Acupuncture involves inserting small needles into various points (“acupoints”) in the body to stimulate nerve impulses. This may sound scary to you at first but you would be surprised that they don’t hurt. The needles are so fine that they go in and come out without even A drop of blood.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on the idea of ‘Qi’ (vital energy) that travels along the ‘meridians’ which the acupuncture points affect.
Acupuncture, which treats a broad range of conditions and is a treatment which encourages the patient’s body to cure itself, is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It had its origins in China, more than 2500 years ago. Acupuncture is the premier medical treatment in the world. More people get acupuncture treatments than any other treatment available today.
In acupuncture, the nerves in the skin and muscles are stimulated by the penetration of thin, metallic, solid needles at anatomic points also known as acupuncture points or acupoints and this produces a wide variety of effects. It causes the system to increase the release of natural painkillers.
These natural painkillers, endorphin, and serotonin are released in the pain pathway of the brain and the spinal cord causing the pain signals which are received to be modified.
In acupuncture the Chinese terms jing Luo means meridian or channel and Qi (chi) means natural energy or vital energy and Xue mean acupuncture points or acupoints. The Qi or energy circulates throughout the channels or meridians of which there are 12 main ones and 8 minor ones.
There are two common terms in the traditional Chinese medicine system. They are Yin and Yang. Yin is female while Yang the male principle. Harmony is achieved when these are in balance.
If there is an imbalance of the two, the flow of vital energy or natural energy is blocked and it is believed that dis-ease come about as a result of this imbalance.
Imbalances can occur when a person is depressed, due to grief, anger or fear, stressed or when it is very cold, very hot, humid, windy or dry. Factors such as an improper diet, exhaustion, overwork, and too much sex can bring about this imbalance as well. Acupuncture can restore this imbalance of energy.
Stimulation of the immune system is brought about by acupuncture. It also has an effect on the release of various hormones that take part in helping the body to react to injury and stress. In cases where the use of Western medicine is said to be very limited, like chronic pain management and drug addiction, acupuncture has shown encouraging results.
A disease is usually viewed as a disharmony, and treatment is directed toward balancing. Therapy may include the use of acupuncture, bodywork, dietary advice, and herbal formulas.
What can acupuncture and its therapies be used for?
- Musculoskeletal pain/back pain
- Headaches
- Menopausal symptoms
- Arthritis
- Insomnia
- Sciatica
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Menstrual disorders
- Stress-related conditions
- Digestive disorders
- Fatigue
- Adverse effects of chemotherapy
- Mental-emotional problems
