What is acupuncture?

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Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles inserted at specific points on the body to encourage natural healing and promote physical and emotional well being.​

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how does it work?

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According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, there are fourteen channels in which energy runs in patterns throughout the body.  these energy channels, called meridians, are like the highways, streets, and roads in a city.  A traffic jam on these roads affect life's activities just like an obstruction or weakness in the movement of energy may cause different problems in the body.

 

Placing acupuncture needles at points along these meridians influences the channels by 'regulating traffic', unblocking obstructions, and reestablishing regular flow through the meridians.  Through this mechanism, acupuncture treatments can help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians. 

 

As evidence-based physicians, we always look to modern scientific explanations behind our treatments.  What has been supported by research is that needling acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.  These chemicals will either alter the experience of pain (an analgesic affect similar to a chiropractic adjustment or medication) or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.