What is Acupuncture?

All healing is ultimately self-healing. Every healing modality uses a different approach to restore internal balance that has gone awry.

In Oriental Medicine, Acupuncture is one of the primary tools for restoring resilient health. Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of very fine needles at specific locations on the body. But, acupuncture is not about the needles—it’s about the regulating the flow of vital energy and its pathways.

Acupuncture helps to prevent and alleviate illness by improving the overall functioning of the body’s internal systems. Acupuncture is helpful for:

  • Treating existing illnesses and injuries.
  • Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness.
  • Improving overall health and immune function.

How does Acupuncture work?

Our life energy (qi) flows in channels (also called meridians) throughout the body. These channels are rivers of energy, like a series of interconnected waterways or a complex information Acupuncture meridianshighway. Each major organ is associated with its own meridian or energy pathway.

Health is a manifestation of balance, both within the body itself and between the body and the external environment. When your system is internally balanced and in harmony with the external environment, qi flows smoothly through the meridians to nourish the organs and tissues. If an obstruction occurs in one of the meridians, qi is disrupted and cannot flow properly. When qi cannot flow smoothly or is forced to flow in the opposite direction, the body’s innate balance is disrupted, and illness results.

Acupuncture points are specific locations on the meridians where qi is both concentrated and accessible. In Oriental Medicine, a variety of practices can be used to engage the qi at these points. Acupuncture needling is just one such practice; others may include moxibustion (a heat treatment), cupping, medical massage, or energy work. As the body regains its natural balance, well-being returns.

Acupuncture and Modern Science

Inflammation (represented by the red coloration) decreases during acupuncture treatment.

With modern technology, we can objectively “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. Experiments with thermography (a heat-sensing technology that produces output in various colors) also show that inflammation in body tissues visibly decreases after acupuncture treatment.

In my office, you can view the energy flow dynamics of your own meridians with the help of the AcuGraph system. With AcuGraph technology, you can understand clearly which body systems are challenged or under duress, and you also can see the beneficial results of treatment—objectively.

Do you want to know more? Reach out directly through the Contact Me page.