Acupuncture is an ancient, holistic therapy which is thought to have originated in China at least 2,500 years ago. It has been practiced throughout Asia for centuries. Through the use of extremely fine needles, acupuncture works by manipulating the flow of Qi in the body - the life force or energy force - that is present in all living things.

There are 12 main meridians through which Qi flows in our bodies. These meridians correspond to the major internal organs of the body. For example, there is a liver meridian, a heart meridian, and so on. In each of these meridians, the Qi can become stagnant or deficient. Stagnant Qi means that there is a blockage or excess of energy, which can cause a variety of symptoms including pain, inflammation, headaches, high blood pressure, depression, and menstrual imbalances. Deficient Qi means that there isn’t enough energy within a given organ to perform its necessary duties. For instance, chronic diarrhea and fatigue can easily be caused by deficient Qi of the spleen.

Acupuncture involves inserting needles into several acupoints, which are specific locations on the meridians where Qi gathers. By manipulating the flow of Qi on a given meridian, stagnant Qi can be dispersed and deficient Qi can be tonified. As a result, the symptoms that correspond to these underlying energetic imbalances naturally improve. There are 365 acupoints on the 12 meridians, along with numerous ‘extra points’ that are located throughout the body.

From a Western, scientific perspective, acupuncture has proven to release the neurotransmitter serotonin and beta-endorphins, opiate-like substances made by the brain. Serotonin balance is essential for emotional and mental health and has been linked to healthy eating patterns, sleeping patterns, and the degree of pain in the body. Beta-endorphins are analgesic and anti-inflammatory and are responsible for the ‘runner’s high’, which is why acupuncture can induce similar sensations.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

I have used acupuncture to treat a variety of health concerns:

Anxiety and Depression
Many people with anxiety or depression simply aren’t aware that there are alternatives to drugs and talk therapy. Nutrition, exercise, mindfulness techniques, acupuncture, and herbs can offer an incredible support system for healing these conditions.

Gynecological Issues
Acupuncture can be beneficial for infertility, PMS, menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Insomnia
Acupuncture alone can be very effective. Combined with herbs and stress reduction techniques, the healing process is even more powerful.

Pain
Headaches, back pain, neck pain, sprains, strains, etc. can all respond to acupuncture.

Other conditions I have treated with acupuncture include irritable bowel syndrome, high blood pressure, addictions, autoimmune conditions and hormonal imbalances.

What Does A Treatment Entail?

Most patients that come for chronic health problems should plan on committing to treatment once a week for 4-6 treatments. After such time, your progress will be assessed and appropriate steps taken from there. The goal is that within that period of time your symptoms begin to show signs of definite improvement and that your general health is markedly better. If you have extremely chronic and severe symptoms, it is not uncommon to require treatment weekly for 10 visits.

The body is encouraged to heal over a period of time, as excessively rapid progress can put the body into a state of shock. If something has accumulated over a period of years, it is only natural that it will take some time to unravel the condition and heal it at its foundation. Compliancy is an important factor in treatment progress. Generally, patients that commit to lifestyle and dietary suggestions will progress more rapidly.

For more information about acupuncture I encourage you to download my free eBook, "A Layperson"s Guide to Chinese Medicine" and to read the articles I have written about acupuncture.

If you have questions about acupuncture, I am more than happy to answer them for you. Please call me at (705) 575-7560 or email me.