What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest living traditional medicines and is a component of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that originated in China over 500 years ago. It also includes herbal medicine, exercise (Qi Gong and Tai Ji), diet, manipulation, meditation and feng shui.

It is based on the philosophy that energy known as "Qi" (pronounced chee) circulates throughout the body in 12 invisible channels known as meridians. These meridians connect to the specific organs and glandular systems within the body. This energy needs to flow freely in order for "health" to be established and maintained.

Many factors can disrupt the natural flow and balance of Qi throughout the body such as physical and emotional trauma, poor diet, and lack of exercise or over exertion and one of the biggest insults to the interruption of Qi is STRESS. When this imbalance occurs and is left uncorrected, illness or pain may occur. Acupuncture works by alleviating the imbalances or blockages of Qi and restoring its natural flow.

There are many theories some of which include:

• Acupuncture stimulates pain relieving endorphins.
• Acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters from the brain.
• Acupuncture improves circulation

The initial appointment will include a complete health history questionnaire and discussion about the client's health concerns, lifestyle, diet, stressors, sleep patterns etc. Once interviewed, the client will receive a treatment that includes anywhere from 6-12 needles placed in very specific acupuncture meridians just below the skin.

The client may feel a slight prick or sting when the needle is inserted but it is not painful. The treatment itself is very relaxing and the average length is about 20-30 minutes. In addition to the needling, the treatment may include the following:

• Moxibustion - heating the needles with a dried herb know as moxa
• Cupping / Gua Sha - used to relieve the stagnation of Qi
• Chinese herbs in the form of teas, pills or capsules

Acupuncture can help with the treatment of many different conditions including sinusitis, asthma, menstrual irregularities and all types of [pain including Lowback, Neck and Sciatica.