Acupuncture is the practice of inserting small, thin needles under the skin to stimulate acupuncture points, and is part of Traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese medicine believe in an energy flow in the body known as Qi (pronounced “chee”) that is responsible for overall health. When the flow of Qi is disrupted or blocked, disease can occur. By placing acupuncture needles into certain points, the flow of Qi is believed to improve, leading to improvement in health.

Acupuncture has been accepted as a form of integrative medicine in the Western world. It is believed by Western practitioners that inserting needles into acupuncture points stimulates the central nervous system, leading to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. The body’s natural healing abilities may be stimulated by the release of these chemicals, leading to improvement in health.

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, and can be used alone or ideally in combination with conventional Western treatments. These conditions include:

Osteoarthritis

Kidney disease

Intestinal disease

Sneezing and nasal discharge

Soft stools and diarrhea

Acute and chronic pain

Urinary issues

Behavioral concerns

Certain neurological disorders

Nausea and vomiting

Changes in appetite

Fear and anxiety