What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus), on the body’s surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body and promote balance flow of energy "Qi". Here is a list of the health concerns that can be effectively treated by acupuncture, according to the World Health Organization (WHO):
WHO list conditions treatable with acupuncture
What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of Chinese medicine is the philosophy that living beings have a vital energy, called “Qi” (pronounced "Chee"), which circulates through 14 invisible energy lines known as "Meridians" throughout the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of Qi in a meridian is how organ dysfunctions and disease begins.
How does Acupuncture work?
Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridians and reestablish the regular flow of "Qi" in meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system.The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in promoting healing physically and emotionally.
Do the needles hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Since the needle is tiny, as thin as a human hair, most people do not feel pain at all and find the treatment relaxing.
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is an extremely safe practice. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects when it is performed by a well-trained acupuncture practitioner. At our health center, all the needles are sterile, single use disposable needles.
