Acupuncture stirs fear and awe. Does it hurt? How can sticking a needle in one part of the body affect another? Here’s the answer to these and other frequently asked questions… If you would like to have the doctor contact you directly please click here and he will get back to you promptly.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest types of medical treatment known to mankind. The Chinese began using acupuncture over 2,000 years ago, and it has been the subject of continuous study and clinical experience since that time. It’s finally gaining widespread acceptance in the U.S. as a method and system of health care. Many insurance policies now cover acupuncture, and nationally, each year new scientific studies are published validating the effectiveness of acupuncture. Informed by modern research but also grounded in the wisdom of traditional Oriental medicine, acupuncture provides a safe, effective, comprehensive and personalized treatment for many ailments.

Chinese medicine is holistic. It treats the whole person rather than symptoms. Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of examination, diagnosis, and treatment. It seeks to alleviate symptoms and pain by assisting individuals to find balance in their lives. Preventative maintenance is central to the philosophy of Chinese Medicine, and this extends to what we generally consider our mental health, as well.

What is Oriental Medicine?

The term “Oriental Medicine” refers to the entire body of therapies, including Acupuncture, that are based on traditional Chinese concepts of health and energetics. Applying these principles, Chinese herbal medicine uses time tested herbal formulations to safely remedy illness. Acupressure and massage are techniques for opening the energy channels without using needles. Oriental Medicine includes a system of dietary remedies, employing the healing properties of common foods, and lifestyle advice, since how we live is the deepest factor in determining our health. An acupuncturist will generally use needle therapy in conjunction with some or all of the above described modalities.

What are the principles behind Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is based on a naturalist, holistic philosophy. The sages of ancient China sought to understand human health in terms of the patterns that occur in nature. Over many years, using close observation they traced the various interconnections among the organs, emotional states, and physiological processes of the human body. They discovered specific energetic “channels” throughout the body that are the basis of this interconnection, and specific anatomical “points” which can be used to access and influence the information traveling through these channels. Today, acupuncturists draw on this traditional knowledge base along with modern research in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.