Acupuncture is a healing modality that dates back over 2,000 years. It is based upon the idea that we have a system of meridians or flow of energy that runs throughout the body. The Chinese call this energy qi (pronounced chee). These meridians are also energetically connected to each of our main organ systems. When this flow of energy is running smoothly, we have health and wellness. But often times we develop blockages in this energy system from any number of physical and/or emotional stressors. When these blockages occur, we experience symptoms such as pain, allergies, digestive complaints, anxiety, and depression to name a few. Once the acupuncturist determines where these blockages are, hair-thin sterile disposable needles are inserted at various points along the meridian system and/or specific muscles to help remove the blockages and reestablish the free flow of energy. The needles are then typically left in the body for 15-20 minutes.

Acupuncture also has a unique approach to healing in that treatments are tailored to the individual and their level of imbalance. The focus is not on treating a disease but rather how symptoms manifest in a particular person, so that healing can occur at all levels of the body, mind and spirit.
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Acupuncture works by stimulating the body's own natural healing mechanisms. The needles are used as tools to help prod the body to release held energy or blockages and stimulate blood flow and other bodily systems so that healing can occur. From a Western point of view, studies are still being done to fully understand the mechanisms behind acupuncture. We know that it works but scientists are still struggling to find out exactly how. However, studies thus far have shown that acupuncture regulates the nervous system and has an effect on specific regions in the brain that are associated with pain and pain perception, emotions and addictive behaviors. Specifically, acupuncture has been shown to activate pain blocking neuropeptides such as enkephalins, beta-endorphins and dynorphins which play a large role in "disrupting" pain perception networks and pathways.

Some of the latest and most exciting research being done by Helene Langevin suggests that acupuncture meridians are actually connective tissue planes. Our bodies all contain a connective tissue network that surrounds every bone, ligament, organ, etc. and is responsive to mechanical stimuli. Langevin's studies have begun to show that acupuncture meridians lie at deeper fascial connective tissue planes and because of this may be even more responsive to mechanical stimuli such as an acupuncture needle into an acupuncture point. Her studies have also shown that there are actual changes in the tissue at the site of needle insertion, which are believed to play a significant role in cellular changes at the acupuncture points and along the connective tissue planes.
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Acupuncture treats a wide range of health conditions. It has been recognized as a viable healing modality for over 40 conditions by the World Health Organization (WHO). These conditions include but are not limited to the following:

American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine: the professional association for acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners

In-depth online resource about acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for patients, practitioners, and students.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine news source - provides up to date current events in our field and articles by acupuncturists.

Society for Acupuncture Research (SAR) - goal is to promote sound and thorough scientific research on acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

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Links to recognized acupuncture journals:
- http://www.liebertonline.com/loi/acm
- http://www.liebertonline.com/loi/acu
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