Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

The theory and practice of acupuncture and herbal medicine is based on Oriental medicine (also known as traditional Chinese medicine), a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat and prevent illness. Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as heat, electrostim, tuning forks, or finger-pressure. In traditional Chinese Medicine one uses tongue and pulse diagnosis to determine the disease pattern.

The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances and energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.” This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation and coordination of physiological processes. Pain and ill-health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked by such things as disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries and medication (side-effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest and stress.

How does acupuncture work?

Stimulation of the appropriate points through acupuncture helps to restore sufficient, continuous and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body. This helps restore health and balance to the body, while relieving pain and other symptoms. The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, with a focus on discerning the body’s pattern of disharmony rather than isolated symptoms. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but to treat the underlying cause while improving function and the quality of life. — California Acupuncture Board

Please visit the online scheduler to schedule an acupuncture treatment.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine?

The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health are among the organizations endorsing acupuncture and herbal medicine for a variety of conditions, examples of which include:

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