about acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific anatomic sites to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.  

An acupuncture treatment may include several approaches to stimulation:

• Insertion of various styles of thin, single use, sterile acupuncture needles into the body, at various depths and locations.

• Heat treatments using Artemesia vulgaris (moxibustion or “moxa”), a charcoal stick, or a conventional heat lamp placed on or near any part of the body.

• Acupressure (massage with fingers or an instrument), cupping (a technique that involves the use of suction), or gua sha (a form of massage that involves scraping) application to various parts of the body.

• Electrical stimulation of various parts of the body, with or without needles.

According to the Asian tradition from which acupuncture comes, the goal of an acupuncture treatment is to improve the flow of energy (also called qi, chi or ki) through the body by unblocking areas where energy flow is obstructed and by redirecting energy to areas where it is lacking. 

Modern research shows that acupuncture works on many levels to produce biological effects similar to those of antidepressants and strong pain medications.

 Learn more about acupuncture