Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of Qi, the vital life energy present in all living organisms. According to acupuncture theory, Qi is circulated in the body along fourteen energy pathways, called meridians, each linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. There are over one thousand acupoints within the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi. When special needles are inserted into these acupoints (just under the skin), they help correct and rebalance the flow of energy and consequently restore health. Balancing Health Acupuncture in Bothell

   Perhaps no other alternative therapy has received more attention in this country or gained acceptance more quickly than acupuncture. Most Americans had never heard of it until 1971, when New York Times foreign correspondent James Teston wrote a startling first article about acupuncture following his emergency appendectomy in China. Today, acupuncture in America is in full swing. Last year alone, Americans made some 9-12 million visits to acupuncturists for ailments as diverse as arthritis, bladder infections, back pain, and morning sickness. Balancing Health Acupuncture

What Conditions Are Treated By Acupuncture? Balancing Health Bothell

   Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here are a few imbalances acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been effective at treating:

   Acupuncture rarely causes pain. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort. A patient may experience some heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or up and down the affected energy pathway or meridian. If there is any discomfort it is usually mild.

   When performed by a qualified professional, acupuncture is one of the safest medical procedures. A licensed and certified practitioner is one who has completed a three to four year program at a nationally approved school, passed national certification exams, and actively seeks continuing education. Balancing Health

   "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions." 1997 NIH Consensus Development Conference