What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is: An ancient Oriental system/medical technique that involves inserting and stimulating particular points on the skin with fine needles. There are more than 360 Acupuncture points in the human body. The needles may be twirled, heated, stimulated with weak electrical current, ultrasound and sometimes even wavelengths of light. It is used in the treatment of pain, depression, allergies, asthma, arthritis, bladder and kidney problems, constipation, diarrhea, colds, flu, bronchitis, dizziness, smoking, fatigue, gynecologic disorders, headaches, migraines, paralysis, high blood pressure, PMS, sciatica, sexual dysfunction, stress, stroke, tendinitis, drug addiction, vision problems and even AIDS. 

Acupuncture needles dating from more than 4000 years ago have been found in China. The first needles were stone; later, bronze, gold, or silver were used, and today needles are usually made of steel. Initially, needles were used only to prick boils and ulcers. 

Acupuncture was developed in response to the theory that there are special “meridian points” on the body connected to the internal organs and that “vital energy” flows along the meridian lines. According to this theory, diseases are caused by interrupted energy flow, inserting and twirling needles restores the normal flow.