Acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or 'life force', flows through the body in channels called meridians. Meridians are the interstates of energy pathways that penetrate throughout our body.  This life force is known as Qi (pronounced 'chee'). Qi travels through the meridians in a circular motion around, in, and out of our body.

Practitioners who adhere to traditional beliefs about acupuncture believe that when Qi cannot flow freely through the body, this can cause illness, pain, and disease. To restore health, the Qi must be restored and this restoration leads to healing. While the eastern philosophy may be hard to grasp in a western world, acupuncture has been practiced for 3,000 years and continues to be validated with current peer-reviewed government studies. These studies can be found at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htm.

To restore the Qi, a practitioner will use a stainless still needle. The needles are very fine and thus are able to penetrate the skin without pain. The FDA requires that all needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use. All needles will only be used once and the discarded in a secure container. 

Acupuncture is used to treat many illness and ailments, including infertility, breeched, and morning sickness. Practitioners can work with the midwives and OBY/GN’s of every patient, either pregnant or in the process of becoming pregnant.  Other areas of focus and treatment can include depression, chronic asthma, drug dependencies including nicotine, Celiac’s disease, and many others. 

Migraines, herniated discs, frozen shoulder, tennis and golf elbow, plantar fasciitis, fibromyalgia, and insomnia are additional areas that can benefit from acupuncture. 

For more information, please contact Active Care Chiropractic & Rehabilitation at 847.749.0376 or via web at www.activecareah.com