What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practioners of acupuncture and Tradional 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 safe, painless and effective way to trea a variety of medical diseases.
What is Qi?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi, the vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the bosy and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A persons health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
How does Qi move?
Qi moves through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen 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?
An obstruction to the flow of Qi is lake 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 ina weakened state, illness, pain or disease can set in.
What does an acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a dull health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam may be conducted which may include a pulse and tongue evaluation.
Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person’s health problems. The practitioner can then create a well structured treatment plan.