Acupuncture

What is acupuncture? 

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well 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 conditions.

What is Qi?

Qi is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. Qi flows through pathways called meridians and provides nourishment to the body’s cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, symptoms and illness may appear. 

How does Qi move?

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside 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?

When Qi becomes disrupted in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage 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 diets, 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?

Acupuncturists are trained to locate blocks in the Qi.  Once these imbalances are detected, your acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points located along the meridian pathways. This safe, and often painless, insertion of needles can unblock obstructions and rebalance Qi in these pathways. When Qi can circulate freely throughout the body, it provides adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This circulation can eliminate pain and restore balance, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.