About Acupuncture and Dr. Ruth

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture originated in China more than 2000 years ago and is one of the oldest widely used healing systems in the world. In fact, according to a 1998 Harvard University study, Americans made more than 5 million visits that year to acupuncture practitioners. Simply stated, acupuncture stimulates the body's ability to heal itself. Acupuncture is based on the theory that energy, or qi, flows throughout the body along 20 channels called meridians. Good health depends on the smooth flow of qi. When the flow is impeded, the body's systems are thrown out of balance.

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is an ancient system of health care that has undergone continual development parallel to acupuncture over many centuries. In China it is used not as an alternative therapy but right alongside western medicine in state hospitals. Chinese herbalists prescribe groups of herbs called formulas. Although each herb has its own healing properties and nutritional benefits, herbs need to be combined in order to harmonize the entire body systematically.

How does acupuncture work?
The goal of acupuncture is to restore equilibrium by stimulating some of the more than one thousand acupuncture points located on the body's energetic pathways, or meridians. After gathering information about your medical history, feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue, an acupuncturist may insert extremely fine sterile stainless steel needles into specific points along the meridians. The insertion of needles in selected points signals the body to correct imbalances in the flow of qi and restore health and well-being.

What does acupuncture treat?
Research shows that acupuncture is beneficial in reducing pain and treating a variety of health conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture's effectiveness in the treatment of over 40 common disorders. Furthermore, a consensus statement released in 1997 by the National Institute of Health (NIH) stated that acupuncture can be useful by itself or in combination with other therapies to treat a variety of conditions such as post-operative and chemotherapy nausea, addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke rehabilitation and asthma.

Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are made of high quality stainless steel and are very thin with rounded tips. Many people feel nothing at all, while some describe the insertion as being similar to a mild mosquito bite. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and may even fall asleep during a treatment.

Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a trained and licensed professional. Ruth Knill uses individually packaged, sterile, disposable acupuncture needles - the thinnest and smoothest needles available.

Is acupuncture for you?
Acupuncture can treat acute and chronic conditions. It can also prevent illness and promote health and general well-being. If you would like to discover if acupuncture is right for you, please call 781-316-0282 so that Dr. Knill can answer your questions.

About Ruth Knill, PhD, MAOM, Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Herbalist (NCCAOM)
Ruth Knill studied for one year at the Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and completed 3 years of study and clinical practice at the New England School of Acupuncture with a concentration on Chinese Herbal Medicine. Ruth can therefore combine two powerful healing therapies for the benefit of her patients. With a strong background in science, including a PhD in Applied Mathematics, Dr. Knill is able to analyze and assess patient needs with clarity and precision.