Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s response to heal itself. Traditional explanations of acupuncture involve its effect on improving the flow of qi (‘vital energy’) and on balancing Yin and Yang throughout the body. By stimulating specific points on the body with pressure or fine needles, acupuncture practitioners are able to restore healthy function, thus resolving symptoms and improving disease. Based on classical descriptions with a modern understanding, we now know that the flow of qi corresponds to nerve transmission, connective tissue, and metabolic components carried in blood, such as oxygen, hormones, neurotransmitters and nutrients. This also encompasses the functional energy of each organ system. In Summary, Acupuncture aims to assist people in achieving balance, providing relief for many ailments, and maintaining optimal health.

When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects. There is a small chance of bleeding, tenderness or bruising (especially for those who take blood thinners).

The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than the standard hypodermic needles (only 2 times the width of a single hair). It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may by some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the qi moving up and down the channels. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.

That depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 6-12 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative condition may require treatments over a longer period of time. To help reduce the number of treatments, practitioner may suggest dietary modification, specific exercises regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, an/or Chinese herbal medicine, all of which may help to increase the efficacy of acupuncture.

Usually the first visit is the longest in order to allow for a complete history taking and exam – typically one to one and one-half hours. Follow-up visits are shorter, usually 30 - 45 minutes.

Relaxation is the key to a comfortable treatment. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment. Do not change your position or make sudden movements. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.

The outcome of the treatments differs between patients based on how long they’ve experienced the pain or disease. Majority of patients feels relief after the first treatment. Depending on the condition, the practitioner will recommend a treatment plan including how many times the patients should get treated. Patients that follows the treatment plan will see improvement. Acupuncture takes time but it is effective and at the end of the day your body will thank you!

Oriental Medicine and acupuncture are powerful healing tools, but they are not panaceas nor the solution to every health care problem. Both Western and Oriental Medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses, which is why in modern China, the two systems are used together. When appropriately combined, the patient is well served. Generally speaking, acute, life-threatening conditions are best handled by Western medical doctors. Routine health problems and chronic conditions, for which drug therapy and surgery have not been effective, often benefit from acupuncture / Oriental Medicine.

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