About Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that is based on the philosophy that vital energy flowing through the body nourishes and protects from illness. One of the most important innovations of Chinese culture, acupuncture originated 5,000 years ago and hinges on the theory that fourteen major energy channels or meridians flow through the body. This vital energy or Qi, travels through the meridians. Any blockage or misdirection in this energy flow is believed to be responsible for many ailments. Qi energy has two aspects: yin and yang – yin representing cold, darkness, night, water, earth and femininity and yang representing hot, light, day, fire, sky and masculinity. In the context of acupuncture, the causation of diseases is described as either an excess or deficiency of yin or yang.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
In order to resolve Qi energy imbalances, acupuncturists insert hair-thin, disposable needles into certain points on the body along the meridian pathways. Located between muscles and tendons, these points are targeted based on the symptoms that the individual is exhibiting. The stimulation of these points with acupuncture needles is believed to activate the body’s Qi to promote natural healing. Acupuncture’s holistic approach focuses on the entire self rather than on the symptoms, with the objective of isolating the root of the ailment in question. This is why factors like lifestyle and emotional/mental wellbeing come into consideration. Typically, the acupuncture practitioner checks a client’s pulse and tongue in order to complete the diagnosis and ascertain what treatment plan is best suited to the condition.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture can stimulate the central nervous system to release neurotransmitters and hormones, resulting in the regulation of internal organ function for an increase in immunity and the alleviation of pain. Note that acupuncture is not a miracle cure and results might vary by person. Book a consultation to learn how acupuncture works and what it can do for you. Acupuncture can be beneficial for the treatment of many conditions, such as:
- - Pain
- - Weight loss
- - Digestive system issues
- - Sports injuries
- - Skin conditions
- - Respiratory diseases
- - Urinary system
- - Smoking
- - Infertility
- - Adverse reactions from radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- - Morning sickness
- - Diabetes
- - Hypertension
- - Induction of labor
How to Prepare for Your Acupuncture Session
It’s advisable that you consume a snack/light meal prior to acupuncture treatment. Avoid caffeine, drugs and alcohol, and abstain from treatment if you’re experiencing physical or mental extremes such as exhaustion or anger. The sensation of acupuncture needles varies from client to client but typically, discomfort is minimal. Upon insertion of the acupuncture needles, Qi is drawn to the insertion site. This is the energy that the acupuncturist guides through you body in order to stimulate balance in your body.
Acupuncture and Pregnancy
Acupuncture is safe for pregnant women. Although this treatment can contribute to the induction of labour, qualified acupuncturists know which needling points are prohibited during pregnancy. Acupuncture is often used to assist pregnant women with morning sickness, back pain and even pain during labour.
