Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete natural health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this minimally-invasive treatment method to help millions of people become healthier 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 and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems by bringing the body and mind back into a more balanced state.
What is Qi?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Our bodies manufacture and maintain various forms of qi through our digestive & respiratory systems as well as our genetic components. Qi animates our body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
How does Qi move?
Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians inside the body. The diagram on the left shows the meridian pathways in 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?
An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow 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.
What does an acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam we take a full health history. I’ll ask questions regarding your Physical and emotional health, symptoms & their history and lifestyle. We’ll conduct an appropriate physical exam, including pulse and tongue diagnosis and palpating areas of pain or injury.
Gathering this information enables me to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to your health problems. I can then create a well-structured treatment plan.
Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, I will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints according to meridian pathways, trigger points or motor point zones that relate to your condition. This safe insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself—ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.
