What is Acupuncture? How Does Acupuncture Work? Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that restores health and vitality through the body's own healing mechanisms.

1. Mary Fatimah Weening, Licensed
Acupuncturist

2.  Acupuncture is an ancient system that has evolved over
thousands of years, and is just one branch of Chinese
Medicine
 The simple and subtle intervention of an acupuncture
needle upon a point often has profound and far-reaching
impact.
 Not only are symptoms often alleviated, but your
immune system is strengthened, and a solid investment
in your long-term health and wellness is made.
 Acupuncture points, carefully chosen according your
needs and delivered with intentionality, serve as your
body's reminders as to the proper movement of qi, or
vital life force.

3. The western understanding of acupuncture has been explained as such:
 “Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system through
peripheral afferent fibers (nerve fibers that carry signals to the central
nervous system) to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and
brain.” – Dr. Vincent Pedre
 The chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger
the release of other chemicals (such as endorphins and enkephalins) and
hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
 The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture
stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, thus promoting both physical
and emotional well-being with minimal side-effects."

4. http://www.acupuncturemainline.com

5.  Acupuncture helps qi move in the proper direction in your
body. Just as a network of rivers, seas, and oceans run throughout
the earth to sustain life, your body contains a circuitry of pathways
called meridians. Meridians carry qi.
 The uninterrupted flow of qi in your body is essential to good
health. Pain, whether it be physical or emotional, is often the result
of the stagnation of qi. Acupuncture is just one way to move qi;
exercise, yoga, tai chi, meditation, deep breathing, creative
expression, and even lifestyle coaching all contribute to healthy
movement.

6.  When the waters of an ocean are polluted or a fallen tree obstructs the
course of a river, steps must be taken to clear toxicity or to remove
obstructions and re-establish the flow of movement.
 When you receive an Acupuncture treatment, your practitioner assesses
the how qi is moving within your body, and determines the cause of
stagnation or disease. She does this by assessing bodily phenomena,
taking your pulses, and asking questions.
 More information on the tradition of Five Element Acupuncture and its
benefits can be found at the Worsley Institute Website.
Also, check out an interview held at Sunrise Ranch, in Loveland,
Colorado with Judy Becker Worsley from the Worsley Institute
regarding 5 element theory of acupuncture and the spiritual dimensions
of the points.