Chinese Medicine considers that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi ("vital air" or "energy") present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur. (Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts.)  The tiny stimulus of inserting fine needles could regulate the flow of “Qi" and blood and bring about powerful therapeutic effects by using the body's own regulatory systems and self-healing potential. Stimulation of acupuncture nodes with needles, heat, pressure, electricity, or other means initiates a complex cascade of subtle but powerful neural, vascular, endocrine, lymphatic, and immunological responses that together result in:

·         Pain reduction

·         Muscle relaxation

·         Restoration of blood flow to limbs and organs

·         Normalization of organ activity

·         Reduction of inflammation and swelling

·         Tissue and wound healing

·         Enhanced immune response

·         Increased joint range-of-motion

·         Stress reduction and mood enhancement

The net effect of these processes restores both local and systemic "homeostasis:" the body's normal state of dynamic, balanced function.

General improvement in health status is consistent with models of the physiologic basis of acupuncture that indicate therapeutic effects through a wide range of mechanisms and body systems. The ability of acupuncture to regulate sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalances and promote immune function may account for its general clinical benefits.

The full potential of acupuncture and its supplementary Chinese medical modalities is to bring about more harmonious functioning and general well-being. As patients heal during acupuncture treatment, they often describe profound feelings of peace, clarity, and self-awareness. With repeated treatment, this sense of wellness may become increasingly the norm experienced by the patient in their daily life and functioning.

 

There are many diseases that can be treated successfully by Acupuncture or its related treatments. The most common ailments currently being treated (according to the World Health Organization, conditions successfully treated with traditional Chinese medicine) include:

 

 

 

After the initial consultation, your acupuncturist will explain your diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan, including number of visits, expected benefits, costs, risks, and alternative treatments. The number of treatments required varies with each patient and their condition. Symptomatic relief is often felt during the first treatment. In many conditions, significant and lasting improvement is evident by the 3rd or 4th treatment, or even sooner. Chronic or complex conditions may require 1-3 treatments per week for several months. More recent conditions may be effectively resolved after only a few treatments.