The first thing we are taught in Anatomy and physiology is that the body is a homeostasis Unit. It seeks balance through chemical processes. Acupuncture needles stimulates the body to seek that balance through those same chemical processes. The body as a result secrete various endorphin, serotonin, noradrenaline (norepinephrine), CGRP, corticoptropin (adrenocorticotrophic hormone, ACTH) and oestrogens among others as neurotransmitters and hormones that participate in the acupuncture effect. These reactions help the body to achieve balance and stop pain.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It uses the insertion of hair-like needles in specific points on the body called meridians to bring the “life force” or vital energy also called Qi (pronounced “chee”) into balance.

Chinese medicine views the body as a network of interconnected meridians that transmit Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”) is obstructed or moving irregularly, the function of muscles, organs, and tissue is impaired. Hair-like needles are used at certain points on the body to correct imbalances in Qi. When the flow of energy is unblocked, the body can repair and regulate itself. There has been much research proving the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping with chronic back pain, migraine, tension headaches, and fertility. What do people use acupuncture for? People use acupuncture to help with conditions such as: Acid Reflux and GERD Fertility Back Pain Diabetes Headaches Sciatica Stress and Anxiety Weight Loss Allergies Migraines

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Over the past several decades, Western methods have been used to test the effectiveness of acupuncture and the World Health Organization has concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of health conditions.

China, Russia, Germany, and Japan are investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture using scientific instruments to measure phenomena like Qi, Yin and Yang, acupuncture points, etc. Some research suggests that acupuncture points are electromagnetic places of least resistance in the body. Recent research using Functional MRI scans have demonstrated its effectiveness. The World Health Organization and National Institute of Health have endorsed acupuncture for a variety of conditions and the new ICD 11 insurance codes include TCM diagnosis.

Besides the various chemical responses of the body, the Chinese philosophy is if there is a blockage there will be pain if there is no blockage there is no pain. Acupuncture opens the channels that are blocked.

Everyone has different levels of sensation. Some have no sensation at all, some feel a slight prick, what is common is that the more relaxed the patient is the less they feel.