What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care which has evolved into a ocmplete and hoistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people become well and stay well. Acupuncture promotes natural healing. it can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

What is Qi?

At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee" ) or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qui.

How Does Qi move?

Qi flows through specific pathways called Meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these are connected to specific organs and glands. Meridican pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Like rivers, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When it becomes "backed up" in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. Hindering the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

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What can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of a few problems acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been effective at treating (to read more about a particular ailment, click on the link):

What causes Qi to get stuck?

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or axcessive activity are among the many things that can influence the balance of Qi. Normally, when blockage or imbalance occur, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being. When this disruption is prolonged, excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set it.

What does an acupuncturist do?

Once the imbalance(s) of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi freely circulates through the body providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues, and muscle. This eliminates pain, restores balance and harmondy along with the body's natural ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is safe, effective, and drug-free therapy that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems.

"To live is to have Qi in every part of your body. To die is to be a body with Qi. For health to be maintained, there must be a balance of Qi, neither too much nor too little."

Classical Chinese Medical Text, Nan-Ching, 2nd C., A.D.

Allergies:
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine support and strengthen the systems of the body that are involved in the production of Wei Qi. The Chinese concept of Wei Qi is similar to the Western concept of the immune system. Wei Qi functions to protect and defend the body against foreign invaders, that if not caught, can lead to allergies. When Wei Qi is abundant, we remain healthy. When the supply of Wei Qi becomes inadequate, health is compromised and we become vulnerable to foreign invaders such as dust, mold, animal dander, bacteria, virsuses and pollen. By building up the supply of Wei Qi, and facilitating the smooth and free flow of it through the body, symptoms and signs related to allergies could be reduced or eliminated.

Depression:
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine incorporate thousands of years of experience treating depression. Not only can they help to alleviate the signs and symptoms accompanying depression, they can address the root causes and underlying imbalances that have contributed to the problem. They do this safely and naturally. Aware of the powerful interplay between our body and emotions, an acupuncturist recognizes that emotional upset affects the body, and physical trauma affects the emotions. Overtime, this disruption of our internal environment leads to "stagnant or depressed Qi." The focus then becomes to restore a balanced and continuous Qi flow throughout the body and mind.

Facial Rejuvenation:
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe, effective, natural and drug-free approach to reduce signs of aging. A facial rejuvenation using this ancient technique can improve muscle tone of the face and neck while addressing the underlying imbalances that may have contributed to the aging process. You will feel and look more energetic, calm, vibrant, and healthy.

Fertility:
The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back 2000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and supports a woman's whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing. The theory of acupuncture and Chinese medicine view infertility as an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems. This could be the Kidney, Spleen, or Liver organ systems identified in Eastern medicine. By restoring balance using a safe, effective, drug-free and nature approach, a woman can experience a successful and healthy pregnancy.

Fibromyalgia:
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can provide a safe alternative in the effective treatment of fibromyalgia. Along with acupuncture, natural herbal formulas, dietary recommendations and calming exercises can help promote balance and health. In November 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH) stated that acupuncture could be an effective modality in treating fibromyalgia. Not only be treating the pain and discomfort, but also by addressing the underlying problems that have caused the imbalance.

IBS:
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can create a clear picture of the root imbalance(s) that can lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. When you meet with your practitioner, she will discover what meridian systems are contributing to your IBS. She may also suggest any number of adjunct therapies in order to maximize your healing such as herbs, change in diet, breathing techniques, or exercise. Whether your IBS is triggered by stress, diet, emotional factors, hormone levels or medication, acupuncture and Chinese medicine may be the answer you're looking for.

Menopause:
The "change" that menopause signifies within a woman's life occurs because the body chemistry naturally begins to shift. Energies like Jing Qi (eastern equivalent to estrogen), Yin and Yang begin to decline and become imbalanced. If left untreated, the imbalance of these energies will lead to the symptoms normally associated with a western diagnosis of menopauses. Chinese medicine can help address these imbalances by identifying where the change in energy has occurred, and applying various natural therapies such as acupuncture, herbs, meditation, Qi Gong, and diet, to correct the imbalance.

Pain:
Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, effective, natural and drugg-free way to eliminate pain. Unlike other methods for handling pain, there are no side effects. It also can not only treat the signs and symptoms of pain and discomfort, it can get to the root of what initially caused the problem. When the problem is corrected, your body can begin to heal on deeper levels. An acupuncturist may suggest adjunct therapies to enhance treatment and speed healing. Massage, stretching, yoga, herbal supplements, and dietary changes support acupuncture care.

Smoking Cessation:
Some of the largest stumbling blocks to becoming smoke-free are the stress, anxiety, and depression associated with quitting. Fortunately, acupuncture treatment is quite successful at calming and relaxing the mind, reducing answiety and alleviating depressive feelings. Specific acupoints int he ear and wrists are used to accomplish this. Additional acupoints may be included that help suppress your appetite, stimulate repair and healing of organ systems, and reduce food and nicotine cravings. You will also help to restore your body's balance to a state of health and well-being.