ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing developed thousands of years ago. The practice of acupuncture is thought to have begun with the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas on the skin affect the functioning of certain organs of the body. Traditional acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. Achieving the proper flow of qi, which maintains the dynamic balance of yin and yang, is thought to create health and wellness. The treatments work to obtain a harmonious energetic balance of yin and yang while restoring and maintaining health in the body by inserting fine needles into acupuncture points on the channels of energy running through the body.
Meridians &
Acupoints
Meridians are channels of energy that run through the body. On the 14 meridians are the acupoints that the practitioner needles to obtain a balance of yin and yang while restoring health in the body. There are 365 main acupoints located all over the arms, legs, head and torso. These are the main points the acupuncturist will use during the treatment. In addition, there are over 500 local, non meridian points.
The Needles
Most Acupuncturists use single pre-sterilized needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. The acupuncture needles are very fine and come in different lengths and thicknesses. Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Once the practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle the patient should feel some heaviness, distention or tingling around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. This is a sign that the treatment is having a positive effect. In fact, most people find acupuncture treatments relaxing and refreshing.
Qi
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy, known as Qi (chee), moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians beneath the skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities, Yin and Yang, and when these become unbalanced, illness may result.