What is Acupuncture?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well.

Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical conditions.

Acupuncture meridian points activate the body’s innate healing abilities that acupuncturists call Qi (pronounced “chee”). According to TCM, Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. Qi flows through pathways called meridians and provides nourishment to the body’s cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, symptoms associated with the condition or illness may appear. Acupuncture is just one aspect of TCM. There are many modalities within TCM that may effectively contribute to restoring the body’s natural healing ability.

How does Qi move?

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-
giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

How is Qi disrupted?

When Qi becomes disrupted in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain or disease can set in.

Acupuncture and Modern Science

From a modern scientific perspective, stimulation of acupuncture meridian points causes the release of nervous-system chemicals in our brain, spinal cord, and muscles that help restore the body’s ability to heal naturally.

These chemicals provide tremendous health benefits, whether it is influencing your body to heal more quickly, or simply altering how you may be experiencing your pain. Regardless, the healing and regenerative properties of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are truly amazing; the only way to find out if acupuncture is the perfect treatment plan for you is to give it a try.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, effective and drug-free therapies that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems. During the initial exam, an acupuncturist will take a full health history. They will ask questions regarding your health, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is also conducted, which may include pulse and tongue evaluations.

Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may be contributing to a person’s health problems. This enables the practitioner to create a well-structured treatment plan.

Once imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points located along your meridian pathways. The safe and often painless insertion of these needles can unblock any obstructions and rebalance Qi in these pathways. When Qi can circulate freely throughout the body, it provides adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This circulation can eliminate pain and restore balance as well as the body’s ability to heal itself ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

Interested in giving acupuncture a try? Head to https://yaelacuwellness.janeapp.com/ to book an appointment.