Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise points on the body.

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface. These channels, or meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow into one part of the body or restricts it to others.

Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridians, unblocking the dam and restoring proper flow of the energy rivers.

Acupuncture treatment can restore the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in digestion, absorption and energy production activities in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

Acupuncture is used today to promote health and well-being, prevent illness, and relieve pain.