What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed several thousand years ago in Asia. Modern acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin by the noninvasive insertion of sterile acupuncture needles at specific points on the body. This process restores the balance of the body’s energy, also knows as “Qi” (pronounced chi).

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin made from silver alloy typically stainless steel.  These needles are FDA approved, are sterile prior to use and discarded after one use.

In traditional Chinese Medicine, there exists a meridian system through the human body. In this system, invisible passageways for energy are called meridians. There are certain points on the body (more than 360) that connect with organs and bodily functions. Point Groups on the body that apply to a specific organ or function are found along the same meridian. In a healthy, normal functioning body, the energy in these meridians flow freely resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted from causes such as stress or injury, this energy is reduced throwing your “Qi” off balance. By performing acupuncture using the points associated with the particular meridian involved, this Qi or balance is restored.

Acupuncture is an accredited form of treatment performed by a licensed professional and used to treat a wide range of conditions and ailments within the body.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization treat and/or assist with a wide variety of conditions inducing, but not limited to: stress, anxiety, neck and lower back pain, sciatica, headache, nausea, allergies, stroke, morning sickness and other pregnancy issues, depression, PMS, indigestion, colitis, ulcers, gastritis, TMJ, arthritis and much, much more. At this time the WHO recognizes more than 43 symptoms, diseases and conditions that may be treated and/or alleviated using acupuncture and related treatments.

Even though acupuncture has been around for a very long time, new benefits and courses of treatments using acupuncture are being explored across the world every day.

History of Acupuncture

Originally coming from China, forms of modern acupuncture have been in practice for thousands of years.  Historical documents shows that some form of acupuncture may have been practiced by the emporer Shennong of China more than 5000 years ago.  Possible evidence shows practices similar to acupuncture at even earlier times.

In the 16th century, Portuguese missionaries helped take acupuncture into the western world and by the 1800’s the practiced had started gaining momentum in Europe.  In the early 1970’s acupuncture started gaining great acceptance in the United States and has increased greatly in popularity ever since.

Throughout history, acupuncture has been refined as medical understanding and advances have taken place.  There is both a medical and historic significance associated with acupuncture and has been cited by the United Nations as part of the world’s cultural heritage.

Modern acupuncture is a mix of

Acupuncture Training & Licensing

Acupuncture requires extensive training and licensing before an individual can practice.  Acupuncturists must hold and maintain a valid license issued by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) Dove healing not only meets but greatly exceeds all license requirements for practicing acupuncture in the Cleveland, Tennessee area.