Acupuncture: What is it?

Acupuncture and Acupressure is a fundamental part of traditional Oriental medicine, an expansive system of healthcare with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years.  Alternative chinese medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Tui Na (Asian medical massage), dietary therapy, and exercise based on traditional Oriental medicine principles. 

Acupuncturists work with the natural vital energy (Qi ~ pronounced “chee”) intrinsic in all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself.  This All Natural healthcare system is used extensively by over one-quarter of the world’s population, and is rapidly gaining acceptance and scientific backing in the West. 

Medical Acupuncture Treatments:

Acupuncture is very effective in treating several diseases and conditions. Acupuncture is most effective at treating chronic pain relief, such as headaches; menstrual cramps; and low back, neck, or muscle pain. It can also be used to treat arthritis, facial pain, pain from shingles, and spastic colon and colitis conditions. Acupuncture has also been successful in treating obesity and addictions such as nicotine or drugs. Acupuncture also can improve the functioning of the immune system (the body's defense system against diseases).

Acupuncture: How Does It Work?

The ancient Chinese developed an understanding of Qi, and discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called ‘meridians’.  Each pathway is connected with a specific physiological system and internal organ.  Disease is believed to manifest due to an imbalance or deficiency of the energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.

Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridian where the Qi is easily accessed and can be manipulated.  Each point has a predictable effect on the vital energy passing through the meridian.  Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, and is also able to measure changes in chemistry in the brain and body when the points are stimulated, thereby validating the knowledge gained and documented by the ancients.

Acupuncture points can be stimulated in a variety of ways.  The most widely used method is inserting a hair thin needle into the point.  This is usually completely painless, however a sensation of electricity or slight pressure can be experienced for just a brief moment.  This is very normal and lets you know that the point has been successfully stimulated.  Other ways of stimulating the points include: electricity, laser, touch or ‘acupressure’, massage, cupping, and moxibustion (heat).

Acupuncture: Is it Safe?

Board certified and licensed Acupuncture Physicians have undergone years of intensive training and have extensive amounts of ‘hands on’ experience before being able to practice.  Your safety is assured. Acupuncture needles are sterile and disposable.  Needles are never reused.

Acupuncture Therapy: What Can I Expect?

The amount of time it may take for symptoms or disease to be alleviated varies from person to person, and also depends on the specific condition, as well as how long the condition has been present in the body.  Conditions that have arisen over the course of years may be relieved only with slow, steady progress, while other conditions can be rapidly alleviated in just a few treatments.  Your Acupuncture Physician will be able to determine your expected progress after a more in-depth evaluation and diagnosis.

As is true in any form of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, lifestyle and determination will affect the ultimate outcome of the course of treatment.  Patients who are actively participating in their healing process will experience the fastest, longest lasting, and most satisfying results.

Acupuncture Therapy is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in treating these conditions: