Acupuncture is the ancient art of health care based on the principals of maintaining balance and removing energy interference in order to restore the body’s natural healing capabilities. One of the main principals of acupuncture is creating balance between the right and left sides of the body. This is the ying-yang principal, or the balancing of two halves. In addition, the body has a natural energy source that travels throughout the body. This energy called qi (pronounced chi) travels throughout the body through channels called meridians. There are 14 meridians named for body organs and each has a number of points. The meridians are like highways and the points are like exits. When functioning properly, energy (qi) courses throughout the meridians without disruption. However, like our highways and exits get blocked and we can’t get to out desired location, energy acts like a car stuck in a traffic jam and can’t move forward. The Chinese believe any ailment can be traced back to disruption in qi and imbalances in the body. Ailments could include pain, allergy, addictions, infertility and stress. Stimulating specific acupuncture points along the meridians can treat any weakness in the immune system. The points are treated with tiny, thin acupuncture needles. Western medicine has provided most of us with a negative connotation towards the concept of needles. Acupuncture needles should not be confused with the needles we use for blood draws and vaccinations. The needles are slightly thicker than a human hair. Acupuncture is a surprisingly painless and bloodless procedure that acts as a safe treatment option for most common health concerns. In addition, acupuncture has a great success rate with patients that fail to thrive with conventional medicine alone. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating chronic muscular pain, headaches, infertility, weight loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, smoking cessation, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, asthma, arthritis, poor immunity and fatigue. Acupuncture can also be utilized in pregnancy and as a complimentary treatment for cancer (2) patients. |