Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China some 3,500 years ago, only in the last three decades has it become popular in the United States.

	The theory behind acupuncture's ability to treat pain and disease is based on an energetic model of the human body. Vital energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee") flows through the body on specific pathways called meridians. Each pathway is associated with an internal organ. Pain or disease occurs in the body when there is a deficiency or an imbalance of the energy in the meridians. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians.
Over the centuries, it has been documented that the insertion of a very fine needle at a given point has a very predictable effect on the energy that passes through that point, restoring balance in the meridian. Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points, confirming the location of the meridians that were mapped out in ancient times. Continued research has shown that acupuncture has the ability to increase circulation, reduce inflammation and trigger the release of endorphins and enkalphins – the body's own opiate-like chemicals to control pain. Acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin. They are inserted to much more shallow levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than a half-inch to an inch depending on the type of treatment being delivered. Acupuncture needles are sterile, single-use and disposable. Therefore, there is no risk of contamination between patients.
	Conditions Treated How effective the treatment is depends on the severity and nature of the condition being treated. Acupunctur-ists are trained to identify conditions that may require referral to a specialist, so it is important for you to provide detailed information about your condition so that important medical problems are not overlooked. If you are under the simultaneous care of different health practitioners, it is important to keep all of them informed about your treatments to ensure there are no adverse interactions.

The following is a list of health conditions commonly treated by licensed acupuncturists:

• allergies/asthma
• anxiety/depression
• arthritis/joint problems
• back pain
• bladder/kidney problems
• constipation/diarrhea
• colds/influenza
• cough/bronchitis
• dizziness
• drug/alcohol/smoking addiction
• fatigue
• gastrointestinal disorders
• gynecological disorders
• headache/migraine
• heart problems/ palpitations
• high blood pressure
• immune system deficiency
• knee pain
• menopausal discomfort
• musculoskeletal injuries
• pre-menstrual syndrome
• paralysis/numbness
• rhinitis
• sciatica
• sexual dysfunction
• side effects of chemotherapy
• sinusitis
• skin problems
• stress/tension
• stroke rehabilitation
• tendonitis