Acupuncture is a style of medicine based on a Taoist philosophy and view of the world that was developed 2-3000 years ago out of the observation of nature and its processes. The “Tao” is a difficult term to translate, but is best summed up as “the way the universe works.” The basic idea is that if one obeys or acts in harmony with these “laws of nature” our life moves more easily with the possibility of a longer lifespan. The force involved with this process is called “Qi.” Qi can be translated as “energy” or”vital life force.” The less dense Qi is the Yang, and the more dense Qi is the Yin. It is important to point out that everything is made of Qi and transformed by Qi, this includes our physical bodies, our breath, our thoughts, and emotions. Yin and Yang represent opposite but complementary qualities. They exist in a dynamic balance. You cannot have one without the other, and one is always changing into the other. Within the individual, the Qi moves along a network that communicates with all parts of the body, mind, and spirit. Parts of this network are called “Meridians.” Meridians act as conduits for the Qi to move through the individual. If this flow is not within the “way of nature”; either excessive or deficient or stagnant and not moving or too cold or too hot; problems arise in the individual. Along each of these Meridians are many points where the Qi is available at the surface of the body. It is at these points that the Acupuncturist can stimulate the point in some way to affect the flow of the Qi through the Meridians and thus through the individual. All have the common goal of helping to bring one’s Qi flow back into balance and harmony with nature.

Can Acupuncture Help You?

Acupuncture is recognized by both the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health as an important and effective medical model. Acupuncture is found to be helpful for chronic pain (particularly knee and back pain), PTSD and addictions of various kinds. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the NIH lists the latest information on effectiveness and benefits of acupuncture for a variety of health issues. As I have mentioned above, Acupuncture has been practiced as a healing modality for thousands of years which indicates that people have received benefit and continue to seek Acupuncture as a way to achieve health. Each person responds uniquely to treatment.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

The needles we use are small; not much bigger than a hair from your head. They are solid, not hollow; this allows us to insert the needles with very little if any, pain or damage to the skin or surrounding tissues. It is very rare to have any bleeding or bruising occur, but it can happen. Once the needle is inserted and comes in contact with the “Qi” energy, there can be a sensation of fullness or charge. This sensation, if it occurs, dissipates within seconds. But the benefits continue as the “Qi” starts to flow again with the rhythms of nature.

What can you expect if you were to come for Acupuncture treatment?

The initial visit tends to take a little longer as I get to know you as an individual and formulate a treatment plan to best assist you back to a healthy balance. Allow about 2 hours for this visit and first treatment session. Subsequent treatments last about an hour and are determined by your response to the previous treatments. My goal is to assist you to make the most of the “Qi” energy as it becomes more available for you in your life.