Fine needles are carefully inserted along the body's meridians (energetic pathways) to remove blockages or stimulate energy flows. To determine acupuncture points, a pulse and tongue diagnosis is required along with observation and questioning of the patient. Acupuncture is used to relieve symptoms as well as to promote general health and well-being. It has been found to be effective for a wide array of illnesses including respiratory problems, eye problems, arthritis and rheumatism, allergies, mental and emotional problems, and female menstrual disorders.

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise points on the body.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

What is Medical Acupuncture? Is it Different from Ordinary Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises to treat an illness. There are others, not M.D.'s, as suggested above, who are fully trained in acupuncture. See Professional Designations/Terms

What is The Scope of Medical Acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

Promotion of health and well-being Prevention of illness Treatment of various medical conditions

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea.

Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and recurrent chest infections.

Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica and osteoarthritis.

Urinary, menstrual and reproduction problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions.