WHAT ABOUT THE NEEDLES? The disposable needles are so fine that they don't hurt. Normal sensations include tingling,  heaviness, or numbness when the practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus. The sensation of being needled is called deqi (pronouned "dah-chee").

Acupuncture is the insertion of extremely fine needles on the surface of the body to influence of change physiological functioning of the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there is continuous energy flow throughout human body along circulatory channels called meridians. The meridians connect internal organs with extremities and other parts of the body. When the energy flow is disturbed, there is pain and disorder. Inserting fine needles into the trigger points along the meridians can help remove the blockage in order to restore smooth energy flow and regulate the function of related organs.

Acupuncture is recognized by The World Health Organization and The National Institute of Health as an effective and safe treatment modality with various diseases. It also has thousands of years of practice to its credit. The first documentation of acupuncture was found in the Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), considered one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world. It describes human health and disease,  theorizing that the body has an energy force called Qi (pronounced "chi"), which makes up the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of life. If the flow of Qi is unbalanced or interrupted, the patient is prone to disease.

Qi is made up of Yin and Yang, two opposing forces that work together, creating health when in balance. The Huang Di Nei Jing also described the meridians, types of needles (originally made of bian stones, then later metal needles), functions of acupuncture points, and needling techniques. Though there have been advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine since then, the basic elements of acupuncture remain the same.

Along the meridians are points where Qi can be affected by acupuncture needles or finger pressure (the latter known as acupressure). These points are called acupuncture points or acupoints. These points can be manipulated by needling, moxibustion, acupressure or applying heat to needles. When energy pathways become obstructed in some way, causing excesses and deficiencies, yin and yang are no longer in balance, which then can cause illness. The purpose of acupuncture is to help the body find yin and yang balance and restore Qi, thus restoring wellness.