Acupuncture is a 4,000 year old healing therapy that balances energy within the body. The ancient Chinese theory of acupuncture states that when someone has some type of disorder, the Qi (“chee”) or energy within the body is not flowing through specific channels or meridians. Eastern philosophy on health is different than Western philosophy. In the West, we use therapy consisting of drugs and surgery to either mask symptoms or remove the problem from the body. The East looks at the symptoms in a Yin/Yang way. This means that there has to be a balance or homeostasis within the body for it to heal itself. For example, if there is excess hot or cold, dryness or wetness or too much energy or lack of energy there is stagnation of Qi.

The process of balancing energy within the body starts with proper diagnosis. Eastern philosophy investigates the tongue, pulse on the wrist and the way the patient looks (i.e. pale, yellow etc.). Once the background on the patient is established and complete history is filled out, treatment can begin. The needles that are used vary in length from ½ inch to 5 inches and are very thin. Some people will feel discomfort at the site of the acupuncture point. This discomfort confirms that this point is blocked and needs to be needled. Most of the time patients say that they do not feel the needles.

Benefits

• Pain relief for acute and chronic conditions
• Decreases stress and anxiety
• Accelerates the healing process
• Aids in smoking cessation
• Relieves acute and chronic sinus congestion
• Complements other treatments for internal disorders