According to Acupuncture State Board of California, Pursuant to section 4927 (e) of the Business and Professions Code, acupuncture means the stimulation of a certain point or points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body and includes the techniques of electroacupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion.
The practice of acupuncture, according to Business and Professions Code section 4937 (b), is to perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, breathing techniques, exercise, or nutrition, including the incorporation of drugless substances and herbs as dietary supplements to promote health.
Acupuncture is a primary health care modality that has flourished in China for more than 4000 years. It is one branch of Chinese Medicine and is used widely throughout Europe. Acupuncture is considered one of the newest primary health care professions in the United States. The benefits of acupuncture have become widely recognized and integrated with mainstream healthcare.

Chinese medicine is a traditional medicine that is based upon ancient Chinese philosophy. For more than 4000 years, in the process of defending against diseases for thousands of years, herbal medicine has been developed and systemized based upon theoretical principles as a means of both the prevention and treatment of illness and disease.
The restoration of harmony is integral to Chinese herbal medicine. Harmonious balance is expressed in terms of the two complementary forces-yin and yang; and the five elements-fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. The five elements are of particular importance to the Chinese herbalist; they give rise to the five tastes by which all medicinal plants are evaluated. Fire gives rise to bitterness, earth to sweetness, metal to acridity, water to saltiness, and wood to sourness. Each taste is said to have a particular medicinal action; bitter-tasting herbs drain and dry; sweet herbs tonify and may reduce pain, acrid herbs disperse; salty herbs nourish the kidneys; sour herbs nourish the yin and astringe, preventing unwanted loss of body fluids or qi. Herbs that have none of these tastes are described as bland, a quality that indicates that the plant may have a diuretic effect. The taste of a plant can also indicate the organ to which it has a natural affinity. Besides defining particular herbal tastes, the Chinese ascribe different temperatures to herbs-hot, warm, neutral, cool, and cold. Each individual herb has different properties such as taste and temperature, and enters different organs in the body. When the herbs are combined, through mutual harmony, the treatment effect is increased and the side effects reduced. A usual prescription or formula can consist of multiple herbs.

Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain. Acupuncture, however, has expanded uses in other areas. The following conditions are common clinical indications for acupuncture treatment.
Asthma/cough AIDS/HIV related conditions Allergies Arthritis
Back aches Carpal tunnel syndrome Chronic fatigue Chronic pain
Common cold/flu Constipation Depression Dizziness
Drug addiction/ Smoking Eye diseases Gallstone
Gastritis Gynecological disorders Headaches(inc. migraines)
Heart problems/Palpitations High blood pressure
Immune system deficiency Impotence Indigestion Infertility
Insomnia Intestinal problems Irregular menses Knee problems
Menopausal syndromes Menstrual cramps Multiple Sclerosis
Neck pain/Stiffness Neuralgia (Trigeminal or intercostal)
Nervous system problems PMS Paralysis/Numbness Post-operative pain
Prostate problems Sciatica Sexual dysfunction Shoulder pain
Sinus problems Skin problems Stomach problems Stress/Tension
Stroke Tendonitis Ulcers Urinary tract infections
Vaginitis Vision problems Tennis elbow

Among the above disorders, 40 conditions are listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) that may benefit from acupuncture as the following:

Digestive Abdominal pain Constipation Diarrhea Hyperacidity Indigestion Emotional Anxiety Depression Insomnia Nervousness Neurosis
Eye-Ear-Throat Cataracts Gingivitis Poor vision Tinnitis Toothache Gynecological Infertility Menopausal symptoms Premenstrual symptoms
Musculoskeletal Arthritis Back pain Muscle cramping Muscle pain and weakness Neck pain Sciatica Neurological Headaches Migraines Neurogenic bladder dysfunction Parkinson's disease Postoperative pain Stroke
Respiratory Asthma Bronchitis Common cold Sinusitis Smoking cessation Tonsillitis Miscellaneous Addiction control Athletic performance Blood pressure regulation Chronic fatigue Immune system tonication Stress reduction
Acupuncture can help remedy many other ailments which have not been listed here.

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body using hair-fine needles for the purpose of bodily disharmonies. These points have been mapped by the Chinese for over two thousand years.

The needles are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes during which time the patient usually relaxes under a heat lamp while soft music plays. In areas where you are especially tight, electrodes are often attached to the needles inducing a steady vibration. This vibration feels like a gentle massage.

The number and frequency of treatments will vary. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may take four to ten treatments. Your body chemistry, your particular problem, and the length of time that you have been ill will all play in the number and length of treatments.

Studies show that acupuncture stimulates the immune system, triggers the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killer) and boosts the production of red and white blood cells. It regulates the flow of the body's energy.

Dr. Ella Ashabi uses only sterile disposable needles.

• It strengthens the immune system by increasing T-cell counts. This may be why it works so well on allergies and chronic fatigue syndrome.
• It releases pain killing, endorphins, which play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis, and also for P.M.S and ulcers.
• It releases endorphins, which not only relax the whole body when released, but they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a big part in our moods. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.
• It breaks the spasm cycle which muscles can get "caught" in, causing unrelenting, tightness and pain. It does this by increasing circulation which in turn provides needed nutrients to nerves and muscles to begin healing.
• It works with our "life force" which is similar to our electrical circuitry that runs throughout our body. It taps into specific points along this circuitry and balances energy connecting all of our major organs.
• It works without drugs or chemicals. Acupuncture has no known side effects and is perfectly safe and comfortable for almost everyone.