Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).In this system of medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by energy pathways or meridians. These pathways are responsible for an energy flow called Qi throughout the body and uninterrupted flow of Qi leads to Health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, blockages can be removed, flow of Qi can be restored, balancing the opposite forces of Yin and Yang thereby improving health.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Common conditions treated by Acupuncture
| Digestive | Psychological |
| Gastritis
Irritable bowel syndrome Hepatitis Hemorrhoids |
Anxiety
Depression Insomnia Nervousness Neurosis |
| Eye–Throat | Gynecological |
| Rhinitis
Sinusitis Sore throat |
Menstrual pain
Infertility |
| Musculoskeletal | Neurological |
| Arthritis
Back pain Muscle cramping Muscle pain and weakness Neck pain Sciatica |
Headaches
Migraines Neurogenic bladder dysfunction Parkinson’s disease Postoperative pain Stroke |
| Respiratory | Miscellaneous |
| Allergic rhinitis
Sinusitis Bronchitis |
Irritable bladder
Prostatitis Male infertility Some forms of impotence Addiction |
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, well-trained and qualified practitioner using sterile needles.