Acupuncture

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the use of thin, sterile and disposable needles inserted at specific points to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the flow of Qi, or vital energy, and restore a healthy balance to the body’s systems. This technique can be used to stimulate healing in acute and chronic conditions, improve immune function and circulation, and increase vitality. It is a 5,000-year-old therapeutic modality recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of various forms of physical and mental conditions on a systemic basis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes the use of acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, soft tissue therapies, and herbal formula prescriptions to promote the flow of the body's Qi or vital energy.

TCM theory is based around the concept of restoring imbalances and the proper flow of Qi through the body’s channels, or meridians. Physical or emotional trauma and injury, stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise are just some causes of stagnant Qi.

Acupuncture treatment regulates the flow of Qi, tonifying where there is deficiency, draining where there is excess, and promoting free flow where there is stagnation.

Herbal medicine is a safe alternative or concurrent therapy to pharmaceutical drugs. Like acupuncture, herbal prescriptions are aimed at treating imbalances and are far less likely to have side effects or adverse reactions than pharmaceuticals.

Acupuncture and TCM treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic remedies.

Treatment plans are based upon the diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance. In addition, TCM places emphasis on the prevention of imbalance and disease. Align Acupuncture & Chiropractic recognizes that health is more than just the absence of disease; rather, health is achieving optimum well being.