Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine. As one of the oldest, continuously practiced medical systems, acupuncture has become a widespread common practice among people in the United States. The oldest known artifact of acupuncture is Otzi, a 5000 year old mummy, found on the border of Italy and Austria in 1991. He was reported to have had various acupuncture points tattooed on his back, legs, and feet.

Qi, as described in the practice of acupuncture, (pronounced Chee) is the life force or energy that circulates throughout the human body. Think of it as the oceans and rivers of the earth with continuous movement and flow. There is a delicate balance within the body. If the body's Qi is out of balance, signs of distress can be found, much like if the waters of the earth were to cease their movement, life on earth would begin to wilt and wither. These issues must be addressed or there is a possibility of a more serious problem arising. Acupuncture reroutes the Qi so that balance is restored and the body returns to equilibrium.

Acupuncturists primarily use small needles that are the width of a strand of hair. Most patients report that they do not feel the needles, but rather sensations in the body and mind that can vary from person to person. When a needle is inserted, one might feel a pinch or some tenderness, much like if a massage therapist places a thumb or elbow into a muscle knot. As the Qi is moved, some people have reported tingling sensations, a feeling of heaviness, soreness, warmth or movement.

As a holistic medicine, acupuncture facilitates a noninvasive way of seeking out the underlying problems associated with both chronic and acute disease in the body. Disease is a pattern of disharmony, or an out of balance, that can lead to pain, discomfort, or emotional distress like depression or anxiety. A body's disease or disharmony is dispelled when the underlying out of balance is corrected. Acupuncture does not simply treat symptoms, it treats the mind, body, and spirit as a whole, addressing the problems as a whole rather than separate parts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the following conditions are just some of the ailments that can be treated using acupuncture:

Respiratory System: Acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, common cold, acute tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases), asthma, dyspnea, lung paralysis, pulmonary consumption or abscess

Disorders of the Eye: acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, myopia (in children), cataract (without complications)

Disorders of the Mouth: Toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, acute and chronic pharyngitis

Gastro-Intestinal: Spasms of the esophagus, hiccup, gastroptosis, Acute and chronic gastritis, abdominal pain, gastric hyperacidity / acid reflux, chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief), acute and chronic colitis, acute bacillary dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, vomiting

Neurological & Musculo-skeletal: Headache and migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy (early stage), paralysis following a stroke, peripheral neuropathies, osteoarthritis, low back pain, sciatica, Meniere's disease, nocturnal enuresis, frozen shoulder

Obstetrics & Gynecology: PMS, menstrual disorders (pain, irregular, etc), disorders of the vagina, disorders of the breast, lower abdominal masses, menopause, infertility, disorders during pregnancy (morning sickness, etc), postpartum disorders

Other: Chronic fatigue, bipolar, narcolepsy, excessive tiredness, angina, heart pain, insomnia, depression, manic psychosis, palpitations, diabetes, enuresis, impotence, urinary tract infection, retention of urine, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, migraine/headache, jaundice, and hypochondrial (rib) pain

In order to enhance the value of therapy and your wellness, we ask that prior to your treatment, you turn off all cell phones and other electrical devices. We advise that you plan your activities so that after each treatment, especially the first few, you can relax and allow yourself to gain the maximum benefit. We recommend you allow plenty of time to get to your appointment, so you are not hurried for your treatment. For the rest of the day (of the treatment), avoid strenuous exercise, large meals, alcohol, and sexual activity. Continue prescription medicine exactly as directed by your physician. Be aware of changes in your patterns of functioning- attitudes, emotions, sleep, appetite, levels of energy, etc.- in order to provide feedback to the acupuncturist. Lastly, we encourage you to cultivate respect for your body-mind-spirit. Treat yourself to adequate mental and physical rest, nutrition, and exercise.