Microneedling Devices: Getting to The Point on Benefits, Risks, And Safety

If you've been paying attention to the skincare world lately, you've probably noticed that microneedling is all the rage. And for good reason! Microneedling is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that reduces wrinkles and acne scarring, restores sun-damaged skin, and dramatically improves skin texture.

 You may have heard of derma rollers - those cute little devices with needles on a wheel and a handle that you can use at home to give yourself a DIY microneedling treatment. A quick google pulls up any number of various home-use derma roller-style products for as little as $10. But let's be honest, they aren't the same as professional medical-grade microneedling devices, come with risks, and their effects are incomparable.

 If you want the best results with the least amount of risk, your microneedling treatments should be performed by a licensed professional acupuncturist using medical-grade equipment. Read on for some need-to-know information.

 What is Microneedling?

 First things first, Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, involves using a device with tiny needles to puncture the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body's natural healing process, and stimulate Qi, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin, which results in smoother, more youthful-looking skin.

 The Problem with Derma Rollers and Low RPM Non-Medical Grade Oscillating Devices

 Microneedling can be performed with a derma roller or an oscillating device, but not all devices are created equal (or anywhere close to equal). For example, professional-grade microneedling pens start at 3 to 4K$ and go up from there, while home-use oscillating pens start at just a few hundred dollars.

 What's the difference? The most significant difference in terms of how they affect your skin is RPMs (rotations per minute). The higher the RPMs, the less drag the needles have on your skin, reducing the risk of scarring. Medical-grade devices have incredibly high RPMs and stimulate collagen and elastin production with zero damage to your skin.

 Speaking of drag, derma roller devices are tough on your skin because the needles on the roller head enter and exit your skin very slowly by comparison. Even worse, due to the round roller head, they enter and exit your skin at an angle, creating more drag and increasing the risk of scarring, hyperpigmentation, and even nerve damage.

 The Benefits of Medical-Grade Oscillating Devices

 Only medically licensed professionals (like acupuncturists) can purchase medical-grade devices in California. So if you want to get the best results with the least amount of risk, you should book an appointment with an acupuncturist.

Here's a quick breakdown of the benefits.

 1. Precision

Medical-grade oscillating devices offer far greater precision than derma rollers or home-use devices. The depth of the punctures is adjustable based on the patient's skin type and the specific concerns being addressed. In addition, once adjusted, they penetrate the skin at a consistent depth and frequency, resulting in better collagen production and more visible results.

 2. Safety

Medical-grade oscillating devices are your safest option for microneedling treatments. Derma rollers can introduce bacteria into the skin, leading to infection. Derma roller needles can also cause small tears in the skin (rather than precision punctures), making it easier for bacteria to enter the body and increasing recovery time.

Medical-grade devices have much finer needles, and the heads are sterile, single-use, and disposable, mitigating the risk of infection and cross-contamination.

Medical professionals understand the importance of sterilization and use sterile tools and surfaces for every patient.

 3. No Pain

Derma rollers can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if incorrectly used. The pain and discomfort can deter patients from continuing with the treatment. However, when you get a microneedling facial from an acupuncturist, the benefits go beyond just the higher-quality device. Your acupuncturist will use a numbing cream on your face and will not begin the treatment until it takes effect, virtually eliminating any pain or discomfort.

 Final Thoughts

 Microneedling is a true skincare game changer disrupting botox, fillers, surgery, and other invasive procedures. You'll see dramatic results without any recovery time with a medical-grade device used by a licensed acupuncturist.

 The benefits of microneedling go well beyond wrinkle reduction. The treatment improves scars, pore size appearance, sun spots, and dramatically smooths skin texture. For Oakland or Nevada City microneedling and facial acupuncture, look no further than Root & Stem's 12-week Radiant Aging Cosmetic Acupuncture Program.

 If you'd like to learn more, call us any time at either of our clinics (Oakland: 510.519.3413, Nevada City: 530.900.4304) or email hello@rootandstemclinic.com. Ready to grab your spot and get glowing? Book your first session in Oakland or Nevada City today!

How Can Acupuncture Help with Pain?

