Acupuncture is an ancient system of health care effective in treating many conditions. It is 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 acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s ability to treat over 43 commonly encountered clinical disorders.Among these are:

• Gastrointestinal Disorders - Food allergies, peptic ulcer, constipation, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis.
• Urogenital Disorders - Stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction.
• Gynecological Disorders - Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, PMS, infertility in women & men, and menopause.
• Respiratory Disorders - Emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis.
• Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System Arthritis, neuralgia, migraine headaches, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain.
• Circulatory Disorders - Hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia.
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders - Depression, PTSD, anxiety and stress.
• Addictions - Alcohol, nicotine and drugs.
• General Medicine - Eye, ear nose and throat disorders, including cold and flu symptom relief.

What can I expect in a treatment?

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture; however some conditions which 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 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. 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 seeking this form of health care?

• It empowers people, returning to them the responsibility and control of their own bodies and health care.
• It successfully treats many health issues that may not be addressed by Western medical practitioners.
• It’s safe, effective and has virtually no side effects.
• It treats the whole person, not just the disease.
• It uses the body’s natural healing processes to effect relief.