What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a healing tradition that goes back thousands of years. The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into precise locations in the body to restore the balance and function of the human body.
Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive system of health care and maintenance that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease, and improve well-being. It is effective for treating many health conditions including physical complaints, and mental and emotional imbalances.
How does acupuncture work?
The Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works involves the life energy, or vital force, known in East Asian medicine as Qi (chee). Qi flows through the body along specific channels known as meridians. These meridians connect all of the parts of our bodies, our organs, muscles, even our brain, together. Illness, injuries, stress, or even life events can cause the flow of energy to be disrupted or unbalanced. Inserting thin acupuncture needles along these meridians helps the body restore the natural flow of energy and alleviate the pain, stress, or illness.
The Western explanation of how acupuncture works is still incomplete, but much research has gone into trying to ‘figure it out’. It is known that acupuncture points show increased electrical conductivity and sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various receptors that stimulate nerves, that in turn, transmit impulses to the brain.
The hypothalamic – pituitary system is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins. These are the body’s natural pain – killing hormones, and they also play a role in regulating the hormonal system. So acupuncture not only treats pain, and is also used to treat imbalances with the body’s hormonal system. The substances released by the body in response to acupuncture relax the body and regulate serotonin in the brain. Some of the other physiological effects of acupuncture include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, pain relief, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the ability of acupuncture and East Asian Medicine to treat the following common disorders:
Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive system of health care and maintenance that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease, and improve well-being. It is effective for treating many health conditions including physical complaints, and mental and emotional imbalances.
How does acupuncture work?
The Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works involves the life energy, or vital force, known in East Asian medicine as Qi (chee). Qi flows through the body along specific channels known as meridians. These meridians connect all of the parts of our bodies, our organs, muscles, even our brain, together. Illness, injuries, stress, or even life events can cause the flow of energy to be disrupted or unbalanced. Inserting thin acupuncture needles along these meridians helps the body restore the natural flow of energy and alleviate the pain, stress, or illness.
The Western explanation of how acupuncture works is still incomplete, but much research has gone into trying to ‘figure it out’. It is known that acupuncture points show increased electrical conductivity and sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various receptors that stimulate nerves, that in turn, transmit impulses to the brain.
The hypothalamic – pituitary system is responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins. These are the body’s natural pain – killing hormones, and they also play a role in regulating the hormonal system. So acupuncture not only treats pain, and is also used to treat imbalances with the body’s hormonal system. The substances released by the body in response to acupuncture relax the body and regulate serotonin in the brain. Some of the other physiological effects of acupuncture include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, pain relief, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the ability of acupuncture and East Asian Medicine to treat the following common disorders:
Arthritis/joint problems
Back pain/Sciatica Knee pain Shoulder pain Neck stiffness/pain Carpal tunnel syndrome TMJ/jaw pain Headache/Migraine Sports/Traumatic injury Tendonitis Fibromyalgia Immune System imbalance Constipation/Diarrhea Allergies/Asthma Common cold/Influenza Cough/Bronchitis Ear, Nose, Throat disorders |
Infertility Gynecological disorders Premenstrual syndrome Sexual dysfunction/impotence
Heart Problems/Palpitations Bladder/Kidney problems Numbness/poor circulation Smoking cessation Skin Problems Stress Depression Fatigue Insomnia Anxiety |