What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method originally used in China as part of a complete health care system known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the Vital Life Energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), flowing on, through, and within the body. When the free flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor (virus, bacteria, stress), the balance of energy will be lost, allowing for potential disease.

Qi flows throughout the body 24 hours a day on pathways called meridians. Along these meridians are special points (called acupuncture points) where the Qi gathers. During acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted into these acupoints to restore balanced Qi flow and thus create a desired healing effect.
From a Western Medical perspective, acupuncture works because the needles stimulate the high density of free nerve endings and tiny blood and lymphatic vessels concentrated in these acupoints. As a result, the brain is stimulated by beta-endorphin, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters which are believed to be responsible for the observed healing effects.