Whilst most people are familiar with the classical Chinese explanation of using needles to manipulate the flow of vital energy in channels that traverse the body, many people might be unfamiliar with a co-existing explanation of acupuncture that might be more appropriate for 21st century non-Chinese speakers. When I'm speaking or thinking in Chinese, I think in terms of the classical explanation. When I'm speaking or thinking in English, I think in terms of a different explanation. For me, both exist concurrently as non-contradictory perspectives that represent different ways of looking at the same thing.

Acupuncture entails the manipulation of acupoints with an extremely fine needle. The definition of an acupoint is a place on the body where there is a specific arrangement of anatomical structures – be it a small gap, intersection or knot of connective tissue etc. – in which there is a greater transformation and transportation of physiological information, irrigation of surrounding tissues with blood/body fluid etc. and connectivity to other parts of the body through connective tissue, extracellular fluid, nerves, blood vessels etc. This enables manipulation of these specific points to have drastic effects on other parts/systems of the body including the organs, endocrine system, nervous system etc. In this way, carefully inserting a small needle into a point on the hand or foot may profoundly effect distant parts of the body from the secretion of hormones in glands to the peristaltic rhythm of the intestines. 
 

Acupuncture is safe and, generally speaking, most people feel no or little pain.  All needles used are single-use. A normal acupuncture treatment takes roughly half and hour and offers an opportunity to rest and pause in busy day.

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I practice acupuncture as part of orthopaedic treatment for patients with pain and dysfunction. I also practice acupuncture as part of a traditional Chinese relaxing and revitalizing treatment that also includes moxibustion, Tui Na massage, cupping etc.

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