Acupuncture is the placement of ultra-thin needles into acupuncture points. Acupuncture points are specific locations on the body’s surface where high concentrations of vessels and nerves enter the surrounding soft tissues. Inserting an acupuncture needle in to an acupuncture point has positive effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. This action promotes homeostasis and encourages the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture needles are approximately 10 times smaller than a hypodermic needle. They are solid, ultra-thin, and very flexible. Hypodermic needles are hollow and fairly thick. They are designed this way to administer injections and draw blood from the body.

Receiving acupuncture is a pain free experience. However, there are sensations associated with receiving acupuncture. Sensations reported can vary from, a mosquito bite, to nothing at all.

There are non-needle forms of treatment such as acupressure, cupping, guasha, tuina, and, moxibustion.

Being healthy goes beyond the symptoms of acute and chronic illness. Acknowledging our health before it is compromised will help put you on the path toward optimal health and vitality.

Acupuncture is commonly used for the treatment of pain, discomfort, or other distressing symptoms. Your care may consist of frequent visits during the initial weeks or months of treatment to reduce your symptoms. Your condition, age, lifestyle, and the vitality of your Qi are all factors in determining your treatment frequency. Each visit builds on the previous visit while working towards achieving your health goals. Once your signs and symptoms are reduced, preventative maintenance visits will preserve all the progress you have made. These visits may be monthly, every other month, or seasonally. Acupuncture checkups can help identify, rebalance and correct minor problems before they become major concerns. Wellness care is the root of healing.

At times acupuncture can produces miraculous results, these are generally the exception not the rule. Acupuncture works cumulatively, like strength training or learning a new language. While your symptoms may not abate in the first few treatments there are indicators you can look for to know when acupuncture is working for you.

• less stress

• better sleep

• more energy

• better digestion

• general sense of improved well-being

Taking note of these positive changes means that acupuncture is doing its job.