Acupuncture is one treatment modality in a system of medicine known as Oriental Medicine or the term we prefer, East Asian Medicine. Acupuncture is the process of placing fine hair-like filaments at specific points on the body to move vital energy, or Qi, that flows throughout a person’s body in specific patterns. When this flow is blocked or disrupted, illness and dysfunction results. The acupuncture treatment is designed to promote and restore the balance of energy.

From its inception in China more than 3,000 years ago, acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health. The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health recognize acupuncture as an effective treatment for many health conditions.

Acupuncture directly benefits a person’s bodily health by increasing circulation, reducing swelling, releasing endorphins, and stimulating the limbic system. As a result, a wide variety of conditions are treated, from emotional disorders (anxiety, depression) to digestive complaints (nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome). It can be beneficial for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis. Respiratory conditions, including sinusitis and asthma have been relieved with acupuncture, as have many gynecologic disorders and infertility. Acupuncture has also proved beneficial for reducing fatigue and addictions, and for promoting overall well-being.

Most people find acupuncture treatment to be very relaxing, even blissful !