1. What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care which has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people become well and stay well.

Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Like rivers, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When it becomes "backed up" in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. Hindering the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

What is Qi?
At the core of this ancient medicine, is the philosophy that Qi, (pronounced "chee") or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

How does Qi move? Qi flows through specific pathways called Meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these are connected to specific organs and glands.

What causes Qi to get stuck?
Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occur, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well- being. When this disruption is prolonged, excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.

What does an acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and life-style. Pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with an appropriate physical exam is conducted.

The information is then organized into a well structured treatment plan. This enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person's health problem(s).

Once the imbalance(s) ofQi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction, and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi freely circulates throughout the body providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This eliminates pain, restores balance and harmony along with the body's natural ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is a safe, effective and drug-free therapy that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of a few problems acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been effective at treating:

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