What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing method, originating in China. It involves the insertion of fine needles into the body in order to influence physical, mental and emotional function. Single-use, sterile needles are used in every treatment, and inserted into specific points that have been tested over thousands of years. These points are in specific locations that are safe. In most cases, the needles are so thin that the patient does not even feel them being inserted.

There are energetic pathways called meridians that run through the body. Points along these meridians are stimulated through Acupuncture to promote healing and increase circulation. In Chinese Medicine, the body is treated as a whole. The mind and emotions aren’t separated from the organs, so often people feel balanced and have a greater sense of emotional health along with pain relief as a result of treatment.

From a western medical point of view, the insertion of needles is introducing a foreign object into your body. Our bodies react to this in a very specific way, increasing blood flow and releasing endorphins, serotonin, epinephrine, and other hormones to combat the foreign object and any possible infection that might follow. This works to our benefit by bringing all the things our bodies need to heal itself to areas of the body that need it most. In this way, acupuncture can be an impressive tool for increasing recovery times and recovering from chronic injury or illness. Multiple studies have shown Acupuncture to be more effective than many prescription pain killers.