Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique in traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat chronic pain and a variety of other health problems. Medical research in recent decades has shown that acupuncture can be effective for relieving various forms of chronic pain, such as low-back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis pain, and knee pain. It has also been shown to decrease the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, metallic needles into your skin, which are then activated through electrical or physical stimulation. These needles are inserted into specific points that are connected to pathways for “Qi,” or energy, throughout the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disruptions in the flow of Qi are thought to be a cause of disease. Acupuncture is used to improve this flow and, by extension, your overall health.

Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a licensed practitioner who can reliably place the needles in the correct points and follow federal safety regulations. While the way that acupuncture actually works in scientific terms is not fully understood, an extensive amount of research has shown its beneficial effects on the body. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some of these effects include:

• Pain relief
• Improvements in nervous system function
• Improved symptoms of non-pain conditions, such as seasonal allergies, urinary incontinence, asthma, depression, and carpal tunnel syndrome

At Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Integrative Health program, licensed acupuncturists offer their services to countless patients on a daily basis, utilizing this ancient technique to provide relief from symptoms and improve physical and mental well-being. To learn more about our Queens, NYC acupuncture therapy services, please call 718-206-5675.