What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment for many health conditions that involves the insertion of tiny sterile needles into specific points in the body. The location of these points and the practice of acupuncture are supported by over 2500 years of practice in Asia as well as modern research.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. The practice is governed by very specific rules regarding point location, the depth and angle of needle insertion, indications and contraindications for each acupoint. Acupuncture needles are sterile and used only one time.

Does acupuncture hurt?

There is a range of sensations that may be experienced while receiving an acupuncture treatment. Most people describe a feeling of heaviness, buzzing, tingling or warmth around the acupoints. Once the needles are inserted, patients sit or lie comfortably for 15-45 minutes and are not in any pain. Most people are able to relax deeply during their treatments, as acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain that promote relaxation and the sensation of well being.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by stimulating proper body function. In terms if Chinese medicine, it is based on the principle of qi. Qi is a broad concept that refers to the energy that powers the human body. Qi activates all body function and movement. Acupuncture affects the movement of energy through the body and stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Disease, pain and disharmony result when the proper flow of qi through the body is blocked. Acupuncture stimulates the flow of qi and the body naturally moves back into a pattern of health.

Scientific research into acupuncture has raised a number of possibilities for its mechanism of action, in terms of western medicine. Research suggests that acupuncture may work for pain by stimulating the release of chemicals and neurotransmitters from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) that block pain and create a feeling a well being. This explains the effectiveness of acupuncture in short term pain relief as well as a treatment for chronic pain. In cases of chronic pain, the treatment may work to reintroduce the nervous system to the state of being without pain. Other research indicates that acupuncture may increase blood circulation, which allows the body to bring the nutrients and remove built up body wastes from a problem area. This explains the effect of acupuncture to speed and support the rate of healing.