We all will experience varying pain levels at some point in our lives. Pain is our body’s way of alerting us to internal issues.

Depending on the cause, pain can be dull or sharp. Some more extreme pain levels can affect one’s mobility and, consequently, quality of life.

Physical activity can trigger pain flare-ups, and those suffering from this type of pain may be unable to perform daily tasks.

In a desperate attempt to avoid pain triggers, many people stop attending social events leading to social isolation that can wreak havoc on one’s physical and mental health. It increases a person’s risk of dementia by 50%. Pain can also affect productivity by forcing us to miss workdays.

If you are regularly experiencing pain that is beginning to affect your daily life, then it is time to seek treatment. The team at Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine provides a wide variety of acupuncture and wellness services to ensure the highest level of support to those experiencing pain. If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture can help with pain, call our acupuncture clinic in Oakland at (510) 463-4304 or continue reading.

Types of Pain

Pain can range in levels of intensity. When defining your pain, there are five types: chronic, acute, neuropathic, nociceptive, and functional.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain lasts for more than three months. Studies show that around 100 million Americans struggle with chronic pain. Depending on the root cause, chronic pain sometimes lasts years.

This type of pain results from chronic health conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic migraine, and chronic temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Additionally, nerve changes due to cancer treatment can cause chronic pain for cancer patients.

Chronic pain can be consistent or intermittent, sharp, or dull and it can affect any part of the body. Untreated chronic pain affects a person’s ability to navigate everyday life.

Chronic pain often comes on after an injury or surgery. Some risk factors for chronic pain include age, being overweight, and sex – statistically speaking, females are more likely to experience chronic pain than males.

Acute Pain

Acute pain occurs suddenly. A specific event usually causes it. Acute pain is sharp or intense and goes away once the underlying problem is addressed or resolved. It often serves as a warning sign of an underlying health problem or other threat to the body.

Some common causes of acute pain include injuries, illnesses, and procedures such as surgery and dental work. Some signs of acute pain include loss of appetite, mobility problems, tight, tense muscles, and low energy. Depending on the cause, acute pain can last from a few days to several months.

Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or injury to the nerves that facilitate communication between the brain and spinal cord. It is often described as a burning, shooting, or stabbing sensation. People with neuropathic pain are extremely sensitive to touch.

Neuropathic pain can be unrelenting or come and go. Some common health conditions that can cause neuropathic pain include herniated discs, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, HIV infection or AIDS, syphilis, shingles, and thyroid problems.

Nociceptive Pain

Nociceptive pain stems from injuries or health conditions that cause tissue damage. Some health conditions and injuries that can provoke nociceptive pain include inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, burns, cuts, fractures, and bruises.

People with nociceptive pain describe it as throbbing, sharp, or achy. It usually develops in parts of the musculoskeletal system. Typical examples include joints, bones, muscles, and tendons.

Functional Pain

Functional pain can be either chronic or acute. Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of functional pain. Many health experts believe it can stem from a chronic condition requiring long-term care and monitoring. Functional pain syndromes affect more than 15% of the global population.

Some common functional pain syndromes include chronic fibromyalgia, cardiac chest pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

How Can Acupuncture Alleviate Pain?

People worldwide use acupuncture as a standalone treatment or an adjunct to conventional care to manage different types of pain. The ancient Chinese practice stimulates qi and instigates the production of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. These hormones promote body-wide health and well-being. Acupuncture also flushes out toxins from the body and suppresses stress hormones.

Studies show that acupuncture can relieve pain and discomfort caused by diseases and health conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, and osteoarthritis. It supports women’s health by treating common menstrual problems such as painful periods, irregular periods, and heavy periods. Acupuncture during pregnancy can help with common pregnancy complaints and prepare the body for childbirth. It can also ease troublesome menopause symptoms.

Stress is a common cause of pain. Acupuncture relieves stress by stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to release endorphins and other feel-good hormones.

In many cases, pain results from an injury. Acupuncture fast-tracks injury recovery by increasing blood flow to the injured area and reducing inflammation. Pain caused by an injury or health condition can force you to change your gait, resulting in posture problems. Poor posture stresses the already tense muscles, exacerbating your symptoms. Acupuncture treats the root cause of pain and can help address posture problems resulting from it.

