What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a primary health care modality that has flourished in China for over 3,000 years.  Due to its proven effectiveness, it has been embraced throughout the world and is gaining in popularity in America as an alternative health care option.

When energy circulates freely through pathways in the body called meridians, health is maintained. When energy is blocked, the result is pain and disease.  By using acupuncture, the technique of inserting needles into specific points along the meridians, energy is released and regulated and health is restored. 

Studies in the East and West have shown that stimulation of acupuncture points produce physiological reactions which have a regulatory effect on the whole body.  Evidence shows it improves circulation, releases endorphins to control pain and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and completely.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

One of the great advantages of acupuncture is that it has minimal side-effects compared to conventional treatment.  Needles are very fine (like a hair), generally cause no bleeding on entry or removal and are sterile and disposable.

What is Involved in a Treatment?

An acupuncture treatment consists of the insertion of very fine, sterilized, disposable stainless steel needles into specific points of the body to stimulate the flow of one’s energy.  In most cases, the patient is pleasantly surprised to find that the needles are hardly felt at all.  Occasionally, one might feel a slight initial prick or tingling, followed by a sensation to numbness, distention or warmth.  Once in place, many people describe a deep feeling of calm, while others experience a rush of physical or emotional sensation.  Needles are retained for 10 to 30 minutes depending on the conditions being treated.  The patient will leave a treatment with a feeling of calmness, relaxation and well-being.