The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy, or meridians, run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface like a river to nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of energy is like a dam that backs up the flow of the river and restricts it from getting to other parts of the body. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points: the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption and energy production activities and in the circulation of energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals change the experience of pain, or they will release other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own regulation system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness. Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care: promotion of health and well-being, prevention of illness, and treatment of various medical conditions.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of problems, including:

• Digestive disorders: gastritis, spastic colon, IBS, constipation, diarrhea
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, asthma, sore throat, bronchitis, recurrent infections
• Psychological disorders: stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, drug dependence, smoking cessation, weight loss, insomnia
• Skin disorders: allergies, rash
• Rheumatalogical disorders: Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis
• Neurological disorders: headaches, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, facial tics, neuropathy, carpal tunnel, Post- Herpetic Neuralgia, CRPS, MS
• Muskuloskeletal disorders: neck pain, low back pain, chest wall pain, sciatica, hip and knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain
• Urinary, menstrual and fertility disorders

The number of treatments differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep bowel or urination patterns or emotional state may be triggered.

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as needles are iserted; some feel no pain at all. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth, not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle, and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Yes. In the past 2000 years, more people have been successfully teated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today, acupuncture is practised widely in Asia, the Soviet Union and Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician know everything that you are doing so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude will not block the treatments.

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment
• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after treatment.
• Plan your activities s that after treatment, you can get some rest or not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important after the first few visits.
• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular physician. Substance abuse especially in the week prior to your treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of treatment.
• Keep good mental or written notes of your response to the treatment so that the follow up treatments can be designed to best help you.