What can acupuncture treat?

We believe it is important to be both hopeful and realistic about acupuncture. While acupuncture can treat anything, this does not mean that it can cure every disease or condition afflicting mankind. It can't. Acupuncture is effective for a wide range of conditions. 

• Studies show that acupuncture strengthens the immune system and builds energy reserves. People who receive regular acupuncture have fewer illnesses, and if they do get sick, they generally recover faster. This is why many people who describe themselves as "very healthy" receive acupuncture. They use it as preventative medicine - a way to strengthen their body's innate healing energy and stay well!
• Acupuncture is deeply relaxing and reduces the effects of ongoing stress on the body, mind and spirit. Symptoms of chronic stress may include: feeling irritable or overwhelmed; racing thoughts; a sense of loneliness or general unhappiness; having difficulty concentrating; sleep disturbances; persistent fatigue; digestive disorders; aches and pains; loss of interest in sex; frequent illnesses; using substances to relax (such as alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs); and nervous habits (such as nail biting or pacing). Acupuncture can help reduce or eliminate these symptoms, so you experience more ease.
  
• Many people first try acupuncture when they have persistent pain, despite western medical treatment. Some experience fast (almost miraculous) relief, and others find that their pain is resolved or has significantly reduced over time. Acupuncture reduces inflammation and swelling, and relaxes muscle tension and spasms, all of which contribute to continued pain.
  
• Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of chronic diseases. Examples include: Asthma, Allergies, High Blood Pressure, Cancer, Stroke, MS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and chronic skin conditions. Please see the list of conditions from the World Health Organization report.
  
• Acupuncture controls uncomfortable side effects of other treatments! People with chronic conditions often take numerous medications and receive other treatments which can have side effects. Acupuncture improves your quality of life by controlling side effects - without creating new ones.
  
• Acupuncture promotes balance. For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to relieve men's and women's health issues, such as: Infertility, Low Sexual Interest, Impotence, Ovarian Cysts, Fibroids, Endometriosis, PMS, Painful / Irregular Periods,  Morning Sickness, Miscarriages, and Menopausal Disorders (such as Hot Flashes, Night Sweats, Mood Swings & Weight Gain).
  

How much treatment will you need?

How much treatment you will need depends on a number of factors:

1. how long your condition has existed;
2. the severity of your condition;
3. your overall health status; and
4. your lifestyle.

Your acupuncturist will make a recommendation for both the frequency of visits, and how long you will  need treatment. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, and treatment is a process. Just as a single pill won't cure most conditions, it is unlikely that one or two acupuncture treatments will resolve yours, especially if your condition is chronic or severe.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

The World Health Organization's 2003 report: Acupuncture Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials is partially reprinted here, or you may access the entire report through this link: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html