What is Acupuncture and how
does it work?
Acupuncture is one of five components of the ancient practice
of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The other four are herbal
medicine, the practice of a physical and breathing discipline
called Qigong, a type of massage called Tui Na, and the use
of specific foods and food types. The main objective of each
component is to bring about a harmonious flow and balance
of Qi.
The principles of Acupuncture are as follows.
There are 14 major energy channels called MERIDIANS that reach
through the body from the head, arms, hands, legs, feet, torso
and internal organs. They are a highly complex, invisible
network that transports and directs energy to every part of
the body.
The body’s energy, in Traditional Chinese Medicine,
is called QI (pronounced chee). It circulates via meridians
to all parts of the body, even the most remote cells. Qi is
the vital force that is present in all living things and connects
the body to the greater universe. Its balanced and unimpeded
flow is critical to good health. Any misdirection, blockage
or other derangement of the amount, flow, or balance of Qi
results in dysfunction of the body and ill health. When Qi
flows smoothly and harmoniously throughout the meridians,
each of the body’s systems and organs interacts with
and affects all the other systems and organs in a truly interdependent,
interrelated and integrated way.
The blockage of Qi not only diminishes its presence in one
organ or part, but also causes excessive buildup of Qi in
another area. A meridian carrying Qi is like a stream, water
backs up behind a damn and slows down or stops in front of
it. A blockage of Qi may cause a deficiency beyond it and
a buildup behind it, which means diminished activity of some
organs and excessive activity of others.
The objective of an Acupuncture treatment is to normalize
the flow and distribution of Qi and balance its circulation
by stimulating selected ACUPOINTS. The Acupuncturist assesses
your situation and completes a diagnosis in the language of
Traditional Chinese Medicine, then selects points that are
appropriate. These Acupoints were mapped out several thousands
of years ago by Chinese physicians using centuries of trial
and error and meticulous observation. Western science has
demonstrated the existence of Acupoints by measuring the minute
electrical charges on the skin.
