Acupuncture is a naturopathy that enhances the body’s natural healing abilities and promotes well-being by stimulating selected points on the body called “Tsubo (acu-points) with thin needles.  Since the locations of Tsubo may shift slightly depending on a person’s condition, the acupuncturist will need to confirm their location by gently stroking or pressing on the surface of the skin before stimulation.

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 In Japan, acupuncturists generally employ gentle stimulation.  There are various styles of acupuncture, ranging from traditional methods to techniques based on modern anatomy and physiology.  Acupuncture needles are certified as medical devices, and handled by licensed acupuncturists or doctors only. The most commonly used needles are thinner than a human hair and insertion of the needles are usually painless.  However, you may feel sensations such as tingling, achiness, heaviness or deep pressure.  If you feel any pain or discomfort, let your acupuncturist know and he/she will make the necessary adjustments.

 

 Moxibustion (the burning of mugwort on or near the body) is often incorporated in a treatment, according to the patient’s condition.