What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that originated 2500 years ago and continues to be used today to treat and prevent illnesses and diseases. Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, nutrition, and exercise.  Traditional Chinese Medicine is increasingly recognized as a very effective form of medical treatment,  and medical communities around the world are integrating it into their healthcare systems.

How  Does Acupuncture Work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory explains that pain, illness and disease are caused by a blockage or imbalance of Qi, or vital energy, circulating through the body.  This vital energy flows along channels or meridians in the body. In an acupuncture treatment, extremely thin, sterile, disposable needles are inserted at specific points on the meridians where the energy can be accessed. By stimulating the energy, the acupuncture treatment corrects the imbalances and removes the blocked energy, thereby restoring the body to health. The number of acupuncture treatments that a person receives varies widely depending on the condition.  Chronic problems may require treatment for several weeks or longer, while acute conditions generally respond much faster. 

Occasional treatments throughout the year are usually sufficient to maintain good health.  Treatments typically last from 45 minutes to an hour.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are about as thin as a strand of hair. They are inserted quickly to avoid a feeling of pain. Many of the points needled are not felt at all. During the treatment, some people feel a tingling sensation, which is the energy traveling along the meridians. Most people feel deeply relaxed during an acupuncture treatment. Within the scope of Chinese Medicine, there are also needle-free techniques that are used, including cupping, moxibustion, and electromagnetic therapy.