Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine used to alleviate pain and promote overall health. Acupuncture is an alternative healing modality that involves the insertion of fine, filiform needles into specific meridian points on the body to elicit a specific physiologic response. The practice of acupuncture involves a variety of techniques, in addition to the insertion of needles, including cupping, acupressure, and tui na (Chinese bodywork) that all work together to bring the body back into optimal functioning.
Today, acupuncturists may also use lasers, magnets and electric pulses in addition to needles. Each meridian point has a specific meaning and can unblock and repair meridians and channels with vital energy or chi. Through the stimulation of the meridians, an acupuncturist is able to restore balance and ergo health to the patient.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health problems, such as:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Chronic tension-type headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Postoperative pain
- Allergies
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes, and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.