Acupuncture is one of the major inventions of ancient China. Its use as a medical method used dates back to the New Stone Age. The earliest recorded case of the use of acupuncture as a cure is found in the Records of the Historian by Sima Qian written more than 2000 years ago. Simple, safe and economical, acupuncture is now widely used with successful results.

Here at the China Institute, our patients experience the very best in acupuncture treatment from Dr. Ren. Dr. Ren is a world renowned Chinese medicine doctor with over 30 years of experience in the United States and in China.

Acupuncture is a procedure in which very fine needles are inserted into various locations on the body known as acupoints. Acupoints are specific sites through which Qi is transported to the body surface and are the locations for the application of acupuncture. Stimulation of the needles acts on the meridians, unblocking energy (Qi) and blood stagnation, and diseases which affect the normal function of the organs. When stimulated, they play a part in promoting the flow of Qi and blood.

The meridians along with the collaterals and channels are the pathways along which the energy flows. Meridians extend over the body to form a complex network that link tissues and organs. Meridians and collaterals transport Qi and blood to nourish organs, skin, muscles, tendons and bones to ensure the normal function of the organs.

Through the proper techniques, acupuncture regulates the functional activities of the body and strengthens the body's resistance in order to prevent and/or treat diseases.

Recent research suggests that the application of acupuncture needles along the meridians activates deep sensory nerves, which cause the pituitary and midbrain to release endorphins, "the brain's natural pain killer." While another theory suggests a double-gate theory of pain where acupuncture stimulates certain nerves that close a neurological "gate" in the spinal column. While somewhat enlightening, these theories do not account for the far-reaching and long-lasting effects that acupuncture can have on a patient's body, mind and spirit.