As one of the practices followed in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the opposing and inseparable forces of yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, passive aspects of the person, while yang represents the hot, active aspects. According to traditional Chinese medicine, a healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance between yin and yang, and an unhealthy state is due to an internal imbalance of these two forces. This imbalance leads to blockage in the qi, (the life force) that flows along pathways known as meridians.

Acupuncture seeks to restore the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi in the body, in order to achieve healing. In acupuncture, specific anatomical points that connect to the meridians are stimulated by a series of techniques, the most common one being the insertion of thin needles through the skin, either manually or by electric stimulation. This stimulation intends to remove blockages in the flow of qi and thus restore and maintain health.

During the patient’s first visit, the acupuncturist will want to obtain a complete picture of which points to treat and which behaviors contribute to the patient’s condition. It is important that the patient inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications being taken and all medical conditions. The acupuncturist will make a diagnosis following one or several of the following methods:

1) Inspection: This method focuses particularly on the tongue, analyzing the tongue’s size, shape, tension, color and coating, and the absence or presence of teeth marks around the edge.

2) Auscultation: The acupuncturist will listen for particular sounds.

3) Olfatation: The acupuncturist will consider body odor.

4) Inquiring: The acupuncturist will ask a series of questions as to the patient’s condition.

5) Palpation: The acupuncturist will feel the body at specific points.

Once the acupuncture practitioner has made a diagnosis, treatment will proceed. Most modern acupuncturists use sterilized, disposable, metal needles about 0.18 mm to 0.51 mm in diameter. The size and type of needle used and the depth of insertion depend on the acupuncture style being practiced. The needles are inserted, retained for 15-20 minutes while the patient rests, and then removed. Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.

Each person experiences acupuncture in a different way, but most feel little or no pain when the needles penetrate the skin. Treatment may cause some to feel relaxed, and other to feel more energized. Although no or minimal pain is felt, improper needle placement, a defect in the needle, or the patient’s movement during treatment can cause soreness and pain. It is therefore extremely important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Despite the fact that very few complications have been reported in connection to acupuncture, it may cause side effects if not properly delivered by a qualified professional.