The practice of Acupuncture is over 5000 years old and was developed and refined in China as part of their medical theory and system of treatment. Basically, acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface in order to influence physiological functioning of the body, which has an energy force running throughout it. This energy force is known as Qi (pronounced Chee). The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of life. A person’s health is influenced by the flow and balance of Qi, and if this flow is unbalanced or interrupted, illness or dysfunction may occur.

Qi travels throughout the body along meridians, or pathways, running vertically within the body, and acupuncture points are the specific locations where the meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by “needling.” Some of the functions that acupuncture can address are:

• headaches (including migraines) / TMJ
• arthritic conditions
• cervical and lower back problems
• allergies and sinus problems
• muscle spasms/chronic pain conditions
• organ dysfunction

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See also Auriculotherapy.