About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest known systems of healing in the world. In fact, the Huang Di Nei Jing, considered the single most important book about acupuncture, was written circa 280 B.C. and is still being used as a textbook inschools today.

Everyday, more people are treated using Acupuncture and Chinese herbs than any other medical system in the world. Acupuncture is simple, safe, and sustainable healthcare. Best of all, acupuncture works!

Acupuncture is one of five branches of traditional Chinese medicine. The other branches include nutritional guidance, Tui Na (a form of Chinese Medical Massage), exercise (Qi Gong and Tai Ji), and herbal therapy. In New York Acupuncture is defined in the Education Law as:

[t]he treating, by means of mechanical, thermal or electrical stimulation effected by the insertion of needles or by the application of heat, pressure or electrical stimulation at a point or combination of points on the surface of the body predetermined on the basis of the theory of the physiological interrelationship of body organs with an associated point or combination of points for diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the body for the purpose of achieving a therapeutic or prophylactic effect.

NYS Education Law, § 160.

From the Chinese Medical perspective, acupuncture is the manipulation of the body's energy through the insertion of fine needles at specified points on the body with the goal of helping the body to heal and strengthen. This energy is referred to as Qi (pronounced Chee). When illness occurs it is an external manifestation of weak or disordered Qi. Acupuncture helps to re-order and strengthen the Qi and thereby eliminate the underlying condition and the symptoms.

If you would like more information on how acupuncture works, check our FAQ section here.