What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has helped billions of people over the past 5,000 years.  Acupuncture can help to relieve symptoms and signs of may health problems.  It can also uncover the underlying root cause of those symptoms.   The goal of this dynamic and integrated health care system is to activate the natural, self-healing abilities of the body.

Inside of you is an intelligent, energetic system that maintains health and balance.  As Einstein showed us , everything is made of, and radiates, energy.  This subtle form of energy supports, shapes and enlivens our physical body and activates  our lives.  For the past 5,000 years, practitioners of acupuncture have called this intelligent energy Qi (pronounced "chee").  Numerous cultures have described this energy and called by such names as prana, spirit, vital force, orgone, innate intelligence and ether.  Our health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Meridians are like rivers inside the body.  Wherever a river flows, it carries water that provides nourishment and sustenance for life on our planet.  Similarly, meridians are the rivers where Qi flows inside of us.  Qi flows through meridians as an invisible current, energizing, nourishing and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland.

When Qi is balanced and flowing freely, the body's natural self-healing abilities are activated, enabling internal stability and harmony to occur.  The body will flourish, and true health and well being can be achieved. Tiny, disposable, sterile needles placed gently into specific acupuncture points will release blocked Qi to help heal the body.

The stresses of daily life affect the quality and flow of Qi.

Different stresses affect meridians and organs in different ways, isrupting or blocking Qi flow.  A blockage in the meridian will restrict the supply of Qi required to nourish and support the cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands.  This blockage can manifest into various signs and symptoms.  Over time, the body as a whole becomes weakened, and its self=healing abilities compromised.  Eventually, it becomes susceptible to pain, disease, and ill health.

An acupuncturist develops keen diagnostic skills to effectively evaluate the quality, quantity and balance of Qi flowing within the body and  the quality and flow of Qi. 

Moxibustion

The dried leaf of mugwort is rolled into a stick or placed on the end of needles, then burned as a warming therapy during treatment.  This technique is known as moxibustion.

Auricular acupuncture

The ear is a ‘micro system’, meaning that there is a point on the ear that represents every part of the body.

Acupressure

A technique involving pressure on acupuncture points using the thumbs or fingers, capable of giving relief of symptoms in responsive individuals.

Tuina Massage

A Chinese massage technique that stimulates the meridians, facilitating the flow of Qi.

The History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China about 5,000 years ago and spread to neighboring Asian countries including Japan, Vietnam, and Korea by about 500 CE, and finally to Europe in the 16th century.

Acupuncture in the Modern Era

In spite of its spread to Europe so long ago, most North Americans were unaware of acupuncture until President Richard Nixon made his famous trip to China in 1971. James Reston of the New York Times, a reporter on Nixon’s trip, had the misfortune to develop appendicitis while there. After the surgery he developed ‘paralytic ileus’, meaning that his small bowel stopped functioning and he became bloated with gas. Instead of putting a tube down through his nose to let the gas escape from his stomach, an acupuncture needle was inserted, possibly in his leg. Reston passed his gas and the rest is history. The whole world heard about this amazing phenomenon and now the western world has embraced this ancient healing art. 

When picking an acupuncturist, make sure they are trained in  Traditional Chinese Acupuncture to benefit fully from this amazing healing art.
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