Despite these limitations, an increasing body of literature exists, addressing specific applications of acupuncture.  Documentation is also available with regard to physiologic changes in response to treatment, including PET scan, body surface temperature, blood chemistry, and neurotransmitter changes.

The earliest major source of acupuncture theory is the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, dating from the second century BC.  The most fundamental principle is to restore balance of yin and yang, the five elemental qualities (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), and between the individual and his surroundings.  This is accomplished through movement of Qi (pronounced 'chee'), the 'life force', through channels or 'meridians'.  The meridians make up a multi-layered, interconnecting network.  They are named for organs, and include their familiar, as well as metaphoric Chinese functions.  For example, Kidney encompasses the kidney organ function, as well as bones and joints, hearing, will, and motivation.  A number of systems, variations on these basic themes, have evolved internationally.  More recently, a more strictly anatomical approach is gaining favor among physicians.

The majority of first-time patients present for pain and musculoskeletal disorders.  Once familiar with the discipline, though, they often venture into treatment for other disorders, including psycho-emotional concerns, gastrointestinal, respiratory, gynecologic and urinary disorders. Acupuncture has also gained the respect of comprehensive drug rehabilitation programs.

Medical acupuncturists gather both western and acupuncture history and physical data to postulate a pattern of disharmony. Treatment design can be quite complex, requiring consideration of classical teachings, neuromuscular anatomy, and treatment of trigger points, as well as recruiting the dermatomal, myotomal, sclerotomal, and sympathetic components of the pain problem.

Fine, solid needles are inserted to the depth necessary to elicit the patient's sensation of de qi or needle grab, a dull ache that radiates from the point. This can be 0.5 cm to 8 cm, depending on the location. The needles may be stimulated when an additional activation of the acupuncture system is desired. This additional activation is accomplished through manual manipulation, by heating the needle, or by connecting the needles to an electrical stimulating device.

Patients with chronic problems are often initially seen once or twice weekly, for eight to twelve sessions, which last 30-60 minutes.  Treatment plans and frequency are tailored to the individual.  Acute problems tend to respond more quickly.

In the hands of a medically trained practitioner, acupuncture is a remarkably safe and forgiving discipline. Many patients report a sensation of well being or relaxation following an acupuncture treatment. Occasionally there is a short-lived feeling of fatigue or mild depression.  The risks and complications of an acupuncture treatment are the undesirable consequences of penetrating the body: syncope, puncture of an organ, infection or a retained needle.  Dr. Wilks uses disposable, single-use needles, and complications are extremely rare.

Medical Acupuncture is a unique and highly adaptable discipline, which is enjoying a striking increase in popularity among physicians and patients.  It has rejuvenated my enthusiasm for and enjoyment of medical practice.

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