Acupuncture is based on restoration of the body’s natural healing ability.  This power or energy is called “QI” (pronounced “chi”).  It has been called different names by different cultures, however this “Life Force” or Innate Intelligence is the essence of self healing.  The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain by carefully restoring the natural flow of chi or qi as it circulates through 14 known pathways, called meridians.  Meridians are connected to bodily organ systems.  Very simply, acupuncture works  very much like chiropractic, restoring this natural flow of qi to areas that are weak or lack the indispensable life force.
The acupuncture treatment involves the use of very fine needles which are inserted into the meridians to open the passages of the energy flow.  In most cases the tiny needles are about the size of a human hair.  The insertion is almost unnoticed by the patient.  In our office, a very light electrical current is sent through some of the needles.  This speeds up the recovery time and decreases visit frequency.
Acupuncture therapy is a technique that is employed to balance one’s bodily energy.  Inherent to living things is that energy or polar forces (positive and negative) which are vital to the life process.