What are the needles like?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin and made of high quality stainless steel. Unlike hypodermic needles, their tip is smooth and not hollow. Only pre-sterilized needles are used and they are always disposed of immediately after each use. This assures there is no transmission of communicable diseases from patient to patient.

How does acupuncture work?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, each person is viewed as a complete energetic system. Energy, or Qi (pronounced chee), flows along pathways called channels or meridians that cover the entire body somewhat like nerves and blood vessels do. Naturally, energy flows toward areas
where it is deficient and away from areas where there is an excess, thus achieving balance. When this energy flow is disrupted, optimum function is affected resulting in pain or illness.

Acupuncture is used to facilitate the natural balance of energy. It eases blockages to restore the harmonious flow of energy throughout the body, thus relieving pain or discomfort.

The modern scientific explanation for acupuncture’s efficacy is that needling the carefully selected acupuncture points stimulate 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, which influence the bodies own internal regulating system.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at precise points which have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These acupuncture points have been mapped by Chinese practitioners over a period of two thousand years. Yet, it was only recently that advanced electromagnetic research has confirmed the validity of these locations.

Acupuncture is part of the complete medical system of traditional Chinese medicine. It is a method that encourages the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.