As people continue to seek natural, alternative means to relieve pain, combat disease and improve their overall well-being, acupuncture is a popular option and is growing in its 'trendiness'. From celebrities who swear by it, to your next-door neighbour who tried it, by now everyone in the western hemisphere has either heard of acupuncture, has had it done or knows someone who has.
But many people just can't wrap their head around the idea of needles being put into their body! Well, for those who are needle-phobic: acupuncture is absolutely NOTHING like getting your blood taken or getting a shot! The needles used are actually thinner than a strand of hair and are virtually painless - and the benefits far-reaching.

So what is it exactly? Acupuncture is a healing modality in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient system of medicine that originated in Orient over 3000 years ago. It involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into the body at specific points in order to restore health.

In TCM, disease is the result of an imbalance or blockage in the flow of life energy (Qi) in the meridians  (channels) that run throughout the body. The needles are used to stimulate specific points on meridians, causing Qi to flow appropriately. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores balance to the body naturally.
Since its rise in the west in the late 1970's, acupuncture has been studied scientifically and its mechanisms are beginning to be understood. The scientific explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the release of pain relieving chemicals and increases blood flow to speed up healing.

Here is a brief list of areas that acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating:

• Digestive: nausea/vomiting, acid reflux, IBS.
• Respiratory: colds and flu, sore throat, sinusitis, allergies, asthma.
• Neurological: headaches, fibromyalgia, insomnia.
• Musculoskeletal: whiplash, repetitive strain injuries, tendonitis,
• sciatica, low back pain, arthritis.
• Reproductive: menstrual problems, menopause symptoms, PMS.
• Mood disorders: stress, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritability, anxiety.

So if you have thought of trying acupuncture or know someone who could benefit from it, rest assured that it will be well worth the thought of being poked with needles!

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Dr. Shamira is the founder of Art of Wellness - a boutique-style Centre for Health & Well-being, located in Toronto, Canada.

Learn more at http://www.artofwellness.ca.