Acupuncture is the insertion of micro-fine needles into points along pathways on the surface of the body called meridians. These points and meridians have a direct relationship with internal organ systems and specific areas of the body. Stimulation of acupuncture points with needles has the effect of moving Qi (vital energy), promoting blood circulation and stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture appears to activate your body’s nervous system and circulatory system, which regulate the production, secretion and transportation of various molecules, including endorphins, neurotransmitters and hormones. By regulating physiological functions, a state of homeostasis is restored within the body. Our clinic uses sterilized, single-use, stainless steel needles that are so thin the diameter is often compared to that of a human hair. Insertion is relatively painless and most patients describe the needling sensation as one of warmth, dullness, pressure, heaviness or tingling.