What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one technique used for healing in a system of medicine called Chinese Medicine. It is a holistic medicine that began in China more than 3,500 years ago. The medicine includes other healing modalities as well, such as Chinese Herbal Medicine, Cupping, Moxibustion, and Gua Sha. It is a system of medicine that views the human body as a microcosm of nature that is a reflection of the seasons and weather climates.

Acupuncture is the use of very fine needles, some as thin as a strand of hair, on the surface of the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points on the body. This helps to free the movement of blocked Qi (pronounced chee) in the body. Qi is translated as energy or life force which power the body to perform its functions. It moves through pathways throughout the body that have beginning and end points on the head, hands, and feet. Disease, pathogens, trauma (physical or emotional) and other factors can block or disrupt the flow of Qi. Acupuncture balances the physiological functions of the body to promote and maintain health.

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture can treat a host of ailments. The benefits of acupuncture are expansive! People who use acupuncture report a feeling of relaxation and revitalization. As an effect of acupuncture, patients also report experiencing improved energy, immunity, digestion and sleep! The World Health Organization has a list of diseases that are effectively treated with acupuncture.

Click here to learn more about conditions that can be treated with acupuncture.

The following are just a few of the treatable diseases, symptoms, and conditions*:

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Acne
  • ADHD/focus
  • Addictions (food, drugs, alcohol, smoking, cutting, nail biting)
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety
  • Asthma
  • Arthritis
  • Back Pain
  • Cancer symptoms (including radiation and chemotherapy)
  • Common cold and flu
  • Concussions
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headache and Migraine
  • Herpes virus
  • Hypertension
  • Injuries
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colitis
  • Infertility
  • Insomnia
  • Menopause syndrome
  • Musculoskeletal issues
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
  • Stroke
  • Sciatica
  • Thyroid conditions

*These are general categories of common health complaints. Acupuncture can be used to treat every medical condition in place of or in conjunction with Western medical treatments, depending on the condition.