What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years. Oriental medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology, dietary therapy, life-style counseling, bodywork, and exercise based on traditional Oriental medicine principles such as Tai-Chi and Qi-Gong.

How does it work?

Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine.

The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life’s processes. They called this energy “Qi” (pronounced chee). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy which flows along specific pathways is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.

Acupuncture is the insertion of micro-fine needles into specific points that are located along the meridians of the body. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, thus corroborating the locations of the meridians mapped by the ancients.

Traditional Oriental medicine uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, palpation of points and meridians, comprehensive medical history, and other signs and symptoms to create a composite Oriental medical diagnosis. A treatment plan is then formulated to induce the body to a balanced state of health.

How Does Acupuncture Feel?

Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations, such a warmth or pressure, may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.

Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thick hair, and honed to a gently tapered tip. The needles are solid. Nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, very refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation. Modern technology has brought the availability of disposable needles. Those are the only type we use in our office.

Insertion of acupuncture needles is often less painful than stimulating the points with finger pressure. Most patients state they can't feel the insertion of the needles. After inserting the needle, its subtle manipulation may cause a feeling of warmth, pressure, or a mild heaviness, or tingling. These sensations may be surprising or strange, but are not painful. Most patients find an acupuncture treatment very relaxing and usually fall asleep during the session.