Acupuncture has been practiced in China and Japan for more than 4000 years but has recently experienced an increase in popularity among the American public. More and more American physicians are incorporating acupuncture into their various specialties.

According to a recent U.S. News and World Report, more than 12 million Americans have undergone acupuncture for various ailments. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture for medical problems ranging from reproductive and respiratory disorders to pain problems and vision loss.

A Dutch physician who visited Japan during the early 1600’s coined the term “acupuncture”, meaning “needle puncture” while observing this ancient medical art. The Chinese practitioners often insert thin needles at very precise acupuncture points and then stimulate each needle by hand to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Modern acupuncture is usually performed by inserting disposable, stainless steel needles along certain energy channels of the body and then applying heat or electrical stimulation to achieve similar results.