What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of health care effective in treating many conditions. It’s based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The Ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced “chee”).

How Does it Work?

Ancient Physicians, in developing and understanding the prevention and cure of disease, discovered a system of specific energetic pathways in the human body. Acupuncture points are located along these pathways. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charges at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients. Disease is considered to arise because of deficiency or imbalance of vital energy resulting from such factors as trauma, stress, diet, pathogenic factors and genetic tendencies. Acupuncture disrupts the pattern of deficiency or imbalance and enhances the body’s own natural ability to heal.

What Can I Expect in a Treatment?

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture. However some conditions that have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slow, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine is also an educational process in which the patient becomes more aware of his or her own body, thus increasing its ability to maintain health and well-being.

Although there are techniques in Traditional Chinese medicine for healing most conditions, there are medical circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend that you contact a physician. As is the case in China, acupuncture should be seen as complementary to Western medicine.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

In the hands of a licensed acupuncturist, your safety is assured. The needles are sterilized and disposable.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection; since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed with a minimum of discomfort. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during the treatments. In some cases, your practitioner may also recommend dietary, exercise or lifestyle changes.

Why Are More People Trying Acupuncture?

· Acupuncture empowers people, returning to them the responsibility and control of their own bodies and health care.

· Acupuncture successfully treats many health issues that may not be addressed by Western medical practitioners.

· Acupuncture is safe, effective and has virtually no side effects.

· Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just the disease.

· Acupuncture uses the body’s natural healing processes to effect relief.