Modern research and international health organizations agree that acupuncture is a safe and highly effective treatment for many conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine as effective for over 43 common ailments including:
Acupuncture is based on the idea that health is determined by a balanced flow of Qi (pronounced chee) or energy. Qi is circulated through the body via energy pathways called meridians. Each of these meridians through which Qi flows is linked to an internal organ system. There are over 1,000 acupoints on the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi. Acupuncture addresses illness by finding and repairing low levels and blockages of Qi in the body's meridians. Special needles are inserted into the acupoints which are located just below the skin. Inserting these needles helps correct the flow of energy, and thereby restores health.
Recovery is achieved over a course of treatments. Like any form of healing, the recovery process depends on the patient's ability to respond and also on the duration and severity of the condition being treated. The patient must participate by following the practitioner's instructions regarding diet, lifestyle, and other recommended therapies.
Acupuncture needles are about the diameter of a human hair. Insertion by a skilled practitioner usually will be quite painless. You may feel a slight numbness, heaviness, tingling, or dull ache where the acupuncture needles have been inserted. These are considered positive signs by the Chinese -- termed 'de qi' -- meaning the treatment is working.
When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists are required to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles to ensure your complete safety.