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Acupuncture originated in china about 3000 years ago and is one of the oldest medical systems being practiced in the world. One third of the world uses acupuncture as a form of primary health care and even more use it for complementary health care. The focus of acupuncture is to treat the entire mind, body and spirit of a person. To do this, diagnosis and treatment is determined holistically and symptoms, as well as the root cause of the disease, are treated.

How does Acupuncture work?

Eastern theory tells us that the body has channels, called meridians, that distribute energy through our entire system. When the meridians become imbalanced or blocked, the energy is disrupted and disease forms. Acupuncture opens and re-balances the meridians so that energy can flow properly, helping the body re-balance and heal itself. Western medicine believes acupuncture affects the nervous system, boosts the immune system, and may release chemicals and hormones in the brain that helps regulate blood flow, body temperature, blood pressure and reduce pain.

What does Acupuncture treat?

In the United States, acupuncture is often related with pain relief and while that is one benefit, many do not realize that acupuncture is excellent for many other conditions. The United Nation's World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have stated that acupuncture can be used to treat the following conditions effectively:

• Addictions
• Arthritis
• Back Pain
• Carpal Tunnel
• Chemotherapy Nausea
• Depression
• Digestive Problems
• Ear Problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Infections, Colds, Flu
• Insomnia
• Impotence and Infertility
• Muscle and Joint Pain
• Post-operative Dental Pain
• Sinusitis
• Skin Disorders
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Urinary Problems
• and more...

The sensation of acupuncture is different for each person. Generally, when the needle is first inserted, there may be some slight discomfort, but this often subsides very quickly. After that, the area where the needle is inserted may feel full and heavy and patients report feeling very calm and relaxed. Removing the needles is often barely felt.