Pain can be debilitating, but there is hope. If you or a loved one is looking for a holistic approach to treating pain at any level, then it is time to turn to pain management with acupuncture.

Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is a trusted acupuncture clinic in Oakland and Nevada City. Our practitioners are dedicated to providing top-notch pain relief treatments for our patients. Their specialized skills and knowledge enable them to develop customized healthcare plans for each client. To consult with our team,call (510) 463-4304.

Acupuncture: The Key to Maximizing Athletic Performance

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique. It originated almost 3,000 years ago in China. TCM experts believe that an illness occurs when Qi, the life force that circulates within the body of every living being, stagnates.

Studies show that acupuncture can help alleviate many health problems, such as chronic pain, headaches, and digestive issues. It also reduces the symptoms of enervating mental disorders such as depression and anxiety. It is 100% safe and drug-free and can help reduce chonic pain-related medication dependence.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Many people shudder at the thought of needles and automatically assume that acupuncture will hurt. What many do not know is that acupuncturist uses paper-thin needles instead of what you might think of as traditional hypodermic needles. Insertion usually doesn’t cause discomfort or pain. Some clients report finding the experience so relaxing they fell asleep on the table.

Benefits of Sports Acupuncture

Professional athletes and amateurs use acupuncture to improve athletic performance. Sports acupuncture near Oakland can treat different sports-related injuries, including traumatic and overuse injuries. Acupuncture can fast-track injury recovery, allowing you to return to the field sooner after an injury. Unlike many other therapies that mask the symptoms of performance problems, sports acupuncture treats the root of the cause.

At Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine, our team helps athletes get back in the game with therapeutic sports acupuncture treatments. Here are some of the most compelling reasons we receive athletes being seen for sports acupuncture services.

It Reduces Pain

Pain from an injury can affect an athlete’s balance, stamina, and flexibility. As a result, their athletic performance may decline. Acupuncture has been recognized as an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain. It reduces pain by stimulating the brain to produce feel-good hormones such as endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine.

These hormones reduce pain perception and affect one’s physical and emotional well-being. Acupuncture also helps reduce the levels of stress hormones in the body. Research suggests that acupuncture can help with acute inflammation from sports injuries by inducing the production of anti-inflammatory hormones that prevent the widespread tissue and nerve damage associated with inflammation.

It Helps Recover Faster from Injuries

Acupuncture can fast-track injury recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow to the affected body. Feel-good hormones the brain produces during acupuncture treatment relieve muscle aches and pains. As circulation improves, tensed, tight and stiff muscles relax.

Sports injuries can cause sleep problems. Poor sleep is linked to impeded recovery. Acupuncture can help calm the mind and body and decrease stress, allowing you to sleep better. When you sleep a whole night, your damaged tissues get enough time to repair and rebuild themselves.

At the end of a study that carried out 46 random trials on 3,811 patients, the researchers found that acupuncture increased the sleep duration of the subjects by three hours.

A sports injury can affect your immune system by disrupting immune system homeostasis. A weakened immune system needs more time to repair the affected part of the body after an injury. Acupuncture can strengthen a weakened immune system by increasing the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and T-cells.

It Helps with Injury Prevention

Why wait for a sports injury to occur and then treat it when you can prevent it in the first place? Acupuncture can help improve flexibility, and stability, increase your range of motion and decrease muscle tension to prevent injuries.

During the initial consultation, your sports acupuncturist will perform a physical examination to identify problem areas that you may be unaware of.

Once your acupuncturist acquires an in-depth understanding of the issues such as posture problems, chronic muscle overuse, and poor exercise form that increase your risk of sports injury, they will come up with an action plan to address them before they snowball into major problems. Your sports acupuncturist can release trigger points, helping ensure that your muscles remain loose and flexible during workouts, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

It Increases Awareness & Improves Response Times

Acupuncture can help improve situational awareness, allowing athletes of different skill levels to assess their environment to know what’s happening around them.

