Speciality                     Acupuncture

Official Resource

Short Definition
A technique similar to acupressure, except that fine needles are inserted at specific points along the meridians just under the skin to stimulate, disperse and balance the flow or energy, relieve pain, and treat a variety of chronic, acute and degenerative conditions.

Expanded Information
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of healing that views health as the balance within an individual's healing energy, or chi. Acupuncturists help chi move along pathways, known as meridians, that connect various organs and systems within the body. The uninterrupted and balanced flow of energy along these meridians contributes to one's overall health. However, blockages and imbalances result in pain and illness. The acupuncturist inserts very fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points along the meridians to redirect and reposition the flow of energy. Instead of or in addition to needles, small rolled-up cones of moxa, the dried leaves of the mugwort plant, are often placed on the point and burned until heat is felt.

Discovered in China at least two thousand five hundred years ago, during inter clan/tribe warfare. In these circumstances, as the story goes, they were shooting each other with bows and arrows. Many were wounded, and upon recovery, also recovered from the various ailments they had previously been afflicted with. The early Chinese studied these phenomena, and created a complete map of energy meridians of the entire body. At various points, where energy or Chi blocks are evident, fine needles are placed strategically, and in some cases twirled with the fingers, or a mild electric current is passed through them. This helps to stimulate the blocked area and allow the free flow of chi energy. According to this philosophy, any block of chi energy causes illness. This modality is extremely effective where there is pain and energy imbalance.

Acupuncture originated in China over five thousand years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (also referred to as chi), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to acupuncture theory, qi circulates in the body along twelve major pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. According to William Michael Cargile, B.S., D.C., F.I.A.C.A., Chairman of Research for the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental medicine, there are over a thousand acupoints within the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. When special needles are inserted into these acupoints (just under the skin), they help correct and rebalance the flow of energy and consequently relieve pain and/or restore health. (3)

In 1997, the National Institutes of Health officially recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for pain and nausea. Acupuncturists insert specially made needles into specific points to stimulate the body's natural energy. Licensed in Washington and more than 30 other states, acupuncturists work as independent providers of health care for a range of conditions from pain management to women's health problems.