Acupuncture

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. The term is used to describe a medical system that originated thousands of years ago in China, based on the premise that energy (qi) must be able to flow freely through the body for optimal health. An imbalance or disruption in the flow of qi can cause illness. Acupuncture is a way to restore balance between the opposing forces of yin and yang and the flow of qi.

Acupuncture is available for hospitalized patients at Stamford Hospital. Unique to our program is that all in-hospital acupuncture procedures, pre- and post-operative, are performed by medical doctors who have also received special training in acupuncture and are licensed to perform it.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin metal needles into specific points on the body. The needles may be manipulated by a mild electrical current or the practitioner's hands. Though patients feel the insertion of the needles, it is not painful or uncomfortable. The technique is intended to remove blockages in the flow of qi, facilitating healing and restoring health.

A report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced—by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners-for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. An estimated 8.2 million adults in this country reported having had acupuncture treatments in a 2002 survey, with 2.1 million saying they had used acupuncture in the previous year.

For more information or to make an appointment please call 1-203-276-4777.

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).