Acupuncture is a form of therapy that promotes natural healing of the body, through the insertion and manipulation of very thin needles into specific points just under the patient's skin surface.
Acupuncture forms a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which originated in China over 5000 years ago. Currently, acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy and an increasingly popular form of healthcare that is used by a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds.
The major benefits of Acupuncture are as follows:
- Drug-free pain relief
- Assists prevention against disease
- Treats the cause as well as the symptoms
- Holistic approach to illness, linking body, mind and emotions
- Effectively treats many common ailments
The art and science of acupuncture is largely based on the idea of a 'meridian system'... a view of 'channels' that direct Qi (chee). When these channels are blocked, or too full, imbalances can occur in the form of pain and illness. We are now starting to understand this Qi (typically and loosely defined as "life force") to actually be bioelectic current which is conducted through the medium of fascia, or connective tissue. This current affects hormonal balance, cell regeneration, metabolic processes, and much more that Western science is only now being able to quantify.
A skilled acupuncturist can determine the quality of Qi flow in a patient through the intake process, observation of the patient, and a palpation of 'pulses' in the wrist.
She will then insert thin needles into specific points in the body for a period of ten to thirty minutes, with the intention of regulating the Qi flow, and providing relief for the patient.