Frequently Asked Questions

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Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It is the core modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also includes: Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, Tui Na massage and qi gong. To this day, it is still one of the most widely used forms of medicine and energy healing in the world. Its efficacy is proven by practice, research and verification of effectiveness time and time again. This is the reason why Traditional Chinese Medicine has survived so many thousands of years. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, our health is determined by the quality of Qi, or energy, flow throughout our bodies in natural energy pathways called meridians. If the Qi is blocked or becomes imbalanced, then pain or illness occurs. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very thin, sterile, filiform needles into specific points in the body called acupuncture points to stimulate and improve our Qi flow. 

Acupuncture works by:

supporting the body’s natural healing responses, regulating organ systems, and restoring balance.

Modern research shows that acupuncture:

1) Increases blood flow

2) Triggers release of feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin

3) Influences the autonomic nervous system by regulating breathing and reducing stress responses

4) Stimulates nerves, muscles and connective tissues, etc.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 31 symptoms, conditions, and diseases have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated by acupuncture. Broadly speaking, this evidence-based list include:

1) Pain & Musculoskeletal Conditions

2) Digestive & Gastrointestinal Conditions

3) Neurological & Post-surgical Conditions

4) Reproductive & Obstetric Conditions

5) Auto-immune Conditions, etc.