What is Acupuncture?

An Ancient Healing Art

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique used to promote the body’s natural healing processes. It is a safe and effective form of treatment in which thin, sterile, single-use needles are gently inserted into specific locations on the body. Within Chinese medicine, it is believed that there are meridians of energy that run throughout our entire body that help with all physiological and emotional functions. Along these meridians (or channels) are pockets where more physiological influence pools. These pockets are referred to as acupuncture points. By treating the body at these specific locations, an acupuncturist is

able to treat a myriad of symptoms and imbalances.

Acupuncture Treats the Individual

Each acupuncture treatment is tailored to best address the individual’s overall health. Rather than viewing a patient as a list of symptoms, Chinese Medicine treats the entire being as a whole. Often, seemingly separate symptoms are actually a small chapter within a greater health story. Acupuncture is able to focus on healing the person as a whole, rather than simply providing temporary remedies to individual symptoms.

Finding Balance

The ancient Chinese drew much of their understanding of the body from their understanding of nature. They observed the changing seasons and climates and saw that many changes in the body seemed to mimic these patterns. They therefore began to balance the body through the lens of balancing the many elements they saw around them (such as balancing cold with warmth, or fire with water.) Acupuncture focuses on reminding your body how to heal itself. It activates subtle changes that work to return the body to its natural state of balance. Because of this, it can be used to effectively treat both physical and emotional concerns. Many leave their acupuncture treatments not only with a reduction in pain, but also with an overall sense of tranquility.