Though the body has an amazing ability to heal itself, pain often triggers a negative cycle within the body when muscles constrict, restricting blood flow. The key to acupuncture is its ability to reach deep into tissue, increase circulation and get to the source of the problem.

The use of electric stimulation with acupuncture increases the intended effect. Although electric stimulation is used commonly in physical therapy to constrict muscles and reduce pain, the inclusion of acupuncture needles allows the stimulation to penetrate deeper than if delivered through a superficial patch on the skin. Used simultaneously they increase the likelihood of effective pain management and pain relief. Studies show that acupuncture causes a chemical reaction in the brain, affecting serotonin levels and causing the release of endorphins, the body's own natural painkiller.

Acupuncture, which originated in China more than 3,000 years ago, is a treatment for pain and illness in which thin needles are positioned under the surface of the skin at specific points on the body. It spiked interest in the United States in the 1970s, following reports of the use of acupuncture as the sole analgesia during major surgeries.

Many studies have suggested that the majority of acupuncture points are located over the peripheral nerves, near nerve endings. Due to our better understanding of pain, we realize that needle stimulation via acupuncture can close the gate and block the stimulation of pain signals within A-delta fibers located in or just under the skin or muscle.

Acupuncture can also activate the release of endorphins (our body's own natural painkillers) within our central nervous system to further reduce the transmission of pain signals.

For these reasons, acupuncture is rapidly becoming a very popular, cost-effective and drug-free alternative in managing severe and chronic pain of all kinds.

Acupuncture can be performed as a treatment on its own, as well as in conjuncture with a complete TCM course of treatment. Since its introduction to the West in the 1970s, acupuncture is gaining new interest as a means of chronic pain management without the use of pharmaceutical drugs.

Acupuncture needles are quite safe with each needle wrapped in a sterile package prior to use. Needles are made of stainless steel with a copper grip. Each needle is promptly and properly disposed of after one single use.

Surprisingly to some, there is very little association with either blood or pain when using the needles. The majority of acupuncture patients do not bleed at all. Most describe the sensation as a slight sting or prick that only lasts a second as the physician places the needle for treatment. Most patients describe the treatment as relaxing or report no sensation at all when needles are removed or while the needles remain in place for approximately 20 minutes during a treatment.

Chinese herbal medicine is based on a highly developed integrative – or holistic – approach to diagnose and treat medical conditions. All the diagnoses are made from the signs and symptoms your body reveals. The subtle variations in the pulse in the wrist, the sound of your voice, the condition and appearance of your tongue, face and skin – are all important indicators of your condition. Herbs are formulated according to your specific diagnosis.

Chinese herbs have a balancing or regulating effect and are typically more gentle compared to pharmaceutical drugs. Side effects are possible, but usually minimal.

Cupping is used to relieve back, neck and shoulder pain, stiff muscles, rheumatism, respiratory conditions, anxiety, fatigue and migraines – among many other conditions. It is especially therapeutic, as the body's natural reaction to pain causes a secondary muscle contraction. When the muscles constrict, the blood supply is restricted, causing the surface to become ischemic, which produces secondary pain to the surface area.

Cupping – combined with acupuncture – causes a reflex mechanism that helps to reduce or eliminate pain and promote circulation.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine.^[2] It is used most commonly for pain relief,^[9][10] though it is also used to treat a wide range of conditions. The majority of people who seek out acupuncture do so for musculoskeletal problems, including low back pain, shoulder stiffness, and knee pain.^[31] Acupuncture is generally only used in combination with other forms of treatment.^[11] For example, American Society of Anesthesiologists states it may be considered in the treatment for nonspecific, noninflammatory low back pain only in conjunction with conventional therapy.^[32]