Acupuncture is part of the larger system of Chinese medicine (along with herbal medicine, manual medicine, qigong, and nutritional therapy) that utilizes ultra-fine, sterile needles which are inserted into particular points throughout the body. Specific acupuncture points used in a treatment session are chosen according the person’s individual diagnosis, and are selected by your acupuncturist after assessment based on Chinese medical understanding of yin / yang and five element balance (and imbalance) in the body.

Acupuncture and other elements of Chinese medicine conceptualize illness according to the symbolism of ‘root and branch,’ with root being the origin of the condition (its underlying imbalance, often generated by personal and family history), and branch being the manifestation of the condition–the symptoms or other issues that are presenting themselves in the form of pain and suffering. Depending on the symptoms (branch) and the underlying imbalance (root), acupuncture treatment may emphasize one or the other, but most often both.

By stimulating acupuncture points our understanding is that we influence the qi (subtle energy) in the body, thereby restoring physical, emotional, and energetic harmony, and promoting the body-psyche’s innate capacity for self-healing.

People often report a mild to strong sensation during acupuncture treatments; sensation in response to needling is considered beneficial, but is typically kept within a comfortable threshold.  The needles are very fine and smooth, almost hairlike, unlike larger, coarser hypodermic needles.  Once the needles are inserted, people often feel relaxed and may even fall asleep.