Many athletes use acupuncture to improve their cognitive function. When your cognitive functions, such as attention, decision-making, and problem-solving, improve, you can perform optimally in stressful and demanding environments.

Many athletes have difficulty coping with pre-competition nervousness and performance anxiety. Acupuncture can help reduce stress levels and help with anxiety by increasing the production of feel-good hormones and lowering stress hormone levels.

It Boosts Energy Levels

Lack of energy is a barrier to athletic performance. Athletes with low energy levels get tired quickly and cannot achieve peak performance. Acupuncture heals energy blocks, allowing Qi to flow freely throughout the body. This boosts circulation, leading to an overall increase in energy and vitality.

What to Expect When Seeing an Acupuncturist for the First Time?

During the initial consultation, your acupuncturist will ask about your health history. Your acupuncturist may order imaging tests to understand better the health problem you are experiencing.

Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is a trusted acupuncture clinic in Oakland. Our acupuncturists have spent years mastering TCM techniques. They bring specialized skills and years of experience treating acute and chronic conditions to the table. To schedule an appointment with one of our sports acupuncture specialists, call (510) 463-4304.

How Fertility Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice where professional clinicians insert paper-thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. The Chinese have been using acupuncture for several centuries to help treat various health conditions ranging from general body pain to infertility.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners believe that illnesses occur due to energy blocks. The goal of acupuncture is to heal energy blocks so Qi (or life force energy) can circulate freely through the body, and restore balance to the mind, body, and soul.

Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to produce feel-good hormones such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. These hormones improve mood and promote happiness and pleasure.

Acupuncture is 100% drug-free, and unlike many over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications, acupuncture does not have any significant side effects and is 100% safe when performed by an experienced, licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncture treats the illness at the root cause instead of masking its symptoms like traditional medications.

At Root and Stem, we believe in sharing the science behind acupuncture to promote whole-body wellness. Our practitioners have years of experience studying wellness techniques to help those suffering from a wide range of health conditions.

Our Approach

When getting a feel for what to expect during your fertility acupuncture treatment, know that every case is different. Our acupuncturists interview every new client. They ask them questions about their health history, take their vital signs for health assessment, and may also order imaging tests to acquire an in-depth understanding of their health problem.

Once we have a deeper understanding of the client’s wellness goals, we craft a customized treatment plan to fit their needs. Nothing is written in stone, and our acupuncturists review and revise treatment plans as needed. A flexible, customized treatment plan is what produces successful wellness outcomes.

Acupuncture For Fertility

Infertility is a growing concern. Around 10% of women of reproductive age in the country cannot conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. We use acupuncture for fertility to treat fertility problems such as endometriosis, hormonal imbalance, diminished ovarian reserve, and amenorrhea.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve blood circulation to reproductive organs such as the ovaries and uterus. Acupuncture can also increase the chances of getting pregnant for women undergoing fertility treatment.

Stress is a common cause of chronic illnesses and fertility problems. We use acupuncture to treat chronic stress. Acupuncture stimulates the body to release endorphins, natural pain-killing chemicals in the brain, and improves blood circulation throughout the body, cycling out cortisol and other stress hormones.

Call us at our Nevada City or Oakland location for more information about our fertility acupuncture services. Root & Stem Integrative Chinese Medicine is your one-stop wellness shop where our practitioners offer a wide range of services to ensure our clients can meet their goals. To learn more about our holistic fertility program, contact our office at (510) 463-4304.

Cupping Vs Acupuncture Therapy

Pain conditions are becoming increasingly common. Chronic pain can affect a person’s mobility and overall quality of life. There are several pain medications that promise instant and long-term pain relief, but unfortunately, many over-the-counter and prescription pain medicines can have debilitating side effects. People who want to avoid common drug side effects, turn to different forms of alternative medicine such as acupuncture and cupping therapy to manage their condition.   

Root and Stem Clinic offers a wide range of therapeutic services to help patients relieve pain and stress to promote whole-body wellness. Of our services, many clients choose acupuncture therapy or cupping therapy, to aid with chronic pain. A common question often asked when deciding between these two pain management services is, “what’s the difference?” 

