Acupuncture aims to improve the body’s normal physiological functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomical sites–commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. Modern medical research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, anxiety, digestive function, as well as improve sleep, and promote a lasting sense of well-being both during and after treatments.

The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of extremely fine, sterile needles into the skin. Additionally, pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may be coupled with acupuncture to further enhance its bio-stimulatory effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and ointments.