The World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health endorse acupuncture as beneficial for many conditions. With an outstanding safety record, acupuncture stands as a primary health care modality for one-third of the world’s population.

     Acupuncture emerges as a new model for health that is more aware of the intimate and powerful connection between body, mind, and spirit. These interconnections are integral to acupuncture theory and treatment and are useful in addressing many of the manifestations of illness in our modern society. Well-known for its use in easing pain, acupuncture is beneficial for a wide-range of diseases throughout the body, including many chronic illnesses and acute conditions that have resisted other treatment forms. However, one need not have a specific disease diagnosis to benefit from acupuncture treatment. It is an excellent form of preventative medicine whereby the acupuncturist can sense functional imbalances in the system and harmonize them before leading to physical pathology.

     The holistic nature of acupuncture reaches the mind and spirit as well. It creates an overall sense of well-being and serves to reduce stress; it fosters the deepest knowing of the heart and assists in the discovery of one’s life path, known in ancient Chinese philosophy as returning to the dao. The natural tendency of the dao, the creative influence or the ultimate principle, is to restore health and harmony and is known as the way one
comes to see and understand oneself.

Classical Five Element Acupuncture
     Viewing humans as microcosms of the universe and thus extensions of natural cycles and law, Classical Five Element Acupuncture, in particular, references the Five Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal) in order to observe how the dao uniquely moves and manifests in each individual. Classical Five Element Acupuncture treatment focuses on balancing the Elements so that they work together in order to restore original nature and vitality. Thus, one may experience reduction of symptoms, elimination of illness and ultimately, the awakening of one’s highest virtues so that he or she may come to understand how the dao operates both internally and in the external environment.

How Acupuncture Works
     Acupuncture is based on laws of nature which describe the flow of life energy as it manifests in natural phenomena, such as seasonal changes, and within human beings. The Chinese refer to this energy as “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) and have mapped out its flow through our bodies along specific pathways called meridians. When our Qi is full and flowing, we experience health. When our Qi is obstructed or imbalanced, illness and pain can occur. The symptoms we experience are signals that we need to take measures to restore balance. To release blocked energy and re-establish balance, the acupuncturist adjusts Qi flow by stimulating particular points along the meridian with acupuncture needles.

Tools of the Trade
     Acupuncture needles are not what we encounter in the conventional medical setting. They are refined, solid, slender and flexible instruments as thin as a human hair. All needles are made of fine quality stainless steel, pre-sterilized, single-use and disposed of safely. Acupuncture needles are inserted just below the surface of the skin. While sensations vary from person to person, one may experience a dull ache, tingling or warmth that dissipates in a few moments. These sensations signify contact with the acupuncture point. In addition to needles, acupuncturists often apply heat to a point with a cone of a dried herb called “moxa.” Chinese herbal formulas, modified to individual needs, may also be given in conjunction with acupuncture to further balance the entire system.

What to Expect During Treatment
     Treatment begins with the initial visit lasting 1-1/2 to 2 hours. During this time, an in-depth interview  is devoted to gathering information about main concerns, medical history, physical conditions and observations. A physical exam and thorough pulse diagnosis are also conducted. Any questions are addressed and a treatment plan is discussed. After the initial visit, subsequent treatments usually last 45 minutes to an hour. Generally, to evaluate progress and monitor response to treatment, it is ideal to return for a weekly appointment for approximately 4-8 weeks. As balance is achieved and the condition improves and stabilizes, treatments are scheduled less frequently. Once healthy, seasonal treatments can help maintain optimum health and well-being.

Responses to Treatment
     The nature and severity of your condition, how long you have had it, as well as life-style choices that may support or impede treatment, are all factors that affect the number and frequency of treatment as well as the response to treatment. Since every person is unique, response to treatment is quite individual. Some notice an immediate improvement, others notice changes in overall health and well-being with improvements in the main complaint following. The acupuncturist and the patient will always work together in order to achieve the most efficient and profound treatment response.