Acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, which in turn releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals either alter the perception of pain or release other chemicals that influence the body's self-regulating systems. These biochemical changes support the body's natural healing abilities, improve circulation, and promote physical and emotional well-being. When circulation in the tissue improves, muscle relaxation occurs and pain is reduced. In some cases, improved circulation may cause the pain to increase, but this is followed by accelerated repair of the tissue. Proper circulation is important not only for the blood to nourish the tissue, but also for eliminating muscle fatigue and pain-causing substances such as lactic acid.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, followed by gentle manual stimulation of the needles. Blood flow in the tissues increases when small vessels around the area of the needle dilate. While actions designed to increase circulation are generally an excellent treatment for pain, such a treatment is not beneficial in the treatment of migraines. Because the pain of a migraine may be associated with the dilation of blood vessels in the head, increasing circulation in this area can worsen the patient's symptoms. By avoiding points in the head, neck and upper body, and instead using points exclusively in the lower body, we avoid dilating the blood vessels of the head. The entire treatment is often performed with the patient in a recumbent position rather than in a prone position. This also minimizes dilation of the blood vessels during acupuncture. Unlike synthetic drugs, acupuncture has virtually no side effects, and the procedures for treating headaches are much less invasive

In TCM, the Heart and Liver both house a specific aspect of the spirit or "shen". When these two organs are out of balance, the spirit may wander from not being housed properly. Chinese Medicine also states that when the Spleen is injured, the subsequent blood deficiency will lead to insomnia. The Kidneys are in charge of generating the Yin fluids or calming aspects of the body. When the Kidneys are disrupted, there will be more relative heat at night, causing insomnia.
Western medical research has shown that acupuncture is associated with a significant nocturnal increase in endogenous melatonin secretion and reduces insomnia and anxiety. Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone and is important in the regulation of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions, including sleep. Acupuncture treatment has helped many people stayed away from sleeping pills which have many side effects.

Gastrointestinal disorders including heartburn/acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea can have quite a few different causes. Heat, cold, excess, deficiency, improper diet, stress etc can all cause gastrointestinal disorders. Patients will get a case by case evaluation to find out the root cause. Regardless the causes, acupuncture is very effective in treating all of these conditions.

From TCM perspective, overeating fats, hot spicy foods, sweets, or drinking alcohol, can engender or create what we say is ‘damp’ and ‘heat’ in the body. Damp then congeals or thickens to form phlegm while heat moves upwards (a bit like steam) and lodges in the orifices of the lungs, which include the nasal cavities. This damp and heat can be attributed to a weakness in the spleen energy system. Eating or drinking excessively, irregularly and unhealthily damages this spleen energy. Therefore, acupuncture treatment for sinusitis focus on strengthen Spleen system and lung system and they are very effective. Definitely try acupuncture before going for surgery.

Acupuncture can induce a relaxation response, which decreases the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases energy and tissue regeneration, and reduces stress. One feels more relaxed, and digestion improves. As tension is relieved, so are headaches. Instead of being tense and angry, one remains calm, tempers stay even, and blood pressure can even decrease. Studies have shown that the substances released in the body as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states.
Acupuncture can relieve feelings of anxiety or depression. As the heavy feelings of stress are relieved, a person feels more confidence in his ability to cope with the negative aspects of life and make necessary changes. This in turn can eliminate dependence on sleeping pills, tranquilizers and antidepressants.

Women of all ages can benefit from acupuncture care. For young women just beginning to menstruate, acupuncture can help relieve cramps and PMS. The menstrual cycle can be comfortable and regular so that it won't interfere with normal activities. Your mother may tell you that her period was difficult until she had her first baby. But you don't have to wait that long. PMS symptoms usually begin to disappear quickly with treatment. Chronic menstrual problems respond well to more long term care. Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine restrains heavy bleeding associated with fibroids and endometriosis and relieves pain. For women who are trying to become pregnant, acupuncture sometimes helps solve problems of infertility. After childbirth, acupuncture is very helpful in restoring and replenishing the new mother's energy. For women in menopause, hot flashes (power surges) and night sweats can be greatly reduced to make this time of transition much more comfortable. Treatment focuses on stopping excessive sweating and restoring restfulness.

Acupuncture has many beneficial effects during cancer therapy and has proven efficacy in the management of side effects induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In cancer pain management, acupuncture is effective for head and neck pain, waist pain, abdominal and chest pain. Many studies confirm the excellent efficacy of acupuncture against symptoms of vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, including those induced by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy may develop xerostomia, which may be relieved by acupuncture. Acupuncture may also cause sedative and hypnotic effects in cancer patients for treating nervousness and insomnia.

Yellow Emperor, the Chinese Medicine Classic says “The best doctor treats the ‘unsick’”. Traditional Chinese Medicine presents the idea that disease prevention should surpass medical intervention in humans. Through one or more therapy ( acupuncture / cupping /scraping / Chinese herbs ), establishing and maintaining strong and balanced energy is the best way to prevent disease. A pain-free, disease-free and emotionally healthy life is totally possible and should be diligently pursued by everyone.