What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a comprehensive health care system with a clinical history of over 3000 years.The whole scope of Traditional Chinese Medicine
includes acupuncture, herbal treatment, acupressure, dietary rules, and exercise based on TCM principles. These therapies work with the natural vital energy within all living things to promote the body's ability to heal itself. This system of health care is used extensively by one quarter of the world's population in Asia and is rapidly growing in popularity in the West.  The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective medical treatment by stating: "the sheer weight of evidence demands that acupuncture must be taken seriously as a clinical procedure of considerable value".
How does it work?
The theory of Yin Yang balance is the fundamental concept of acupuncture. The balance of Yin Yang circulation within the body depends on the manipulation of Qi (pronounced "chi"; a modern translation is Bio Energy or Vital Energy). Via the body's Meridians (channels or pathways of Qi) Qi can be directed and stimulated to restore balance and harmony to the body. Modern study has revealed that acupuncture raises levels of specific hormones, prostaglandin, T-cell counts, gamma globulin, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. In other words, acupuncture can strengthen the immune system, release pain-killing endorphins, and improve functioning of the hormonal system. That explains why most people experience relaxation during acupuncture treatment, and why pain and anxiety can be effectively alleviated.As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Acupuncture for fertility: Acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to regulate the female reproductive system. Three potential mechanisms for its effects on fertility have been postulated. Firstly, acupuncture may mediate the release of neurotransmitters, which may in turn stimulate secretion of gonadotrophin releasing hormone, thereby influencing the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and fertility. Secondly, acupuncture may stimulate blood flow to the uterus by inhibiting uterine central sympathetic nerve activity.Thirdly, acupuncture may stimulate the production of endogenous opioids, which may inhibit the central nervous system outflow and the biological stress response. During treatment, fine needles are inserted through the skin and left in position, either briefly or for up to half an hour. For the needle-shy, acupressure massage can be used as an alternative to acupuncture. Some people feel the benefits of acupuncture immediately for others it takes several treatments before they feel better.
Should I take herbs? Traditional Chinese Medicine treats disease through a combination of internal and external approaches, with emphasis on natural sources.
Its use of plants and minerals as prescription herbal medicines has been well proven throughout the centuries.Chinese herbal medicine seeks to affect the flow of Qi and blood, restore the balance of Yin and Yang, and improve the patient's inherent tendency towards health by utilizing the properties inherent in the herbs themselves. Most of the time, you will be given advice to take herbs in a convenient form (such as pills or extract powders) that is unique and custom developed to your health. How many treatments do I need? Many conditions may be alleviated rapidly by acupuncture and herbal medicine. However, some chronic conditions which have arisen over a long period of time, can be relieved only with slow steady progress in the art of natural healing. The treatment times and frequency will vary from individual to individual.