Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese tradition of pricking specific points on the body with needles, has long been a viable and accepted method of health care. Acupuncture causes the body to produce chemicals that increase its ability to fight illnesses and pain.

The body is broken up into 14 meridians – channels of energy along the body – each of which has dozens of acupuncture points in which needles can be placed. Ancient Chinese doctors who subscribed to acupuncture doctrines called the energy that flowed through the body and each of the meridians “Qi,” pronounced “chi.” If this energy is disrupted, the body can become imbalanced. Acupuncture focuses on correcting these imbalances and restoring harmony to the human body.

Acupuncture needles are sterile, thin pins that cause very little feeling while inserted in the skin. Acupuncture relaxes, yet invigorates your body, as your own energies are used to bring about internal healing.

Blocked Qi may relate to areas on the body that are tender to touch, particularly cold or warm, or a different color. These clues help practitioners decide which points need to be treated in order to bring the body back into balance.

Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine isn’t just about using needles. There are other techniques may be used for the patients who prefer not to have needles such as acupressure, cupping or gua sha.

For more information on acupuncture, please contact us or make an appointment.