Acupuncture is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. It has been in use for thousands of years and is based on the laws of nature. Acupuncture can be described by two theories: the Eastern medical theory, and the Western medical theory.

The Eastern medical theory behind acupuncture is that acupuncture encourages the body to heal itself with the insertion of hair thin needles into specific acupuncture points along a meridian, or energy pathway. The acupuncture needles stimulate life energy, or Chi, along the pathway. When the Chi is moving freely and there is no block in the energy pathway, the body, mind, and spirit are at ease. When Chi is blocked and not moving freely, "dis-ease" can emerge in the form of physical, emotional or mental imbalance and pain. The stimulation of the acupuncture points with needles unblocks the energy in the pathway and re-establishes the normal flow of energy in the pathway. This will often ease or eliminate the physical, emotional, or mental manifestation of the block.

The Western medical theory behind acupuncture is that the placement of the needles stimulate biochemical and physiological reactions which promote the release of hormones and chemicals that can decrease pain, regulate the endocrine system, and calm the nervous system. The stimulation of acupuncture points can stimulate sensory receptors and the nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system which is located at the base of the brain. This system is responsible for the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins. Endorphins are potent hormones that are responsible for pain relief as well as other hormonal regulation.

Regardless of the theory that explains acupuncture, the end results are the same. These include increased circulation, improved immune function, decreased inflammation, enhanced well-being, and pain relief. Acupuncture allows for the mobilization of the body's own healing potential, without adverse effects.