Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of alternative oriental medicine, developed in ancient China, which is the practice of inserting fine sterile needles into various points on the skin at locations throughout the body (called acupoints or acupuncture points) encouraging the body to promote natural healing. These acupoints are stimulated for the purpose of relieving pain, stress and tension. The acupuncturist can also use pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation at the acupuncture points to balance the body’s energy flow and restore health.

The Chinese explanation of how it works is that pathways of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy pathways, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to supply nourishment to the tissues. When energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but if the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occurs. Acupunture works to restore normal functions by inserting needles into points on the meridians to unblock the pathways to restore regular flow through the meridians.