About Acupuncture

The term "acupuncture" refers to the practice of placing needles or other therapeutic instruments at various points along the body to affect a change in the flow of energy, blood and body fluids, where the smooth flow of these vital substances has become temporarily blocked due to acute injury or, over the longer term, has given rise to a chronic imbalance.

Acupuncture is one of the three main branches of Oriental Medicine that includes: herbal medicine -- precise formulations of naturally occurring substances that are applied topically or taken internally, and work to regulate and tone the body's normal balance, and tui na -- a type of bodywork and meridian massage that helps to move blood and fluids, lubricate joints, and eliminate pain.

As a medical paradigm, Oriental medicine is an empirical model of the human body, with all its internal and external dynamics, that has been developed and refined over many thousands of years. Of the three main branches, acupuncture is probably the most radical and immediate in its effect. After a concise diagnosis and determination of body's current state of balance, the placement of very small metal needles at specific reactive points, encourages the body to re-establish its own natural balance which, in the study of human physiology, is known as "homeostasis". In other words, an acupuncture treatment properly administered is like pressing the reset switch, and allowing an adjustment to occur that re-establishes our innate healing mechanisms.

An acupuncture treatment is relaxing and curative. It can help us experience the link between our physical health, our emotional and mental states, and our general outlook on life. It provides a painless release and departure from many chronic pain conditions: joint pain, gynecological pain, migraines, as well as stress related disorders like indigestion, IBS, insomnia, depression, anxiety, etc. Acupuncture can help manage symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, or hypertension, and can be an invaluable conjunctive therapy to many allopathic treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. Acupuncture is also a means by which we can strengthen and build our body's energy reserves to provide resistance to colds and allergies or to prepare the body for pregnancy.

Finally, I welcome questions and inquiries, so please don't hesitate to contact me!

Grayson Wood, D.Ac.