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Acupuncture, and the classical theories on which it is based, is part of a centuries-old system of medicine. This system, originating in china more than two thousand years ago, has its own style of diagnosis, its own language for describing the human body and a host of unique and powerful tools for bringing about and maintaining wellness.

Best known in the U.S. as a safe and effective treatment for pain, acupuncture can also address many other medical complaints, from the common cold to chronic illness, often while reducing or eliminating the need for prescription drugs.

When combined, as it is in China, with chinese herbal medicine, the opportunities to enhance the health of body, mind and spirit are expanded even further. Truly, those of us in the west are only beginning to tap its healing potential.

HOW IT WORKS
Traditional Acupuncture Theory sees the body as dynamically connected by pathways called Meridians. These Meridians pass very near the body surface, while interior connections link them to various tissues, organs, systems and body functions. Meridians are responsible for circulating substances (called Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang) throughout the body. When points along these Meridians are treated (most commonly with acupuncture needles or heat) it improves free flow within the Meridians, thus nudging the body back towards balance. It is the Acupuncturists job to determine exactly which meridians or systems are out of balance, and whether the imbalance is due to some stagnation within the system, a weakness of one of the above substances, or a combination of both. Points are then chosen for treatment out of hundreds of possibilities, based on each point's unique actions and effects.

DIAGNOSIS
The diagnostic process is complex, and can look a bit strange to Western patients. It includes an extensive health history, with attention to both physical and emotional symptoms, family health history, lifestyle, work or physical environment, diet and exercise habits. The acupuncturist then feels the pulse, examines the tongue and palpates the abdomen. All of these sources of information help the practitioner determine the specific imbalances that are causing ill health. In so doing, she is able to design an individualized treatment strategy that will both alleviate symptoms and correct their underlying cause.