Dr. Misa Kawasaki, BSc, ND

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific parts of the body to stimulate the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well being. One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours or after a few days.

The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:

• Neurological and muscular injuries
• Urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders
• Digestive conditions
• Respiratory problems
• Anxiety, stress, insomnia