Acupuncture uses very fine needles to illicit a release of neurotransmitters and hormones which in turn increase immunity, reduce the sensation of pain, and regulate various systems of the body. In Chinese medicine we do not speak in terms of hormones, blood cells, and microscopes, we speak instead of Qi, the body's energy substance. QI travels on meridians, which you can think of as rivers. When a river is dammed up, the eco system in the area suffers, this is similar to the body system, when qi becomes stagnant, many people can feel pain in that area of congestion. There are many ways Qi can be influenced: diet, exercise, trauma, stress are just a few examples. When Qi is not properly able to course along its rivers, illness occurs. Acupuncture, using very small needles strives to correct the imperfection in the Qi flow to return the body to health.
Something many practitioners could not do without is moxibustion. Moxibustion, or 'moxa' consists of burning either small 'rice-grain' sized clumps of the dried herb mugwort, or using a cigar-shaped 'pole' of dried mugwort. Using moxa has been shown to increase circulation and when placed directly on the skin (using a tiny 'rice-grain') or held over an acupuncture point (using a moxa 'pole') it warms the needle or the point and thus expels cold, moves blood (increases circulation), and essentially moves along any blockages in the meridian. Moxa has been known to turn a breech baby head-down when burned on a certain point. Is has also been used to reduce hypertension when used at specific acupuncture points.
Another adjunctive treatment to go with acupuncture is called 'cupping' in which small glass cups are suctioned on to the skin by creating a vaccuum by inserting and removing quickly an ignited cottonball into the cup and placing directly on the skin, in an area of Qi stagnation. Cupping does not hurt, and actually feels a lot like a massage when 'sliding' techniques are used. Often, patients will get circular marks left over, that look like perfectly round 'hickies'. These marks dissipate after a few days, and it is advised to avoid any heavy workouts or exposure to weather elements (wind, rain, cold, heat) after treatment of this kind. Cupping is a way to relax muscles, move stagnation, and detoxify the body. Often cupping therapy is a good way to be introduced to acupuncture and Chinese healing modalities because many are concerned about needles. The advantage is that the client is able to meet and speak with a practitioner and get some benefit even if they are concerned about needles.
Acupuncture's many benefits are well documented. Here are just a few of the articles published by the US National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health on the topic.
I grew up on a 46' sailboat here in San Diego with my family before moving to Coronado in the early 90's. After graduating from university I injured both my knees in an accident and, trying to avoid surgery, received regular acupuncture every day, ate conscientiously, and worked out at the pool for three weeks. Through this miraculous medicine and some lifestyle change I not only avoided surgery, but was inspired to go back to school yet again for a Master's degree in Oriental Medicine in 2007, and a Doctoral degree in 2016. Now, as a licensed acupuncturist I am honored to serve the community of San Diego.