Information About Acupuncture

• What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
• How does Acupuncture work?
• Acupuncture and Modern Science
• Summary

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?

TCM is an ancient and comprehensive health care system that has been used for more than 4,000 years to diagnose, treat and prevent disease. It can enhance recuperative power and strengthen immunity.

TCM encompasses Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Nutrition, Tui Na (bodywork) and Qi Gong (breathing exercises).

The principles are based on the theory of Yin and Yang and the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi corresponds broadly to energy or life force. Yin and Yang describe the dynamic opposites that exist in our body and all of nature. A balance of Yin and Yang must be maintained so that Qi is not disrupted. Human beings are bioenergetic systems. When the balance of Qi is disrupted, disharmony, pain and illness result.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is based on the premise that Qi flows through the many channels in our body. Acupuncture points are located on the skin where the channels come closer to the surface. The points are like gates which are accessed by acupuncture to correct energetic imbalances, restore both harmony and the natural ability of the body to heal itself. Extremely fine, sterile disposable needles are used.

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. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.

Summary

Chinese Oriental medicine has been around for thousands of years, and has provided us with a unique and holistic approach to help prevent and treat disease. Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine ultimately rely on the body's natural healing ability to maintain health and protect against disease. Both have the same goal of helping a person stay healthy. Western science tends to use drugs and surgery as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling and herbs. A combination of both systems creates an ideal environment of health and healing.