Acupuncture Treatments

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture first became better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

What is a treatment like?

Many newcomers to acupuncture say “oh, needles? I hate needles!” Acupuncture needles are not like those used for injection. Extremely fine, hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles are placed at specific points on the body’s energetic pathways, known as meridians. Once they experience a treatment, they are often shocked at how painless it is.

Prior to treatment, the patient’s condition is diagnosed by thorough examination, which includes medical history, and pulse and tongue examination. When the needles are inserted, the patient may experience one or more sensations, such as tingling, heaviness, fullness, and warmth. People are often surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing. Some people fall asleep during the treatment or experience a sense of euphoria.

Twin Tigers only utilizes single-use, disposable, factory-sterilized needles.