Acupuncture is a technique that allows the body to promote natural healing by inserting needles and applying heat or an electrical stimulation at certain specific acupuncture points.

Traditional l Chinese medicine says that channels of energy flow in patterns within the body and on the outside of the body. These energy channels, which are called meridians, are similar to rivers that flow through the body to irrigate and bring nourishment to the cells. A blockage in the flow of these energy rivers is like a dam that blocks the river's flow.

These meridians can be affected by placing needles in the acupuncture points. The acupuncture needles clear the blockages caused by the dams, and permit the normal flow through the meridians to be restored. Acupuncture treatments allow the body's internal organs to fix any imbalances they may have.

Modern science says that by needling the acupuncture points, the nervous system is stimulated to release chemicals into the muscles, brain, and spinal cord. These chemicals affect the body's perception of pain, or trigger the release of hormones and other chemicals which in turn affect the body's internal system of regulation. Thus, the improved balance of energy and chemicals produced by acupuncture acts to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities, and results in better physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture Needles

The stainless steel needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin and solid. Unlike the hollow hypodermic needles used to inject vaccinations, the point of an acupuncture needle is smooth. Most people say that insertions by acupuncture needles are not as painful as a vaccination or blood sampling. There is also less risk of skin irritation and bruising than when using a conventional hypodermic needle. Practitioners use sterilized or disposable needles, so there is no risk of infection from acupuncture needles.

If the patient's condition is relatively complicated, it may be necessary to have one or two treatments a week for several months. Less complicated conditions require fewer treatments.

There are usually no side effects or other reactions to acupuncture. However, as the energy is redirected, the body's internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated. Sometimes, the original symptoms get worse for a day or two. There may also be changes in the patient's sleep, appetite, bowel or urination patterns. Experts say that these are merely indications that the treatment is beginning to work.