What is Acupuncture?

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Acupuncture is  form of therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into the body to help alleviate pain and promote well-being. Acupuncture is based on the premise that the human body contains vital energy, or chi, which courses through the body along channels. In a state of health, these channels are unobstructed and allow for the free flow of bodily energies. When the channels experience an obstruction, a discomfort or dis-ease can arise in the body. And due to the connection between body and mind, the psyche can also be affected by these blockages.

 

Acupuncture aims to free up the blocked energy channels  through the use of specialized needles inserted at specific points of the body. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body to regain its integrity and find a proper balance for a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

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What are the Origins of Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture arose in China as one of the practices used in traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional  Chinese medicine is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 2,500 years.

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What does the Science say?

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Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can ease some types of chronic pain such as low-back, neck, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce or prevent tension and migraine headaches.

 

Acupuncture research suggests that needling the designated acupuncture points stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems to release biochemicals which either change the way pain is experienced or help release other chemicals and hormones which allow the body self-regulate. The improved biochemical balance produced by acupuncture thus helps stimulate the body's healing abilities.

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Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when practiced under the care of a licensed, experienced practitioner using sterile needles. Licensed acupuncturists must complete a rigorous degree program and pass a national certification

program before they are permitted to practice. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that the needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. All of our acupuncturists are Licensed Acupuncturists, and we abide by universal safety precautions, OSHA standards, and only use disposable stainless steel acupuncture needles which are factory sterilized.

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