What is Acupuncture Treatment?

Acupuncture treatment is the medical art of inserting fine needles at acupoints along meridians to stimulate the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture is a branch of ancient Chinese medicine dating back 3,000 years that focuses on meridians—energy channels—that course throughout the body.

Qi (pronounced chee) circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body. The balanced, unimpeded flow of Qi is critical to good health. Any misdirection, blockage, or disruption of this energy due to stress, poor lifestyle habits, or injury can lead to pain, dysfunction, and ill health.

Stimulation via needles to one or more of the over 600 points on the body helps restore the normal balance and flow of Qi so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as intended.

In Chinese medicine’s terms, acupuncture treats an imbalance of chi, but in Western terms acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of symptoms, including addictions, depression, muscle and joint pain, headaches, and shingles.

What does an acupuncturist do?

The acupuncturist takes a full medical history to determine the source of the blockage, identifies the appropriate acupoints, and creates a treatment plan to promote natural healing and restore health.

During the initial exam a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle. A physical exam may be performed, depending on the nature of the patient’s trouble.

Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person’s health problems. The practitioner can then create a well-structured treatment plan.

Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself—ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

How does acupuncture treatment work?

The stimulation of acupuncture points along meridans releases Qi blockages, so that energy to flows freely and health is restored.

After your ailments have been identified, a prescription of points are selected that will treat the condition(s) safely and effectively. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific acupoints on the body to affect the energy balance throughout the body. It is a natural, non-invasive, drug-alternative method to help your body function and feel better.