What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, involves the stimulation and balancing of the body through the use of acupuncture points which lie along communication pathways in the body called meridians. These points and meridians are manipulated through physical means, electrical impulses, heating with moxibustion, or the use of a needle. When most people here the word Acupuncture, they think of the small needles which are used.

Acupuncture is a part of Chinese Medicine, and works best when used according to the classical Chinese understanding of health and disease. As my teacher in Jinan China told me, "when prescribing western medicine use western medicine, when prescribing Chinese medicine, use Chinese medicine." In this way, we believe Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can best serve as complementary therapy in the modern world.

In the simplest sense, disorders in the body occur when there is blockage along the meridian, or if there is an insufficiency in the meridian. Treatment aimed at unblocking the obstruction and promoting movement, or supplementing the insufficiency can restore balance to the body. When the body is balanced, normal communication has been restored, and the body can continue to heal and strengthen itself.