Acupuncture

Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion of fine, sterile, disposable needles into strategic points near the surface of the body. These points, called meridians, which are so effective in treating disease, have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of thousands of years. In Chinese Medicine Theory, “Qi” flows through a system of twelve major pathways or meridians. Each meridian is connected internally to one or more specific organs such as the lung, liver, etc. The acupuncture points along these pathways can be used to affect the corresponding internal organs. When Qi in the meridians is balanced, the result is a state of ease and well-being. Acupuncture is not painful. In fact, most people experience a profound feeling of relaxation and well being during and after an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture works by stimulating the flow of “Qi” throughout the body. Where there is injury, the Qi or energy of the body gets stuck or becomes deficient. The painless insertion of needles helps bring the body’s attention to the area and resume the free flow of energy.

From a western medicine point of view acupuncture causes many physiological changes in the body including vasodilatation (increased blood flow), stimulation of hormones and neurotransmitters, and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (allowing the patient to achieve very deep relaxation). Acupuncture invokes an analgesic effect by altering the body’s own natural pain-relieving opiate system. Acupuncture works surprisingly quickly. Most patients experience a great reduction in their symptoms after the first acupuncture treatment.