What Is Acupuncture?

What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive health care system called Traditional Chinese Medicine developed in China over 3000 years ago. The goals of acupuncture and Chinese medicine are to restore and maintain balance in the body, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by affecting the body's vital energy or bioelectrical system called qi. The qi travels along various pathways called meridians and through the body's organ systems. Disease or disharmony results when the flow of the qi is disrupted or there is an imbalance in one of the organs or meridians. Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles at various points along these channels to regulate the flow of qi. For a more in-depth explanation of acupuncture, please read the articleAcupuncture: A Brief Introduction.

Acupuncture Research
Much research is being done to help explain and measure the effects of acupuncture. Research suggests that acupuncture has the effects of boosting the immune system, increasing blood circulation, influencing the central and peripheral nervous system, and stimulating the release of pain-mediating chemicals such as endorphins in the brain. Electromagnetic research is beginning to confirm the location of acupuncture points that have been used for thousands of years. Please visit theResourcespage for more information.

How Can I Benefit From Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is commonly regarded as a treatment for pain relief. However, it is a comprehensive health care model that can treat a wide number of complaints. Visit theConditions Treatedpage for more information.

What Are Some Additional Benefits of Acupuncture?
– It is safe, effective and virtually free of side effects
– Works to stimulate the body's inherent healing capabilities
– Treats the underlying cause of pain or illness, as well as the symptoms
– Effective in preventing illness and promoting well-being
– Supports health on all levels by treating the body, mind and spirit
– Easily incorporated into your existing health care practices

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
The needles used are thin, solid, stainless steel needles that are sterile and single-use. Needle insertion may be unnoticeable or feel like a small pinch. After insertion, sensations such as warmth, tingling, or fullness may be felt at the site of the needle or along the pathway. Most people feel a deep sense of relaxation once the needles are inserted; some even fall asleep. After the treatment you may feel calm, relaxed, centered and energized.

What Can I Expect From Treatment?
Each treatment begins with an intake and health history, along with observation of the pulse, tongue and palpation of acupuncture points along the body. Treatments are highly personalized and may include needles, moxa (an herb used to warm the needle or the acupuncture points), tuina (gentle massage), electrostimulation of the needles, ear acupuncture, and dietary and/or lifestyle recommendations.

What Can I Expect For Results?
A course of treatments is recommended and will vary depending on the severity of the condition, length of time with the symptoms, and your overall health, energy and commitment to healing. A minimum of four treatments is recommended; eight treatments is an average course. Many people begin to see results in just a few treatments; others require weeks or months of regular treatment for full resolution of symptoms. Treatments may be scheduled weekly or less often depending on the condition. As symptoms improve, fewer visits are needed. Some people choose to include acupuncture as a regular part of their regular health care, coming weekly, monthly or seasonally.

How Do I Know If Treatment Is Working?
Most people begin treatment with a specific goal in mind, such as eliminating headaches. Treatment will often progress with changes in the primary symptom - such as reduced frequency, intensity, duration of headaches, or simply a change in associated symptoms. In addition to the primary problem, you will often see changes in your overall health including improved sleep, improved digestion, increased energy, as well as others changes. This is because acupuncture treats the "whole person" and seeks to correct imbalances in all areas of the body. Sometimes underlying imbalances must be corrected before a change in the primary symptom is noticeable.

What Else Will My Practitioner Recommend?
Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that maintaining good health is the responsibility of each individual. Often your practitioner will point out dietary and lifestyle issues that may be contributing to your condition, or give you suggestions for self-care. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to return the body to a state of balance; it is then up to you to maintain that balance through self-care. A good practitioner will educate you on ways to do this.