What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a technique of healing that has been practiced in the Orient for thousands of years. It involves the use of very fine needles inserted into certain points in the body, called acupuncture points. This stimulates energy flow, thereby promoting healing. Energy is believed to move through the body in channels called meridians. There are twelve principle meridians linked to twelve organs and the harmonious flow of energy through these is necessary for the body to function properly, and for a person to enjoy good health. Internal and external influences can disturb or block energy flow and cause organ dysfunction, which is responsible for the symptoms of illness. Illnesses can be classified broadly in two categories: acute and chronic. Acute illnesses are usually due to a state of excess energy and chronic ones due to a deficiency state. In either case, the underlying cause is the disturbed flow of energy through the channels.             

Types of Acupuncture
Body Acupuncture, Auricular (ear) Acupuncture, Hand Acupuncture, Cupping

History of Acupuncture 
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing developed over thousands of years as part of the traditional medicine of China, Japan and other Eastern countries. The earliest records of acupuncture date back over 2,000 years and today there are over 3,000,000 practitioners worldwide. Although the majority of these practice in the East, over the last 50 years an increasing number of people in the West have trained to become acupuncturists. The practice of acupuncture is thought to have begun with the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs of the body. It has evolved into a system of medicine that restores and maintains health by the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points just beneath the body surface. These points are in very specific locations and lie on channels of energy. Moxibustion, the warming of acupuncture points through the use of smoldering herbs, is often used as a supplement and the needles may also be stimulated using a small electric current. Here in the West, acupuncture has been misleading, publicized as only being helpful in specific conditions, such as the relief of pain. It is, in fact extremely effective in a wide variety of conditions through its power to stimulate the mind and body's own healing response.          

Acupuncture Examination
During the first consultation, the practitioner aims to determine the nature of the disharmony in the patient's mind/body by careful questioning and observation. A detailed understanding is required of the patient's symptoms, past medical and family history, lifestyle and diet, behavior of all the systems in the body such as digestion and circulation, sleep patterns, and emotional feelings. Diagnosis may also include examination of the tongue for its structure, color and coating and of the pulses at the wrists, which are felt for their quality, rhythm and strength. What the practitioner is looking for is not symptoms in isolation, but rather a pattern into which is woven a total picture of the patient. Having decided on the cause or causes of the problem, the points and appropriate method of treatment are selected according to various rules governing the movement of Qi in the body. During acupuncture treatment, needles are either inserted for a second or two or left in place for up to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the effect required. During this time there may be a heavy sensation in the limbs and a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Sometimes, a herbal preparation known as moxa is smoldered on or held near to the acupuncture point and removed when the patient feels it becoming hot. Gentle electrical stimuli may also be applied through the needles, giving a sensation of tingling or buzzing. Other methods of treating acupuncture points include massage (acupressure), tapping with a rounded probe, and laser. These are techniques that are particularly suitable for children or for people who have a genuine fear of needles. Treatment with acupuncture can produce rapid results but more often it requires a number of treatments over a period of time. Usually treatments are once or twice a week, but they can be less frequent. Sometimes the effect is quite dramatic and the patient will only need one or two treatments. Sometimes the effect is subtle and may require treatment for several months. There is, however, usually some change after about five treatments.

How does it Work?
Acupuncture is effective in treating both acute and chronic conditions. The underlying principle in treatment is to tonify (i.e., stimulate an increased energy flow to a deficient area or system), or to disperse (i.e. divert energy from an area of excess), thus balancing and harmonizing the flow of energy through the body. It is important to know that response to treatment may result in temporary worsening of symptoms as the body's healing forces are mobilized. Several treatments are usually required to resolve long-standing, chronic problems. Acute conditions may resolve quickly, and sometimes dramatically.