What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is one of the fastest growing health care methods in the United States today. Acupuncture is a form of Oriental Medicine that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. The Chinese believe that there exists an invisible life force referred to as “qi” (pronounced chee) that thrives inside every living organism. When the qi becomes blocked or unbalanced disharmony occurs in the body’s processes. Acupuncture works by balancing any stagnation or disharmony in the qi’s natural flow, which in turn teaches the body to heal itself naturally. This involves the insertion of solid, sterile stainless steel, hair fine flexible needles into the body to help maintain the free flow of the body’s qi. Acupuncture also assists the body to release endorphins (the body’s own natural pain killers), and balance hormone levels. Many patients find treatments very relaxing and often report more energy afterwards.
Acupuncture is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and has a history dating back three thousand years. Injuries and disorders are treated with the insertion and manipulation of fine needles in carefully designated points on the body. According to the classical theory of Chinese medicine, a continuous flow of energy called Qi originates in the vital organs and moves throughout the body along paths known as meridians. As long as the flow of Qi is smooth and balanced, good health is maintained but if the balance is disturbed, pain or illness is experienced. Balance may be restored, however, by stimulation of specific points along the meridians which are associated with various physical functions. Acupuncture may be administered in combination with massage, deep breathing exercises, and herbal medicine; the net effect being to reduce pain, promote healing and stimulate the immune response.
Acupuncture is an ancient science that has been around for thousands of years. Although it can be a complex discipline to learn and practice, it can be easily explained. Acupuncture is a means of adjusting the body’s life energy (chi or qi) through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians of the body.
That is the big question western scientists have been trying to prove for decades. Acupuncture does release feel-good hormones such as beta-endorphins and serotonin. This is evidenced when (most) animals and humans relax or even fall asleep during treatment. In addition, the endorphins provide pain relief (analgesia), and the ACTH and cortisone release provide anti-inflammatory relief. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease muscle spasms, and to increase local circulation, which stimulates the local repair mechanism. On a Chinese or more holistic level, acupuncture stimulates the energy channels called meridians. When the energy flow in the body is stagnant or blocked, pain and disharmony occurs. The acupuncture treatment unblocks the flow of energy and restores balance to the body, thereby relieving pain and aiding chronic conditions. When horses are treated with acupuncture one can see the immediate affects of relaxation. The horse will tend to lick and chew, stretch and yawn, releas
Acupuncture is one of the most useful and effective treatment techniques in TCM. Acupuncture is the insertion of various small needles into certain points on the body. These points are located and join together in meridians, along with Qi flows. The meridians connect the body’s tissue and organs, in a way similar to the blood vessels. Certain meridians are identified with organs, such as the kidney, liver, and heart. These points along the meridians (including on the hands and feet), are capable of affecting its corresponding organ. When these points are carefully chosen by a qualified and well-trained TCM practitioner, the Qi flow is stimulated, and the Qi balanced is being restored.
