Information About Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. This
process stimulates movement of energy within the body, allowing natural healing to take place.
Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the overall functioning of the body's immune
and organ systems. Acupuncture is helpful for:
- Treating existing illnesses and injuries.
- Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illnesses from developing.
- Improving overall health.
Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago. Over time it spread to Japan, Korea and Vietnam and is part of the holistic system of
healing known as Oriental Medicine.
How does Acupuncture work?
The classical explanation is that energy (Qi) flows in channels (meridians) throughout
the body and over its surfaces. These channels are rivers of energy which are referred to as
meridians. The Chinese have identified 71 meridians in the human body, which is a basic energy
map for all people. The meridians are often compared to a series of interconnected
highways. Each of the major organs in the body is associated with its own meridian. Through
the network of meridians the internal organs are connected to certain areas and parts of the
body including the muscles, bones, joints, and also other organs.
Acupuncture points are the specific points where the Qi is both concentrated
and accessible. Acupuncture engages the Qi by inserting needles at these specific points,
the goal being to restore the proper flow of Qi. As the body regains its natural balance,
well-being returns.
Acupuncture and Modern Science
To the human body, acupuncture needles are a physical stimulus. In Western science, a stimulus
is defined as a detectable change in either the external environment or within the body itself.
When the body detects change, it produces a response. Although acupuncture is not yet fully
understood by Western science, with modern technology scientists can now actually begin to
"see" the body's response to acupuncture. For example, using an MRI (a very sophisticated x-ray),
researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at specific acupuncture points on the
body, corresponding changes occur in the brain.
In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain so the majority of
research thus far has been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate
the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into
the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Regardless of how it works, muscle tension is lessened, joints are released, and pain is relieved. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be
released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body, as well as digestive and other organs.
Summary
For over 3000 years, oriental medicine has provided us with a
comprehensive and holistic approach to help prevent and treat disease. By supporting our natural ability to build and maintain health, oriental medicine is an incredible resource both on its own and in conjunction with western medicine and other modalities.
