Acupuncture Overview

Acupuncture originated in China about 2,500 years ago. The practice is based on the philosophy of yin and yang—two opposite forces that govern all aspects of life, including health. Ailments result from an imbalance of these two forces, which is caused by the disruption or blockage of energy, or chi, in the body.

Acupuncturists stimulate points along specific energy pathways, or meridians, to help chi flow freely. A body with balanced, free-flowing chi will be able to heal specific symptoms by itself. Thin metal needles are the most common means of stimulation, although massage, heat, lasers and magnets are also used.

Acupuncture did not become popular in the United States until Richard Nixon visited China in 1972, sparking widespread interest. Today, millions of Americans undergo acupuncture procedures every year, utilizing a combination of techniques developed in East Asian countries; such as China, Japan and Korea, where people often use both traditional and modern medicine to treat their illnesses.

While it is difficult to study, acupuncture is generally thought to be effective. It has been used to alleviate ailments such as nausea, dental pain, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma. It may also help patients fight addiction and aid stroke victims undergoing rehabilitation.

Acupuncturists in San Diego

Rick Peterson LAc, MSTOM Acupuncturist	send email
"Rick brings a deep sense of compassion and understanding to his patients and their symptoms. He enjoys treating a variety of internal and external disorders. His main focus is in the treatment ..." See full profile	2645 First Avenue San Diego, California 92103 (619) 239-7516
Carl M Balingit LAc, DiplOM Acupuncturist	send email
"Carl M Balingit provides acupuncture for pain relief, stress, digestive disorders, headaches, reproductive health, and chronic diseases. He is licensed by the California Acupuncture Board and nationally certified in Oriental medicine. He ..." See full profile	1792 W. Washington St San Diego, California 92103 (619) 994-2119
Jocelyn Joy M.S., L.Ac. Acupuncturist	send email
"Jocelyn Joy specializes in making people feel great. Her warm, caring, comforting approach to healthcare has assisted scores of people to overcome and manage complex healthcare issues. In a non-clinical environment Jocelyn ..." See full profile	2602 1st Ave #103 San Diego, California 92103 (619) 322-4492
Tai-Nan Wang LAc, OMD Acupuncturist	send email
"I was born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 1944. I studied at the Chinese Cultural University in Taipei, Taiwan, the University of Montana, and the Taipei Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Center. I hold ..." See full profile	4295 Gesner Street Suite 1A San Diego, California 92117 (619) 684-1848
Greg Sperber BMBS, DAOM, LAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I really enjoy working with people who are in pain either physically or emotionally. " See full profile	2515 Camino del Rio South Suite 220 San Diego, California 92108 (619) 760-7100
Carol Rider LAc, MTOM Acupuncturist	send email
"My purpose is to help as many people as possible obtain optimal health through acupuncture and oriental medicine. I have been in private practice for 11 years and I look forward to ..." See full profile	6046 Cornerstone Court W Ste 104 San Diego, California 92121 (858) 453-2048
Toni Narins L.Ac., M.T.O.M. Acupuncturist	send email
"My patients come to me with allergies and menopausal hot flashes, insomnia, arthritis, anorexia, fibromyalgia and side effects from chemo and radiation. Each one receives a warm welcome coupled with expert care ..." See full profile	3456 Camino del Rio N Suite 100 San Diego, California 92108 (619) 281-7696
Alison Schaeffer LAc, MTOM, DiplOM, DiplAc Acupuncturist	send email
"Alison practices a 5000 year old medicine that diagnoses each person based on his or her constituion and treats the person, not the disease. Her purpose is to help our patients lead ..." See full profile	2333 First Avenue Ste 103 San Diego, California 92101 (619) 742-0055
Michele Kay Ross Acupuncturist	send email
"Welcome to Tree of Life Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Herbal Center. My background as an acupuncturist and chiropractor allow me to effectively treat many different pain conditions of the body(headache, neck/low back pain,extremity ..." See full profile	4907 Morena Blvd Ste 1406 San Diego, California 92117 (858) 270-8085
Cheryl Warnke LAc, DiplAc Acupuncturist	send email
"I love doing acupuncture because it works. It relieves all kinds of pain instantly, reduces spasms, and from what I've experienced, acupunctures expedites healing to about a third of what it would ..." See full profile	7510 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Suite 104 San Diego, California 92111 (858) 576-7243

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