The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today. The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of 'vital energy,' 'energetic balance' and 'energetic imbalance.' Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages traveling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this 'vital energy' within its pathways, known as 'meridians and channels'.

Traditional Chinese Medicine encompasses many healing modalities including acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, tui na (massage), auricular therapy, nutrition therapy, gua sha, cupping, electric stimulation, tai qi, and meditation. This ancient practice is over 5,000 years old. Chinese medicine began to grow in the United States after Richard Nixon visited China in 1972, and an American journalist accompanying him had an emergency appendectomy with acupuncture used as an anesthetic. TCM is currently the fastest growing alternative health care modality in the United States.

Qi is similar to energy, life force, or function and flows throughout the body via meridians. We have 14 main meridians connected to specific organs and glands. Qi animates the body and protects it from pain, illness, and dis-ease. Examples of qi processes include the sodium-potassium pump mechanism, ATP, hair growth, platelets rushing toward a wound to control bleeding, and parasympathetic/sympathetic responses.

TCM is a safe, effective, drug-free therapy that can help address a wide variety of ailments. Sterile and disposable needles are used. All practitioners at Source Point are Clean Needle Technique Certified under regulations of OSHA.

Research shows that acupuncture is most effective when done frequently and regularly. Course of treatment varies depending on acute versus chronic patterns. Depending on the condition, acute ailments can be effectively treated with only one or two treatments, where chronic conditions take much longer. Individuals respond differently and we ask to be patient with the subtle transformation that patents have experienced when undergoing acupuncture treatment. Combining herbs to your course can help expedite and maintain the healing path.

Fine, sterile needles are inserted into acupuncture points that have an obstruction to the flow of Qi. When Qi is backed up in one part of the body it causes a constraint in other parts. This situation can impede vital nourishment to the body, organs, and glands. Regular acupuncture treatments increase blood flow, increase endorphins to reduce pain, regulate the nervous system, and strengthen the immune system.

Acupuncturists should have graduated from an accredited Traditional Chinese Medicine College completing at least 3000 hours of class work and clinical experience. The acupuncturist should be NCCAOM Board Certified, completed a CNT course, and licensed under a state’s regulatory agency.

Your acupuncturist will talk to you in a low whisper in the treatment room and then apply the needles. You will remain fully clothed during treatment as we use points on the lower arms and legs only. Most of the other clients in the treatment room will have their eyes closed and may even be fast asleep. There is also music playing and enough space between patients that conversation between patient and practitioner cannot be heard.