The ancient art of acupuncture derives from the Latin terms "needle" and "to prick". This holistic practice uses the technique of inserting and manipulating small needles into specific points of the patient's body, relieving a variety of health ailments. Different types of acupuncture are practiced throughout the world. Such variations of this practice include Classical Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, Vietnamese and Korean methods. Many modern day practitioners will also fuse acupuncture with other holistic treatments to gain the most beneficial results for their patients.

Acupuncture needles are very thin, solid and made from stainless steel. The point is smooth and insertion through the skin is not painful like many would imagine. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

It is quite common with the first couple of treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These sensations pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome. Occasionally the symptoms being treated will worsen for a few days before the appear to show signs of positive progression. Other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered, as well. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that healing is occurring.

Acupuncture points are believed to maintain functionality over many different parts of the body; they improve digestion, increase white or red blood cell production, release pain, relax tension, increase energy and circulation, to name a few. Stimulating the correct points with the appropriate technique balances the energy flow so that health is restored. Most commonly treated symptoms are back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, tendonitis, arthritis, allergies and other immune system dysfunctions, menstrual disorders, PMS, menopause symptoms, digestive problems, fatigue, insomnia, asthma, depression, high blood pressure, and other stress-related disorders.