About Medical Acupuncture:

In the United States and Europe, Acupuncture has received great acclaim in the treatment of many different neuromusculoskeletal pain problems, and medical disorders (including respiratory, gastrointestinal, gynecological, genitourinary, substance abuse, emotional disturbances). In the 1970s U.S. physicians that visited China witnessed surgeries using acupuncture as the only anesthesia. The World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health have accepted acupuncture as treatment for a wide array of disorders. Medical acupuncture helps address disorders that have not been easily understood or successfully treated with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is successful at treating poorly defined conditions such as fatigue, stress related symptoms, sleep disturbances, bowel irregularities, sleep disorders, anxiety, and recurrent illnesses.

Medical acupuncture is distinct in combining the ancient philosophy of the eastern healing arts with the current knowledge of neuromuscular anatomy and pain physiology. Medical acupuncture is a refined model that uses a physician based diagnosis, medical treatment, and acupuncture as a means of achieving balance in the human physiology.

Acupuncture is a meridian based treatment that can be used for local treatment, or more system wide changes in the body.   Meridians carry the life force energy called qi (pronounced "chee") also known as chi, prana, ke in other healing traditions.   Fine acupuncture needles are placed in specially selected points along the meridians being used in treatment, or regionally to release painful/restricted areas. The needles allow for the proper flow of qi within the meridian system, thereby helping to restore proper function . Acupuncture stimulates endorphin and other neuromodulators release, relaxes the musculoskeletal system, and changes both the physical and emotional well-being of patients. Acupuncture is used to rebalance the body through the correction of energetic imbalances and structural restrictions.      

Acupuncture can be used to treat acute and chronic problems, or as part of preventative medicine program. During the treatment, the patient lies down on a comfortable treatment table. Most treatment sessions consist of needle placement for approximately 20 minutes. Acupuncture needles are disposable, sterile needles that are extremely thin, the insertion is quick and tolerated well by most patients. Most patients look forward to the next treatment session.

Acupuncture has an important role in treating acute, chronic and vague musculoskeletal and general medical complaints.   With the overall balance achieved using this modality, there is an effect on the autonomic nervous system which governs the sympathetic ("fight or flight") and the parasympathetic ("rest and repair") nervous system. There are both immediate and cumulative effects from the treatments. Acupuncture relieves pain, releases myofascial holding patterns, treats medical disorders, creates a sense of well being, tonifies and balances the body for optimal health. Acupuncture helps patients achieve optimum performance in sports, physical activities, and in occupational demands.