What is Acupuncture ? Back to Top

Acupuncture and Chinese herb medicine can offer a safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to treat many different health disorders. Acupuncture is part of a complete Chinese medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. It is effective for physical, psychological and emotional problems. Acupuncture originated in China more than 5000 years ago and due to its proven effectiveness, has been embraced through.


How Acupuncture Works?  Back to Top

This holistic healthcare system looks at the body differently than Western medicine. According to Chinese medicine, the body is like a garden that must be cultivated and maintained in order to grow strong and remain healthy. Good health happens when all of the organs, chi and meridian systems are balanced and working together. Recently science has determined that human beings are complex bioelectric systems. This understanding has been the foundation of acupuncture practice for several thousand years. Energy circulates throughout the body along well-defined pathways. Points on the skin along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs, body structures, and systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimum function is affected and this results in pain or illness. Acupuncture points are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy, which influences the health of the entire being.


The Benefits of Acupuncture  Back to Top

Since acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability or power, most conditions can be corrected or improved. Also, acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance. The effectiveness of acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic. Many athletes have discovered that acupuncture treatment helps them to achieve optimum performance levels. Recently, acupuncture detoxification treatments have been recognized as a valid form of therapy for chemical dependency problems. Throughout its long history, acupuncture has established a solid reputation as a system of health care that works.


How widely is acupuncture used in the United States?  Back to Top

In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced--by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners--for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey--the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date--an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.


The Commonly Treated Ailments  Back to Top

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in treating these conditions:

Allergies/Asthma/Seasonal Afflictive/Pneumonia
Anxiety/Depression
Arthritis/Joint Problems
Back Pain
Bladder/Kidney Problems
Childhood Illness
Constipation/Diarrhea
Colds/Flu
Cough/Bronchitis
Dizziness
Drug addiction/Smoking
Fabromylgia
Fatigue
Gingivitis
Gynecological disorders
Headache/Migraine
Health maintenance
Heart problems/Palpitations
High blood pressure
Hiccough
Immune system deficiency
Infertility/Reproductive problems
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Knee pain
Neck pain/Stiffness
Rhinitis
Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
Paralysis/Numbness
Sciatica
Sexual dysfunction
Shoulder pain
Skin problems
Stress/Tension
Tendonitis
Vision problems - such as Macular Degeneration
Digest system problems
Stomach problems
Weight problems
Face lift & beauty


This is just a sample of commonly treated conditions. Of cause, there are many more.


Types of Treatment  Back to Top

Treatment with acupuncture needles is the most commonly used technique. However, acupuncturists may utilize other forms of treatment such as herbal prescription, moxibustion (a form of heat therapy), cupping therapy, Gwa Sha therapy, electric stimulation therapy, meridian heat therapy and a variety of massage and movement techniques. They may also recommend dietary modifications and specific therapeutic exercises.


How Acupuncture Feels ?  Back to Top

Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as warmth or pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.

Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thick hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation.

In some cases it is not necessary to use needles at all. For example, when treating young children, infants, or sensitive adults, there are other techniques which are equally effective. If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.

How Many Treatments do I Need ?  Back to Top
Since each person is unique, the number of treatment needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist.



Is Acupuncture Safe ?  Back to Top

State and federal agencies have established strict procedures for needle sterilization. Knowledge and proper utilization of these procedures are part of licensing, registration or certification requirements. In order to assure your complete confidence, many practitioners use pre-sterilized, disposable needles. We always use the one-time disposable needles.