What is Acupuncture?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the art of inserting needles into points along channels of the body to achieve qi balance.

What is this qi (chi)?

Qi is similar to the prana of yogic philosophy.  Although scholars and scientists debate the nature of qi, it is a topic of conversation in many disciplines.  Qi is also known as life force, vital energy, anima or dark matter (sub-atomic particles) or spirit.

What is the overall purpose of acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is a total medicine.  Acupuncture can relieve pain and even stimulate the immune function to speed up recovery from the common cold.  Any condition in which the body is out of balance can be treated by acupuncture.

What can acupuncture do for me?

Acupuncture has a way of balancing the body’s energy.  Energy can be increased in the case of lethargy or depression and energy can be decreased in the case of manic behavior or painful nerve sensation. Each organ and each muscular channel has a correct flow of energy (qi).  Well placed needle insertion can correct stagnant, excess or deficient areas of qi flow.  An acupuncture needle is designed to conduct, transfer and strengthen the body’s qi.  Acupuncture needles can transfer places of excess qi to places of deficient qi to improve vitality in the whole body.  That is why acupuncture is a (w)holistic medicine.

What is the experience during an acupuncture treatment?

Acupuncture will usually calm the central nervous system and allow the patient to reach a Theta state similar to meditation.  Regular acupuncture treatments can improve a person’s overall health and potential for a longer, fuller life.

Does it hurt?

The needles are as thick as a human hair.  Most patients are surprised at how briefly the sensation of the needle lasts.

Should I feel something?

It is best to be prepared to surrender to the experience that your individualized acupuncture session evokes. Most patients become relaxed.  Some patients become inspired, others may cry about a painful emotion experience that has too long been locked in their body and patients who are sleep deprive often sleep.

When will I feel results?

I have seen patients with chronic back pain who have come in for one acupuncture session and felt immediate and long term relief.  Depending on the person’s lifestyle and severity of their condition, a series of treatments may last simply three days or as long as three months.  Many patients with chronic conditions choose to receive weekly or bi-weekly treatments for a season or two to maintain health.