Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a proven ancient medicine. It involves the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body that lie over major nerve pathways. There are thousands of studies that demonstrate acupuncture’s efficacy, although how acupuncture works is not known in all cases. We do know that acupuncture points lie over nerve branches. One proposed mechanism is that the stimulation of these nerves by needle helps to regulate the nervous system. Research has shown that acupuncture reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, decreases stress hormones, increases endorphins, and regulates hormones. Acupuncture is a treatment that can help clear stress, improve circulation, and stimulate the body’s natural healing response. Acupuncture therapy is typically recommended once to twice weekly over multiple weeks to ensure the best outcome. The course of treatment length varies depending on the severity of symptoms and chronicity of the health concern. Herbal medicine and cupping/gua sha may also be used to help manage the condition.