A: Evidence suggests that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating these points may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals(such as endorphins), release immune cells, and stimulate the endocrine system and influence brain chemistry.

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which, in turn, releases chemicals into the spinal cord and brain. These chemicals can alter the experience of pain and/or release chemicals that influence the body's self-regulating systems. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well being.

A: A meridian is an acupuncture "pathway" or channel that travels through your body’s tissues. There are twelve major meridians or pathways in the body.

A: Most individuals report little or no pain in association to their acupuncture treatments. Some soreness is occasionally felt during insertion of the needles. When LASER is used instead of needles no pain or soreness is felt.

A: For those who want to quit smoking acupuncture can curb the desire to light up, according to a report in the journal "Preventative Medicine." In the study researchers found that individuals treated with acupuncture reported smoking less and had a decreased desire to smoke. In addition, the blood levels for smoking-related chemicals were lower in the acupuncture group than in the control group up to eight months after treatment. In our office we use a combination of cold laser therapy and acupuncture to help individuals quit smoking.