Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice that involves puncturing the skin with hair-thin needles at particular locations, called acupuncture points. Acupuncture helps reduce pain or bring a body function into balance.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world and falls under Traditional Chinese Medicine. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture became widely known in the United States in 1971.

Traditional Chinese Medicine theorizes that the more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways, called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe these acupuncture meridians conduct energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee"), between the surface of the body and internal organs.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture promotes the natural flow of Qi which regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance. Qi is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. According to traditional Chinese medicine when yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of Qi to help the body achieve and maintain health.

Acupuncture is believed to balance yin and yang, keep the normal flow of energy unblocked, and restore health to the body and mind. Traditional Chinese medicine practices (including acupuncture, herbs, diet, massage, and meditative physical exercises) all are intended to improve the flow of Qi.

Does acupuncture hurt?

People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. The amount of time the needles are left in varies.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes, it is completely safe. The practitioner uses a new set of disposable needles so there is no risk of catching any diseases during treatment by acupuncture.

What does acupuncture treat?

Neurological:

• headaches
• migraines
• neuralgia
• post-operation pain
• stroke residuals
• facial pain

Muscular-skeletal - pain and weakness in:

• neck, shoulder, arms, hands, fingers, knees, legs and feet
• backache or pain
• muscle cramping
• localized traumatic injuries
• sprains
• strains
• sports injuries
• soft tissue injuries due to auto and work related injuries
• arthritis
• sciatica

Digestive:

• abdominal pain
• chronic diarrhea
• indigestion
• constipation
• Eye, ear, nose and dental
• poor vision
• tired eyes
• tinnitus
• nervous deafness
• toothache
• post extraction pain
• gum problems

Respiratory

• sinusitis
• common cold
• bronchitis
• allergy (hay fever)
• asthma
• Gynecological
• infertility
• miscarriages
• PMS
• cramps
• menopause syndrome
• obstetrics

Emotional

• traumas
• hypertension
• insomnia
• depression
• anxiety
• nervousness
• Stress

Other

• increases vitality and energy
• reduction & deep relaxation
• skin rejuvenation
• weight control
• alcohol, drug & other addictions
• pain control
• enhanced athletic & physical function
• strengthens the immune system