiropractic care and acupuncture work well to address the muscular cause of headaches while migraines often have a vascular cause. Vascular issues like migraines are best addressed through acupuncture which normalizes blood vessel function and relieves the source of the pain.
What treatments help with stress and tension in the body?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine we use acupuncture for its balancing affect on brain chemistry and stress hormones. We find that regular care reduces overall feelings of anxiety , depressionn and helps restore normal sleep. Yoga, diet, meditation are among some of the other recommendations we utilize to keep the body emotionally healthy.
Does acupuncture help with muscle tension and tightness?
Acupunctrue very directly addresses muscle tightness. By inserting very fine needles in the areas of tightness or trigger points(knot) the stimulation causes a reaction that turns off the trigger point restoring the muscle back to its normal tone. It's very effective and works well cumulatively with a few treatments.
What is cupping and how does it help when I’m sick?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, cupping is a traditional therapy where cups are placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This technique helps to improve circulation, release toxins, and reduce inflammation and muscle spasm/ pain. When you’re feeling sick, cupping can support your body’s natural healing processes by boosting immune function and clearing stagnation, helping you recover more quickly and feel better overall.
What is Neoclassical Acupuncture and how does it work?
Neoclassical Acupuncture is a modern evolution of traditional acupuncture, designed for highly efficient and targeted results. At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, Christina Newman has specialized in using this systematic approach to identify and treat the underlying causes of disease, pain and other chronic conditions.
Can acupuncture or chiropractic care help after an injury or accident?
Injuries from falls, sports, repetitive strain to accidents are commonly treated at BHNM. Depending upon the region of the body that is injured we create a treatment plan which may include acupuncture, chiropractic, home care recommendations and possibly cupping and guasha along with specific exercises that hasten the heallng response. Rather than wait in pain addressing the injury promptly provides the best outcome.
What diet is best for cardiovascular health?
A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is foundational for cardiovascular health. Reducing refined sugars and unhealthy fats is also key. At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, we emphasize how diet integrates with overall wellness. We combine nutritional guidance with services like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and stress reduction techniques to support your heart health comprehensively.
What are the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments?
Regular chiropractic adjustments at Birch Hill Natural Medicine go beyond pain relief, optimizing your body’s natural performance. By ensuring proper spinal alignment and nerve flow, adjustments can enhance athletic performance, improve energy levels, and support your immune system. This holistic approach helps your body function at its best, promoting better coordination, flexibility, and overall systemic balance for a healthier, more active life.
What can treat Migraine without medication?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, we often combine chiropractic care and acupuncture to effectively treat migraines without medication. Chiropractic adjustments gently improve spinal mobility and nerve function, while acupuncture can significantly reduce pain muscle spasm and inflammation. We also incorporate personalized dietary and lifestyle recommendations, empowering you with tools to manage and alleviate your migraines for lasting relief.
Can chiropractic help migraines?
Yes chiropractic care uses gentle and safe methods to improve mobility in the neck and spine, normalizing nerve and circulation which often can dramatically help migraine headaches. At BHNM we often combine chiropractic care with acupuncture, diet and lifestyle recommendations to aid in the care of migraines.
Natural headache relief?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, we address headaches with a personalized, holistic approach. Our experienced practitioners utilize chiropractic care, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage to alleviate tension and restore balance. We also provide tailored dietary and lifestyle recommendations, focusing on improved sleep and stress reduction. This comprehensive strategy empowers you to find lasting natural relief, promoting overall well-being and a healthier, more vibrant life free from persistent discomfort.
What causes tension headaches?
Tension headaches are often caused by muscular tension in the neck and upper shoulder regions. Chiropractic care is extremely effective in management of these headaches since it restores normal movement and reduces joint / nerve irritation and helps to allow the muscles causing the pain to relax and "let go". At BHNM we also incorporate acupuncture, massage, lifestyle and postural recommendations when needed to aid in headache care.
Can a chiropractor help sciatica?
Yes at BHNM we use chiropractic care along with gentle traction techniques, exercise and home/ work postural and lifestyle recommendations to aid in reduction of sciatic pain. We additionally may employ acupuncture and electroacupuncture for managing radiating pain like sciatica.
Herniated disc treatment without surgery?
At BHNM we use the least invasive treatments 1st for conditions like herniated discs. We may begin with gentle traction based therapies and mobilization found in chiropractic care and combine it with home sleep and lifestyle recommendations along with exercises and stretches for a powerful effect. We may also employ acupuncture and electroacupuncture as part of our care for disc issues with excellent outcomes.
Neck pain from sleeping wrong
Sleeping postures are often a source for causing neck pain. Chiropractic care is used at BHNM for restoring normal neck range and muscle tension, and reducing pain along with recommendations for appropriate sleeping positions, pillow types, mattresses and methods for better sleep,
Neck pain causes and treatment
Neck pain is often caused by stressful postural positions like using phones, computers, watching TV, reading in bed or a variety of injuries including accidents, falls, sports and exercise trauma, and repetetive strain. Chiropractic care is often used at BHNM to alleviate neck pain and stiffness with safe , gentle time tested methods along with some of our other offerings like acupuncture, cupping, massage…
Best treatment for lower back pain?
At BHNM we believe one of the best treatments for lower back pain is chiropractic care. It is a safe, gentle, time tested method that is one of the least invasive methods for improving spinal health and reducing pain, and therefore should be tried first.
Why does my lower back hurt?
Lower back pain can be caused by muscle spasm, joint dysfunction, nerve irritation, or disc issues. Each of these can be addressed by chiropractic care after a clear diagnosis is made. At BHNM we use a variety of time tested, safe, and gentle methods for restoring spinal health/ mobility, and pain reduction.
What are the best ways to improve my posture?
Chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage can be a first steps in improving posture by reducing the underlying tension points in the body. Good posture is vital in maintaining a pain free and healthy body. There are many healthy habits we encourage to assist good posture and healthy, vibrant function. At BHNM we have 2 acupuncturist, a chiropractor and a PT/Yoga therapist as well.
What diet is best for cardiovascular health?
A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is foundational for cardiovascular health. Reducing refined sugars and unhealthy fats is also key. At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, we emphasize how diet integrates with overall wellness. We combine nutritional guidance with services like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and stress reduction techniques to support your heart health comprehensively.
How can nutritional counseling support a healthy lifestyle?
We create personalized plans tailored to your unique needs and goals. This guidance empowers you to make informed food choices, optimize digestion, manage weight, and boost energy levels. By understanding how food impacts your body, you can establish sustainable habits that truly support a vibrant and healthy lifestyle.
What is cupping and how does it help when I’m sick?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, cupping is a traditional therapy where cups are placed on the skin to create gentle suction. This technique helps to improve circulation, release toxins, and reduce inflammation and muscle spasm/ pain. When you’re feeling sick, cupping can support your body’s natural healing processes by boosting immune function and clearing stagnation, helping you recover more quickly and feel better overall.
What natural methods can I use to help quit smoking?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine we use a specific acupuncture protocol for smoking cessation which includes ear point stimulation combined with body points to reduce the urge for smoking. This protocol works best with 5-10 weekly treatments when the patient is really ready to quit. We often begin exercise program recommendations which aid to build healthy habits.
What diet is best for cardiovascular health?
A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods, abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is foundational for cardiovascular health. Reducing refined sugars and unhealthy fats is also key. At Birch Hill Natural Medicine, we emphasize how diet integrates with overall wellness. We combine nutritional guidance with services like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and stress reduction techniques to support your heart health comprehensively.
What is a good amount of exercise to get every week?
For optimal well-being, we generally recommend incorporating at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity 3-4 times per week. This can significantly boost energy levels, reduce stress, and support overall health. However, the ideal amount is truly personal, depending on your body’s unique needs, fitness level, and lifestyle. Listening to your body and consulting with our practitioners can help you create a sustainable exercise plan that empowers you to thrive.
What role does traditional Chinese medicine play in preventative health?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM is a powerful tool for preventative health by focusing on maintaining your body’s natural balance. TCM aims to address subtle imbalances before they manifest as illness. Through modalities like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary guidance, TCM can restore your body’s vital energy and support your immune system, empowering you to stay healthy and vibrant year-round.
What natural methods can I use to help quit smoking?
At Birch Hill Natural Medicine we use a specific acupuncture protocol for smoking cessation which includes ear point stimulation combined with body points to reduce the urge for smoking. This protocol works best with 5-10 weekly treatments when the patient is really ready to quit. We often begin exercise program recommendations which aid to build healthy habits.