Acupuncture
Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, which also includes herbal medicine, massage, diet, and nutrition. The practice of acupuncture involves the relatively painless insertion of very thin sterile needles into specific points in the body to create a therapeutic effect. During the treatment patients generally describe various feelings such as heaviness, distention, tingling or electric, but find the experience pleasant and relaxing. This sensation may only be at the location of the needle or may travel along the energy pathway. Many patients often fall asleep during a treatment.
Acupuncture is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy - known as qi (pronounced "chee") - that circulates through the body. In the tradition of Chinese medicine, it is said that disease or pain are often caused by an imbalance in the flow of qi. The goal of acupuncture, therefore, is to stimulate energy along the meridians to restore the normal and optimal flow of energy. This restoration can help decrease pain, provide therapeutic effects for disease management, and help increase overall vitality.
Acupuncture Benefits
A wealth of evidence-based research exists confirming the efficacy of acupuncture for stimulation of various neurotransmitters, endorphins (the body's natural pain killers), and blood circulation, as well as regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Many clients use acupuncture to help with successful treatment of musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, including management of fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome. Acupuncture can reduce physical and mental stress, promote healing and improve recovery from surgical interventions and injuries.
