Acupuncture is a system of natural health care that involves healing and relieving pain by inserting very fine, solid needles into specific points on the body. The system was discovered over 3,000 years ago and has continued to be refined through insights from modern American acupuncturists and research in the fields of neurology and medical acupuncture. It is commonly recognized that there are communication systems between the skin and internal organs and structure of the body that are regulated through the nervous system.

Many acu-points are on or close to various nerves and their location suggests that acupuncture (needle) therapy stimulates the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and the autonomic nervous system (cells and fibers dealing with nerve reflex actions). Acupuncture therapy has been shown to increase endorphins and enkephalins, our body’s own natural painkillers. There are approximately 700 common acupuncture points on the human body and proper stimulation of these points can stimulate the body’s capacity to resist or overcome ailments and to decrease or eliminate painful sensations.