Acupuncture itself consists of the insertion of micro-fine, sterile needles into certain points on the body, extremities, head and ears to treat illness.  The underlying premise for treatment is that each of us has a "vital force" or "vital energy", called "qi" (pronounced chee).  Qi flows through the body in channels or meridians covering the surface and coursing deep inside the human body to nourish and support all bodily functions.  Illness, it is held, is the result of an imbalance, improper distribution, or an insufficient amount of qi.

The insertion of acupuncture needles is a relatively painless process.  A sterile, micro-fine needle, about the diameter of a strand of human hair, is inserted into the skin at points determined by the practitioner.  The needles are usually retained for anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the intent of the treatment.  Sometimes, the patient will feel a numbness or heaviness of the body or limbs after insertion of the needles.  Occasionally, you may feel sensation as if the needle were "traveling" in your body, or you may even feel sensation in an area where no needle has been placed.  The patient usually experiences a sense of deep relaxation, or of "calm alertness" while the needles are in place.  Lots of folks just fall asleep, and some don't even wake up until the needles are out!

It takes 24 hours for qi to make a complete cycle through the human body.  So, even if the needles were taken out after a half-hour, your body is processing the signals for another 23 and one-half hours.  It's not uncommon to feel an itch or a tingle where a needle was placed a couple of hours after it's been removed.

Making a "Point" about acupuncture
A powerful source of healing
What is acupuncture?
There are many theories about how acupuncture works...