Acupuncture is a safe and effective system of treating pain and illness that originated in China more than 3000 years ago. Acupuncture promotes self-healing by inserting very thin, sterile metal needles into the skin and tissues to stimulate specific acupuncture points. These points are located along pathways called meridians. Each of the meridians correlates to specific organs and functional systems in the body. There is a constant flow of energy along these meridians.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a healthy body is considered to be in a state of harmonious balance between 2 continually evolving forces called yin and yang. A constant flow of energy or chi travels throughout the body along 12 specific meridians and maintains the balance between these 2 forces.

If the flow of energy is disrupted or blocked, it is like the flow of water that becomes a trickle when there is a blockage in a drainpipe. This reduced flow of energy can create excess heat or pressure which then becomes the source of pain, illness or lack of function in specific organs. Acupuncture needles can access specific points on the energy pathways to release, change or balance the blocked chi. When the natural flow of energy is restored to these meridians and associated organs, the body is able to return to its original function. Because of the conductive nature of metal, the acupuncture needles are able to connect one point to another and also one meridian to another.

Each of the 12 meridians has a different timing throughout the 24 hour day and also every season. For example, during the fall season the liver, gall bladder and lung meridians are especially affected. Sometimes the chi can’t run smoothly inside the meridian. Acupuncture can treat stress and depression especially during the fall season when the weather is changing with less sunlight and colder temperatures. Acupuncture can be like a key that opens a door and helps stuck chi run smoothly.

Even though acupuncture has its origins from an ancient philosophy, modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s positive effects on the endocrine, immune, pulmonary, cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems. By stimulating specific points along the meridian pathways that serve these systems, acupuncture can help resolve pain and improve function.

What happens during an acupuncture treatment?

You will have a consultation with Jason to determine the best way to treat your health concerns. It may be acupuncture alone or a combination of any or all of: acupuncture, herbs, heat or exercise. You will be asked to either, sit, recline face up, face down or on your side on a treatment table. Very fine metal needles will be gently inserted on various areas of your body. Most people experience minimal discomfort when the acupuncture needles are inserted. When the acupuncture needles reach the correct depth, there may be a pulsing sensation.

The acupuncture needles remain for varying lengths of time depending on your individual circumstances. During the acupuncture treatments, people say that they feel very relaxed.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

• 1. There are few side effects from acupuncture in comparison with some pharmaceuticals.
• 2. Acupuncture is effective in controlling pain.
• 3. Acupuncture can be safely combined with other forms of treatment.