How does Acupuncture work?

The practice of acupuncture is based on the understanding that a vital energy, referred to as "Qi" (pronounced, "chee"), flows along channels or meridians throughout our bodies. When this Qi becomes blocked or does not flow freely, it can cause disharmony or disease. In order to correct this disharmony, the Qi must be stimulated so that it moves freely again. Acupuncture uses very fine needles to stimulate specific points located on the body, in order to influence the Qi of the body. Stimulating acupuncture points causes both the local area being needled and other, remote areas of the body to be stimulated. The acupuncturist uses an understanding of the flow of Qi and the actions of the various acupuncture points to treat diseases and disharmonies in the body.

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Surprisingly, acupuncture is not usually painful. Acupuncture needles are a mere fraction of the size of the conventional needles that are used for injections or blood draws. The sensation of the insertion is like a "quick pinch", which resolves in several seconds. In fact, the sensation of the inserted needles is often referred to as being numbing, achy, heavy, distending or energizing. The acupuncture needles disposable, sterilized stainless steel needles and single use.

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The National Institutes for Health have stated that Acupuncture may be effective for:

We also utilize other modalities, or augment treatments with some of the followings:

*Moxibustion: the burning of a tightly compressed form of the herb, Mugwort. This herb burns very hot, and allows us to direct heat at a particular point, meridian or area of the body. The body is not burned. This is a very soothing procedure.

*Cupping: the use of glass "cups" in which a suction is created. The cups are applied to the skin and the suction is used to promote and stimulate blood flow.

*Mild electro-acupuncture: the stimulation of acupuncture needles with a mild electrical current to stimulate the flow of Qi.

*Dietary advice: based on traditional Chinese medical theory.

*Tui-na: Chinese traditional massage/acupressure to promote and stimulate blood and Qi flow.

Chinese prepared medicines and tinctures: used as an herbal adjunct in many cases.

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