Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

that involves inserting very thin needles through a person’s skin at specific points on the body to various depths. It originated in China more than 4000 years ago and has been embraced worldwide due to its effectiveness.

It is believed that the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians.

These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture needles to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.

Inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points in appropriate combinations brings the energy flow back into proper balance.

Research shows that acupuncture improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, stimulates the release of endorphins which are natural pain relievers and serotonin which helps to elevate mood. 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 safe, has few side effects,

and can be effectively combined with other treatments. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.

In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed a number of conditions in which they say acupuncture has been proven effective.

• emotional disorders - anxiety, depression, PTSD
• high and low blood pressure
• chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• some gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
• painful periods
• dysentery
• allergic rhinitis
• pain- facial, dental, spine, neck
• morning sickness
• rheumatoid arthritis
• sprains
• tennis elbow
• sciatica
• reducing the risk of stroke
• inducing labor
• fibromyalgia
• neuralgia
• post-operative convalescence
• substance, tobacco and alcohol dependence
• migraines
• asthma