Acupuncture stimulates the body’s life force called “qi”. Qi is said to flow through specific pathways throughout the body. Physical or emotional trauma, improper nutrition, stress, and environmental factors can block or alter the balance of qi. By stimulating acupuncture points, the flow of qi can be changed and blockages can be dissolved. Only when the qi is restored to balance will optimal health return.

Local placement of the acupuncture needles along the channels, or meridians, stimulates an anti-inflammatory response at the site of inflammation.This includes the treatment of fevers, rashes, swollen joints, inflammatory bowel, asthma, and stomach ulcers.

The interaction between the acupuncture needles and pain receptors in the skin create alocal, spinal, and centrally mediated response to simulate the body to release natural pain killers called endorphins. Pain syndromes that are treated by acupuncture include headache, PMS, arthritis, muscle spasm, neck and back pain, sciatica, nerve pain, and post-operative pain.

Not only does acupuncture stimulate the release of endorphins, but it can also affect the emotional triggers in the brain’s limbic system providing deep relaxation and a sustained feeling of well-being.This in turn is extremely effective in appetite control, emotional eating, and weight loss.

Certain points are clinically proven to promote and transform lymphocytes, promote interferon production, and promote red-blood cell production.This is extremely effective if undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Acupuncture is also widely used for the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy.

Acupuncture is able to harmonize hormonal secretions by regulating the endocrine and autonomic nervous system.This may include menopausal symptoms, infertility, irregular menstruation, and PMS.