What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese healing art that is over 3,500 years old. It has been used for centuries to treat many types of illness, disease and health condition that has afflicted the human body. Over the last 30 years, Americans have started to embrace the healing technique making over 12 million visits each year to a trained acupuncturist. The FDA has estimated that almost half a billion dollars each year is spent on acupuncture and treatments associated with it.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture works by eliminating obstacles that block the flow of Qi throughout the meridians or pathways that traverse the body. There are 12 main pathways and 8 extra-ordinary meridians that allow the body’s life energy or Qi to flow freely throughout the body. The body has close to 2000 acupuncture points that correspond with different organs and other areas of the body. This unique system of meridians and treatment points creates a very precise and accurate map of the body for the acupuncturist to follow.

Every point along the meridians affects the Qi energy differently as it moves through the body. It is the purpose of Acupuncture to maintain the delicate balance between yin and yang so that the body functions as efficiently as possible. Acupuncture uses small golden needles, silver or stainless steel, that are extremely thin to help remove blockages and stimulate the flow of Qi along the meridians and pathways. By inserting the needles into the acupuncture points, the Qi is allowed to gently resume its normal path restoring balance and renewed health to the body.

Acupuncture works because it elicits a healing response. By restoring proper energy flow and balance within the body, the mind becomes clearer. The traditional Chinese practice can be used to help release stress and anxiety from the body. Stress can create blockages within the meridians and cause a person to become anxious or depressed. With acupuncture, the blockages are gently released and feelings of calmness are restored. This allows the person to address situations with a clearer, more focused mind, raising their mood and increasing feelings of well being.

Chronic Illnesses

Acupuncture is extremely beneficial for chronic illnesses, especially those that are accompanied by pain and inflammation. Acupuncture relaxes the body, allowing muscles to let go of the stress and pain that keep them from relaxing. Once the needles are inserted, the Qi energy begins to flow, soothing muscles and tissues. Endorphins are released and both the mind and body begin to calm. As the process continues, pain begins to lessen and inflammation slowly starts to dissipate.

By restoring and maintaining the flow of Qi energy, the body is better able to handle chronic illness. Fewer medications are needed to provide comfort. It is believed that Acupuncture may release other chemicals in the body other than just endorphins. Many health professionals believe the technique also promotes the release of endorphins that produce effects similar to that of morphine in terms of controlling pain and discomfort.