ACUPUNCTURE

Chinese medicine has identified hundreds of acupuncture points that are theorized to help regulate the body’s physiology in various ways. Individual points are organized along a series of channels (or meridians), generally corresponding to the internal organs. This interconnected system of channels is thought to provide an external map to the inner workings of the body.  An acupuncturist inserts needles in specific combinations or sequences using various techniques in order to activate the empirical or traditional functions associated with the points.

Acupuncture needles differ from the types of needles commonly encountered in medical practice. They are solid-bodied (not hollow like a syringe) and are very fine, often not much thicker than a coarse human hair. The number of needles used in a session will depend on the condition being treated. A wellness treatment might consist of as few as 5 needles inserted to a depth of 3-4 millimeters. The needles may stay in place for a few seconds to 25 minutes depending on the therapy. The most common response to needling is a deep state of relaxation. Acupuncture treatments are generally scheduled weekly at the beginning and gradually extended as the condition improves. Many people choose to make acupuncture an ongoing part of their stress-management and self-care by continuing with monthly treatments.