Our licensed practitioners have spent years differentiating the two services for our clients, and so they have compiled their answers to help you as a reader define and direct your decision as to what is the best therapy for your wellness. 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy. Qi-pronounced (chi), is the life force present in every living being. When Qi becomes blocked, illnesses occur. Acupuncture involves inserting needles through the skin at strategic points, known as acupoints, to heal energy blocks.

TCM experts use acupuncture to treat everything from headaches to chronic pain and infertility. There are several benefits of acupuncture. It is drug-free, and can hence reduce dependence on pain medications. When performed by an expert, acupuncture is quite safe.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture for pain relief works by stimulating the brain to produce endorphins and other feel-good hormones that improve mood and reduce pain perception. It helps lower cortisol levels, removes toxins from the body, and promotes blood flow to the affected area. The blood flow to the area contains nutrients and oxygen. As a result, nutrient-rich blood helps with tissue repair. 

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction for pain relief. It is a part of several ancient healing systems. TCM proponents believe that cupping restores the flow of qi. It gets the blood moving to the area where cups are placed and can also help reduce pain.

Studies show that cupping may relieve muscle tension, improve overall blood flow and facilitate cell repair. Many healthcare experts are of the opinion that cupping can help build new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in tissues.

How Does Cupping Work?

Suction from cupping draws blood into the area where cups are placed. The suction force expands, breaking open tiny blood vessels or capillaries. The body treats these microtraumas as injuries and sends more blood to the area being treated. This speeds up the healing process.

Should I use Cupping Therapy or Acupuncture?

Both cupping and acupuncture can improve skin health, treat digestion problems, and relieve pain caused by an injury or a health condition. Cupping and acupuncture can also help improve the effects of mental illnesses like anxiety, and depression.

Both acupuncture and cupping can be used as standalone therapies. Many healthcare experts combine acupuncture with cupping in one treatment. Such treatment plans combine the benefits of both therapies.

Root & Stem is the best acupuncture clinic near you in Oakland. We use the healing power of acupuncture to treat different health conditions. To make an appointment, book your session online today.  

Calm Yourself With Acupuncture Points For Anxiety

Do you often feel overwhelmed and anxious? Do you want to find a natural way to combat stress and anxiety? Acupuncture therapy may be the answer. Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medical practice, has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions, including anxiety. It involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to release tension and promote relaxation. Root & Stem in Nevada City and Oakland specializes in treating anxiety with acupuncture therapy. In this blog post, we'll explore how acupuncture can calm your nerves and reduce feelings of stress or unease. Read on for more information about how acupuncture can benefit those dealing with anxiety!

What are Acupuncture Points?

Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body acupuncturists apply thin needles during acupuncture treatments. The points are located along your body's meridians, or energy channels, through which qi, or life energy, flows. The concept is to stimulate these points to unblock the flow of qi and restore balance in the body. It's a safe, natural way to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.

How Does Acupuncture Help Those Struggling With Anxiety?

The goal of acupuncture is to help restore balance in the body by regulating the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. By stimulating specific points, it calms both physical and emotional tension. For example, acupuncture has been used to treat anxiety-related symptoms such as panic attacks, insomnia, fatigue, excessive worrying, and more. It affects the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which has a calming and soothing effect. With regular acupuncture treatments, you can experience lasting relief from anxiety symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes to Enhance Acupuncture Results

Lifestyle changes can further enhance the effects of acupuncture for anxiety relief. Here are a few ways to get started:

● Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can increase stress and worsen anxiety symptoms.

Aim to get at least seven hours of restful sleep each night by establishing a regular bedtime routine and avoiding screen time before bed.

● Reduce Stress: Finding ways to reduce stress can help you better manage anxiety. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization, calming music, or taking a warm bath.

● Eat Healthily: Eating nutritious organic foods can have a positive effect on mood and reduce anxious feelings. For a balanced diet, incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your meals.

If you want to reduce anxiety symptoms and achieve a greater sense of calm, contact us today to learn more about how acupuncture therapy in Nevada City can help. We look forward to helping you on your journey to greater well-being.