Acupuncture is a complete medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, manage chronic disorders, alleviate pain, and promote health through prevention and maintenance. It can be used for physical, emotional and psychological problems.

History

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Oriental Medicine, the most widely used healing system in the world. Traditional Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that combines herbs, moxabustion (a form of heating), cupping, gua sha (scraping skin to increase circulation), massage, diet, and gentle exercise along with acupuncture to correct energy imbalances in the body. 

The practice of acupuncture is rooted in ancient China. It is mentioned in the Huang-Di Nei-Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), a comprehensive documentation of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the time of the Yellow Emperor, Huang-ti, who is said to have ruled from 2697 to 2595 B.C.

Theory

Basic acupuncture theory lies within the ancient philosophy of Taoism. The Taoists believed that the Universe can be described by the dualistic concept of yin and yang. All matter is made of yin and yang, including every part of the human body. The concept of yin is described as that which is dark, cold, moist, yielding, negative in polarity, and feminine. The concept of yang is described as that which is warm, dry, dominant, positive in polarity, and masculine.

Although yin and yang are opposites in nature, it is their ability to interact and balance each other that creates a dynamic interplay that we call health. All diseases or conditions can be classified as either yin or yang in nature due to an imbalance of one or the other.

Chinese acupuncture theory maintains that there are twelve main meridians or energy channels that relate to the internal organs: lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, the pericardium (the sac around the heart), known as the gate of life, small intestine, bladder, kidney, gall bladder, liver, and what is called the triple warmer, whose function is the assimilation and transportation of energy and the maintenance of body temperature.

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote its own natural healing ability. It is not a mystical theory of ancient Chinese, but a type of bioenergetics medicine which has been practiced and developed in Chinese medicine for more than 5000 years. Over this vast length of time, billions of people have been treated successfully.

Chi (pronounced “chee”) is an energy referred to as the ‘life force’ or ‘vital force’ which is present in all living creatures. Chi circulates through 14 major meridians, or energy channels, to all parts of the body. If the flow of Chi is impeded for any reason – by blockage, imbalance, or misdirection – the body’s health weakens in response to the shortage of vital energy.

By restoring the flow of Chi energy, the body can repair itself. To do this, the doctor will stimulate specific points along the meridians, called acupoints, with hair-fine acupuncture needles. This stimulation helps re-balance and encourage the stronger flow of Chi, which is necessary for the body to repair itself and also for the body to maintain itself.

About Meridians

To circulate throughout the body, Chi passes through and along energy channels, termed meridians. There are 14 major meridians, six on the right side of the body and six on the left, and one each in center front and center back. And there are numerous minor meridians which are also essential for the positive flow of Chi. Over the centuries, Chinese doctors have mapped the meridians and hundreds of specific acupoints within the meridians, where stimulation produces improved Chi flow. Optimum health is maintained when Chi flows freely through the meridians.

About Acupoints

Acupoints on the skin’s surface are the pathways to the meridians carrying Chi flow. During acupuncture, the doctor will stimulate (by needles or other means) a specific mix of acupoints to help restore the body’s balance. The stimulation helps to regulate Chi flow and to remove Chi blockages found during the patient’s examination. Acupoints also serve as pathways for the body to absorb natural environmental energy for its well being.

About the Needles

Acupuncture needles are not like the hypodermic needles that are used to give shots and injections. Acupuncture needles are very slender and flexible, as fine as a hair or fine fiber thread, and they do not force liquid into the skin. Some people may experience a little tingling, but new patients usually are surprised at how comfortable, pleasant, and relaxing acupuncture treatment is. Acupuncture needles are sterile disposable needles that are shipped in individually sealed packages and are used only once.

Treatment Choices without Needles

Acupoints can be stimulated by many means other than needles. Some of the other options are acupressure (where finger or mechanical pressure is applied on the acupoint), laser stimulation, heat or cold stimulation.

What Can Be Treated by Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can show positive treatment results for these conditions and symptoms, and more: