The Basics

Understanding acupuncture

Acupuncture is a medical procedure of applying thin needles to one or more anatomical points on the body known as acupuncture points. The use of acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine, a medical system that has been used for thousands of years in East Asian countries to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Acupuncture is increasingly used on patients who seek natural ways to heal and avoid side effects from prescription drugs. Acupuncture can also be used as an alternative or complementary treatment to various health conditions that often do not respond well to conventional treatment.

In traditional medicine, acupuncture is based on the belief that qi (vital energy) flows through the body along a network called meridians. Acupuncture works to regulate the balance of opposing forces, the yin and the yang, and promote harmony to the energy flows within the body.  Acupuncture treatment restores the disrupted or imbalanced energy flow that associates with a variety of illnesses or health conditions. My approach seeks to harmonize the life of the body with the larger context of a person’s existence.

In modern medical science, acupuncture is believed to work by causing physical responses in nerve cells, the pituitary gland, and parts of the brain. These responses can cause the body to release proteins, hormones and brain chemicals that control a number of body functions. By these actions, acupuncture can regulate blood pressure and body temperature, boost immune system activity, and help release the body's natural painkillers.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, and are still widely utilized today. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners regard certain herbs as important stand-alone therapeutics, in addition to important complements to acupuncture treatments.  When necessary, I provide specifically formulated herbal medicine to relieve a variety of conditions and ailments.  Chinese herbs have low toxicity. Adverse reactions are extremely rare, particularly when compared to over-the-counter or prescription drugs.