Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese philosophy that sees all sicknesses in the body in terms of an imbalance in the energetic field of the body. This energetic field has been carefully mapped by the Chinese and they have discovered over 400 points that, when stimulated, can effect systemic changes in the body. These points are stimulated by the insertion of very fine, sterile and disposable needles. A combination of these points is carefully selected by the acupuncturist to help activate the body’s innate ability to heal itself and return to a state of balance.

The needles that are used in acupuncture are much thinner than the hypodermic needles that many people are scared of. At most, patients will feel a slight prick, or a warm, numb or heavy feeling momentarily. During the time the needles are in, patients may feel different subtle, non-painful sensations in the body. Patients often are surprised by how pleasant and relaxing an acupuncture treatment is, and many patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep.

Acupuncture has local and systemic effects on the nervous and circulatory systems and can stimulate the endocrine system. Acupuncture has distinct effects on restoring homeostasis to the body and is effective for animals as well. From an Asian perspective, acupuncture works by affecting a patients’ qi (often translated as “vital energy”, qi is the common denominator of all things). By influencing the qi, acupuncture has an effect on the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person.

Peter Liebenthal is trained in all five branches of traditional Chinese Medicine: acupuncture, herbs, massage, dietary therapy and qi gong. In addition to his Traditional Chinese Medicine training, he has also received specialized training in Five Element Acupuncture, a wonderful system for emotional and spiritual issues, and in Japanese acupuncture. Using Japanese acupuncture, he is able to not only understand the patients’ condition from a traditional Asian perspective, he is also able to gain an understanding of what is going on from a Western physiological model. The power of this system lies in being able to find painful areas that correspond to specific illnesses’ and then to use associated points that can instantly release the pain and therefore treat the underlying sickness. This style is very gentle and allows the patient to instantly feel the effects of the needles.

During the first visit, the acupuncturist will do a comprehensive interview in order to fully understand the patient’s unique condition. Then the patient will lie down and the acupuncturist will feel the patient’s pulse and look at their tongue. Then the acupuncturist will press different areas of the abdomen, neck and back in order to further deepen his diagnosis. Based on the diagnostic findings, the acupuncturist will select what points he will needle. After the needles are in a place, a warming herb will be applied to some of the points. Then soothing music is put on and the patient is allowed to rest for 25-35 minutes.