ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body.  Acupuncture is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery.  Relief is often obtained when traditional medical therapy has failed.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin and tissues at specific points on the body.  There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort.

“Anatomical” acupuncture refers to a modern approach by acupuncture therapists.  When combined with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, modern therapists can use acupuncture with greater understanding and effectiveness.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”.  These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system.  Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.