What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of a vast array of complaints.  Some specific examples include (but are not nearly limited to):

• Musculo-skeletal (frozen shoulder, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, etc.)
• Gynecological (PMS, menstrual cramps, menopausal syndrome, infertility, etc.)
• Urinary (UTI, incontinence, impotence, etc.)
• Respiratory (allergies, sinusitis, asthma, laryngitis, etc.)
• Digestive (indigestion, heartburn, constipation, etc.)
• Emotional (anxiety, nervousness, depression, etc.)
• Neurological (chronic headaches or migraines, Bell’s Palsy, Parkinson’s, etc)

In addition to providing documented relief for many medical conditions, acupuncture also provides profound relaxation, general stress management, and overall improved sense of well-being.

Read more about what acupuncture could help with.

But what exactly is acupuncture and how does it work?

Acupuncture is the process of inserting small delicate needles into a system of points on the body known to effect change on the body’s overall healthy balance. 

Our understanding of exactly what acupuncture does, and how it works has evolved over time along with our understanding of nature, science, and the human body.

Approximately 2,000 years ago, the Yellow Emperor's Classic on Internal Medicine described acupuncture as a means of regulating the circulation of qi (vital energy) and blood by letting out excess through holes in the body along certain pathways, called meridians.

Later it was explained that acupuncture was not letting things out of the body so much as it was regulating the flow within the body.  For example, if water running through a pipe is blocked, cutting just a small hole in the blockage can often clear the whole thing.  The force of the water penetrating that hole will widen it continuously until the normal flow is restored.  In the human body, inserting a small needle into the blocked meridian will have a similar effect.

Modern studies have shown that acupuncture points are supplied by high concentrations of nerve endings and bundles, mast cells (used for immune function) lymphatics and capillaries.  Working on these points stimulates one or more of the body’s signaling systems, which can increase the rate of healing response.

Acupuncture is just one part of a system of ancient Oriental Medicine that also includes non-needle healing methods such as herbal prescriptions, manual techniques (shiatsu, acupressure, cupping therapy, joint manipulations, Reflexology, Tui Na) and other modalities all working synergistically with acupuncture to enhance healing.

In Florida, Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is regulated by the Dept. of Health as a form of Primary Care. This means that an Acupuncture Physician is professionally licensed to diagnose and treat your problem using traditional and modern Oriental Medicine.

These techniques do not exclude or interfere in any way with treatment you may already be receiving from any M.D., Chiropractor, or other medical specialist. We specialize in Integrative Medicine, meaning we can easily work in conjunction with other health professionals to provide you the highest quality care.

For your comfort and safety, only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used for acupuncture procedures.