How it Works

Acupuncture is an essential component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a complete system of healthcare used successfully for at least 4,000 years.  It works with the body’s vital energy, or “Qi,” to restore proper communication between and function of the body’s systems, organs and glands. Although “Qi” is an Oriental concept, it is a fact that our body’s control system, the brain and rest of the nervous system, operates on electrical energy.  Modern scientific research has shown that acupuncture affects the central and peripheral nervous systems in a regulatory manner, working to reduce pain and inflammation, restore hormonal balance, heighten immune response, and promote relaxation through endorphin release. Acupuncture not only relieves symptoms, but can work on the root cause of conditions such as pain, injuries, muscle tension, digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, colds & flu, allergies, asthma, anxiety, insomnia and more. More and more scientific evidence is validating the uniquely therapeutic properties of the acupuncture points and the substantial health benefits of receiving acupuncture treatment.

Does it hurt? I don’t like needles!

Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, like a cat’s whisker. They are extremely thin, .36-.40 gauge wire. Many people who are afraid of doctor’s needles are relieved when they see and feel the acupuncture needle. On insertion, sensation varies from nothing at all to a brief feeling, then as the impulses begin to travel, the needle acts like a tiny relay antenna, and some people feel subtle sensations. Now comes the good part – deep relaxation usually sets in as you rest for 20-30 minutes. Many people experience immediate lessening of pain and symptoms, a heightened sense of well-being, and better sleep after treatment. Most people feel very relaxed after treatment, and may experience immediate lessening of pain and symptoms, a heightened sense of well-being, and better sleep after treatment.

Electroacupuncture involves the administration of microcurrent (TENS) onto the acupuncture needles. This may be felt as a very mild tingling sensation, if felt at all. This modality may be used for certain conditions, such as nerve damage with numbness, or to increase the pain relieving effect of the acupuncture treatment on muscles or joints. A ballpoint tool may also be used directly on tight muscles, tendons, or the jaw to release tension, with an immediate effect.