But what is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic health technique that stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices in which trained practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. But rest assured, although needles are used in acupuncture, treatments are relatively pain-free. Because what is the point in treating pain with more pain?

Acupuncture is based on the theory that energy, called chi (say "chee"), flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians. Acupuncturists believe that illness occurs when something blocks or unbalances your chi. Acupuncture is a way to unblock or influence chi and help it flow back into balance. The functional balancing or adjusting is done and completed by the body mechanism.

To summarize its treatment mechanisms with Western bio-chemistry terminology:

• Acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins.

• Acupuncture affects the release of neurotransmitters, which are the substances that transmit nerve impulses to your brain.

• Acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system.

• Acupuncture stimulates circulation.

If you want to try acupuncture to treat your pain, schedule an appointment with us now.