What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a healing art originating in the far East that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is a holistic approach to healing focusing on the entire well-being of the patient. It is most commonly used for pain relief but is in fact, also used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and disorders. Acupuncture is increasingly practiced as a complementary therapy with Western medicine as well as a solitary approach to overall health maintenance. An acupuncturist views illness as an imbalance in the body. Health and sickness hinge on the concepts of "vital energy," or "Chi" (pronounced chee). Just as Western medicine monitors the blood flowing through the blood vessels, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of chi within its pathways known as "meridians and channels."

The acupuncturist is able to influence health and heal sickness by stimulating specific areas, "acupoints" along these meridians. Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and flow of chi so organs and body systems can work together in harmony as intended by nature.

Acupunture is just one form of therapy used within the coherent system of healing known as Oriental Medicine.

Oriental Medicine includes Chinese herbology, dietetics, physical therapies and is a complete medical system unto itself. Acupuncture evolved from principles and philosophies unique to Oriental Medicine and is most effective when done in accordance with those principles.

When acupuncture is performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, it is safe, effective, and free from adverse or addictive side effects. Often, a sense of well being and relaxation occurs during and after treatments.

Does acupuncture hurt? It is less painful than plucking out a hair. Most say it is virtually painless.

Why use Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine?
In addition to being effective for many acute and chronic common illnesses, Oriental Medicine has much to offer those who wish to raise their quality of health. Practitioners of Oriental Medicine operate with prevention in mind, treating the small imbalances before they become big health problems.

Practitioners and advocates of Acupuncture?Oriental Medicine have always emphasized lifestyle. Exercise, proper nutrition, stress deduction and immune system strengthening are important methods Dawn utilizes while developing treatment plans for her patients.

Acupuncture relieves

• stress and anxiety
• acute and chronic pain
• headaches and migraines
• menopausal symptoms
• PMS
• allergies
• fatigue
• infertility
• digestive complaints
  ~ and more