Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of Eastern Medicine that has been practiced for many centuries. Acupuncture utilizes the meridian systems of the body to promote healing and treat injury and disease. Through the insertion of needles into well defined acupuncture sites, the nervous system is stimulated to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. The use of heat and electrical stimulation at the acupuncture sites increases the effect of treatment.

Medical Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:
1. Promotion of health and well-being
2. Prevention of illness
3. Treatment of various medical conditions

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long standing conditions, one or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including neurological disorders, muscular disorders, and smoking cessation.