What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine. It involves stimulating certain points on the body with needles. Acupuncture has been proven to be effective for many health conditions, including chronic pain, migraines, fertility issues, hormonal imbalance, stress, anxiety, depression, smoking cessation, and so much more.

Acupuncture is not the same as dry needling, which is what chiropractors are often trained to do. Chiropractors receive approximately 50 hours of training in dry needling over a weekend course before they are certified to practice this modality. In comparison, acupuncturists attend a three or four year program (depending on the college), need over 900 hours of treating patients, and sit for multiple national board exams before they can be licensed. Acupuncture treats a variety of conditions, whereas dry needling relieves muscle spasms or tightness only.

Chinese medicine works by changing a pattern that's been established in your body. The symptoms you have are just a signal from your body that there is an internal imbalance. Our work with Chinese medicine and acupuncture involves reminding your body that it has the resources and information to change the pattern that is causing problems.

We work with your doctors, nurses, specialists, and other Western medicine practitioners so that you receive the best comprehensive care possible.

The goal is to not have you come in every week for the rest of your life. It's to work intensively together for a period of time and help you get back on track with your life. We are happy when our patients "graduate" from care! Of course, we do have patients who just love acupuncture and come back weekly for prevention and maintenance - and that's fine, too.

You may also read research studies about how acupuncture is effective here.

We offer free community acupuncture services for vulnerable groups in Tazewell and Peoria Counties.

Please contact Genevieve and Glenn at info@laughingtao.com to arrange a group session for your organization.