What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world, which dates over 5000 years ago in China. It involves inserting sterile hair-thin needles through the skin into specific “acupoints”. These acupoints are located throughout the body within a network of meridians, or channels of energy flow. Acupoints are stimulated to get desired effects by the acupuncturist or through electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture has a positive physiological effect on the body in many ways. Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system to release chemicals that dull pain, boost the immune system, and regulate body function. It also stimulates the brain to release serotonin and endorphins, which reduce the stress response and emotional complaints. Acupuncture improves blood circulation and provides nourishment to nerves and muscles for an increased healing response. Thermal imaging shows that acupuncture treatments make inflammation subside. Last, but certainly not least, acupuncture treatments reduce activity in the limbic system, otherwise known as the “emotional brain,” and activate areas of the brain associated with rest and recuperation. The World Health Organization endorses acupuncture as a highly effective treatment for over forty-two different pathologies.

After the skin points are determined, we can use one of over 30 methods of stimulation. The most common technique we use a more modern approach of Electrical Stimulation of the specific points. This technique is safer than using needles, there is no danger of infection, no blood, and the technique is virtually painless. The results are equal to, if not better than the majority of other acupuncture techniques.