This effective and skillful method originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It is currently used as a primary health care system throughout the world. Acupuncture is part of a complete medical system so there is little that acupuncture cannot help with.
In western biomedicine we have learned that acupuncture can trigger a cascade of hormones, release endorphins, interrupt chronic pain signals, increase white blood cell count and immune function, improve circulation, decrease inflammation, reset the nervous system into parasympathetic (rest and digest state) and promote the body’s innate ability for self healing (homeostasis).
To initiate this response acupuncturists use very thin sterile needles inserted into specific areas and points along the body in the connective tissue and muscle fibers. Most patients feel an overall sense of rest and relaxation during and after a session.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncturists are trained to work on a meridian system. Meridians are pathways that lay in the connective tissue and it is how each organ and organ system are connected, communicate, and function together. Chinese Medicine views disease and dis-ease due to stagnation or a block in this integrate balance and communication. This may manifest as physical pain or tension, illness, emotional distress, or other health concerns. Acupuncture is a tool that has proven to be effective for moving stagnation