What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used traditional healing modalities in the world. Originating in China at least 2,500 years ago, it has evolved into a comprehensive system of healthcare that helps to restore health to the mind and body by treating the energetic pathways of the body. Practitioners have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well. Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can support physical and emotional health, enhance recuperative power and immunity, and improve overall function and well-being. It is a painless, safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical conditions and complaints.
In order to understand how acupuncture works, it is helpful to know a little bit about Qi, and how it affects our health.
In order to understand how acupuncture works, it is helpful to know a little bit about Qi, and how it affects our health.
What is Qi?
At the heart of Chinese Medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or life force, flows throughout the body. Qi enables the body to function and protects it from pain, illness and disease. The health of any individual is directly influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi in the body.
How does Qi move?
Qi circulates through the body in natural patterns via specific pathways called channels, or meridians. The channels are like rivers flowing inside the body, bringing life-giving Qi and nourishment to every cell, gland, organ, tissue and muscle. There are fourteen main channels and countless smaller channels that circulate Qi throughout the entire body.
What happens when Qi is obstructed?
When a person is in perfect health, Qi flows freely and easily throughout the body. However, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, physical and emotional trauma, overexertion, seasonal changes, accidents and excessive activity are among the many things that can disrupt the flow of Qi.
When the flow of Qi is obstructed, it is like a dam blocking a river. Qi becomes "backed up" and excessive in one part of the body, whereas other parts of the body suffer from a restricted flow of vital nourishment. This blockage of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, and may cause an imbalance physically, emotionally or mentally.
Under normal circumstances, the body can easily process a blockage of Qi, bouncing back to a state of health and well-being. However, when the disruption is excessive or endures over a long period of time, or if the body is already in a weakened state, this imbalance can lead to illness, pain or disease.
When the flow of Qi is obstructed, it is like a dam blocking a river. Qi becomes "backed up" and excessive in one part of the body, whereas other parts of the body suffer from a restricted flow of vital nourishment. This blockage of Qi can be detrimental to a person's health, and may cause an imbalance physically, emotionally or mentally.
Under normal circumstances, the body can easily process a blockage of Qi, bouncing back to a state of health and well-being. However, when the disruption is excessive or endures over a long period of time, or if the body is already in a weakened state, this imbalance can lead to illness, pain or disease.
What does an acupuncturist do?
During the initial consultation, your practitioner will take a comprehensive health history. They will ask you questions regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle, and use other methods of traditional chinese diagnosis such as checking the tongue and pulse.
Their aim is to gather as much information as possible to effectively diagnose the specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to your health concerns. Once they have a diagnosis, they can create a well-structured treatment plan to bring your body back to balance.
Fine needles are then gently inserted safely and painlessly at precise points along meridian pathways with respect to traditional theory, current research and your unique constitution and health issues. In our clinic, the highest quality premium needles are used to ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for you.
The placement of acupuncture needles can unblock the obstruction of Qi, and re-balance the flow of Qi through the meridians. This allows Qi to circulate freely throughout the body, nourishing all the cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can bring about relief from pain and the restoration of balance and harmony. Acupuncture also stimulates the body's own self-healing capacity, which ultimately leads to optimal health and wellbeing.
Their aim is to gather as much information as possible to effectively diagnose the specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to your health concerns. Once they have a diagnosis, they can create a well-structured treatment plan to bring your body back to balance.
Fine needles are then gently inserted safely and painlessly at precise points along meridian pathways with respect to traditional theory, current research and your unique constitution and health issues. In our clinic, the highest quality premium needles are used to ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable experience for you.
The placement of acupuncture needles can unblock the obstruction of Qi, and re-balance the flow of Qi through the meridians. This allows Qi to circulate freely throughout the body, nourishing all the cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can bring about relief from pain and the restoration of balance and harmony. Acupuncture also stimulates the body's own self-healing capacity, which ultimately leads to optimal health and wellbeing.
