What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine. The earliest Acupuncture texts were written over 2000 years ago and modern scholars are just beginning the arduous process of translation into English. Acupuncture once considered esoteric, is swiftly becoming the newest addition to our modern healthcare menu and practiced by more than 3 million practitioners worldwide.

In the West, Acupuncture has been given notoriety as being affective for pain management. However, it is a powerful tool for a wide variety of conditions due to its power to stimulate the body’s own healing response. This overall therapeutic effect is one of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s greatest strengths. 

Acupuncture began with the discovery that stimulating certain points on the body resulted in the improvement and restoration of the health and functioning of certain organs. Over time it evolved into a complete system of healing as the connection between the stimulation of the surface of the body and the overall state of health became clearer. The modern practice of Acupuncture is based on the concept of inserting fine needles into very precise anatomical point locations, resulting in the encouragement of natural healing and improved bodily function. This remarkable medical system is based on the concept of adjusting the flow or energy or “Qi” in the body to restore balance and health.

What is Qi?
Qi or chi (pronounced chee) is loosely defined as energy, vitality or life force.  The smooth flow of this energy has a profound effect on the physiological function and health of the body. When the flow of qi is unimpeded, the body is in good health and the emotions are in balance. Poor diet, too much or too little exercise, emotional distress and injury can cause a disruption in the flow of qi in the body. Disruptions along the twelve main energetic pathways or meridians can cause physical and emotional distress.

With Acupuncture, qi disruptions are corrected by inserting fine needles into specific points along these energetic pathways. By stimulating these points an Acupuncturist seeks to restore normal energy flow, and in the process, stimulate the body’s natural healing response.