Don't Disrupt Your Qi - Explaining Acupuncture and It's Benefits

What Exactly IS Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Traditional 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/emotional health and improve overall function.

What is Qi and How Does it Move?

At the core of this ancient medicine, is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "Chee"), the vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians inside the body. The diagram below shows the meridian pathways in the body. Each of these meridians 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, providing Qi nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

How is Qi Disrupted?

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like 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, by 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.

What Does An Acupuncturist Do?

During the initial exam, a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding overall 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.

Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless process, can unblock the obstruction and correct the balance of Qi. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body and provide nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can be the perfect remedy for restoring balance and harmony to your overall health and well-being.