What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing developed in China over three thousand years ago as part of their traditional medicine. The practice of acupuncture is thought to have begun with the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas of the body affects the functioning of certain organs.

It has evolved into a complete system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points just beneath the body's surface. These points are at very specific locations and lie on channels of vital energy or Qi (pronounced "Chee") called Meridians.

How does acupuncture work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of vital energy run in regular patterns throughout the body, over and around its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians.

Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of Qi through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. New studies have shown that acupuncture can also “switch off” the part of the brain which recognizes pain. These chemical alterations will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. But of course, science cannot yet explain all of the powerful benefits that acupuncture delivers.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Are there any "do's and don'ts" for me on the day of a treatment?

To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
• Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.