Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine have been used as healing arts for over 5,000 years. The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Qi (pronounced chee) present in every living creature. This energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. If the flow of this energy becomes blocked the system is disrupted and pain and illness ensue.

Acupuncture uses ultra-thin needles to access these channels to restore the flow of Qi to the tissues, muscles, and organs. Acupuncture is also used as a preventative measure to maintain health and overall well-being.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a healing practice that dates back more that 2,500 years where it appears in the sacred writings of the Buddhist Sutras. It is a Japanese word meaning "universal energy".

Reiki balances health on every level ~ physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual ~ by utilizing the gentle laying of hands on or close to the body. Reiki facilitates stress reduction and relief from pain and anxiety without causing any side effects and has no contraindications. Reiki supports well-being and strengthens our natural ability to heal by bringing the flow of subtle energy back into balance.

Reiki is becoming widely recognized throughout the medical field as a useful adjunct to traditional methods of healing.

For more detailed information on Acupuncture or Reiki please visit the links below:

• Acupuncture Today -- ABCs of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• World Health Organization -- Traditional Chinese Medicine
• California Department of Consumer Affairs Acupuncture Board -- Acupuncture Info
• About.com Holistic Healing -- What is Reiki?
• Holistic Online -- Reiki Info Center