About Acupuncture

Acupuncture recognizes the vital energy behind all of life.  This energy, called qi (pronounced “chee”), circulates throughout the body along meridians or channels. When this energy flow is disrupted, pain, disharmony or illness occurs.  Acupuncture points are stimulated using hair-thin needles with the intention of treating the root cause or weakness of the body, as well as the symptoms that are causing discomfort.

Chinese medicine is based on the belief that we live in a universe in which everything is interconnected.  The language we use to describe the environment are the same words we use to describe what is happening inside the body i.e. dryness, heat, cold and dampness. Acupuncture helps to promote balance in these disharmonies that occur in the body.

This interconnectedness is mirrored in the body: what happens to one part of the body impacts every other part of the body. The mind and body are not viewed separately, but as part of a single energetic system.  In Chinese Medicine, we refer to the same physical organs that are talked about in Western Medicine.  However, in Chinese Medicine, the organs have more responsibilities and functions.  The liver, for example, is responsible not only for detoxing the physical body, it is responsible for detoxing emotions and the impacts of stress.  The heart, for example, is responsible for ensuring peaceful and restful sleep.

Chinese Medicine is an incredibly intricate and highly individualized medicine.  On the other hand, it is incredibly simple and reminds us to be more in touch with who we really are.  It is a refreshing way to view our lives’ in contrast to most of our modern society.

Acupuncture points are chosen according to the Chinese Medicine diagnosis.  There are close to 400 acupuncture points and they are all over the body.  The needles are sterile and are only used once. It is normal to feel a little pinch or sting as the needle passes through the skin, although many people report hardly feeling anything. I use an eyepillow for clients; you never have to see a needle during the entire process unless you would like to!  The needles are usually left in for 20-30 minutes and once they are in it is common to have sensations of tingling, achiness or warmth.  You can trust that the qi is shifting and rebalancing in the body and you may focus on relaxing your breath or you may fall asleep.

It usually takes a few treatments to start seeing shifts in symptoms.  It is best to begin weekly treatment for 4-6 weeks and then space sessions out ranging from every 2-4 weeks depending on your needs.