What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles at specific points on the human body.  This process encourages the body’s natural healing abilities thereby reducing or relieving pain, and improving the overall functioning of the body’s immune and organ systems.  It is both safe and effective, and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture points are the specific points located along the meridians where the Qi (pronounced "Chi", means energy) is both concentrated and accessible.  Acupuncture engages the Qi by inserting needles at these specific points, the goal being to restore the proper flow of Qi.  Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it and as the body regains its natural balance, well-being returns.

In the west acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain. As a result the majority of the research done thus far, has been in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain.  

Does it hurt?

Not really. Unlike the injection needles everybody knows, acupuncture needles are very fine and smooth. The gauge of some needles we used in our clinic can be as little as 0.12 mm. From 10 to 15 acupuncture needles can fit into one conventional hypodermic needle. Most people feel nothing when we insert the needles in their body. When the needles are in the Acupoints, you may feel slightly sensation as either pressure, tightness, numbness or a snesation of heat. These sensation are called "De Qi" ("Feeling the Energy"). With the "De Qi" sensation, we can help adjust and rebalance the energy in your body.