Simply put, acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing.
By inserting sterile, hair-fine needles to patient specific points, acupuncture balances, strengthens and unblocks stagnant areas that may be causing you pain and leading to illness.
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been extensively studied and successfully used for centuries in China and throughout Asia. Acupuncture, coupled with herbal medicine, are the primary aspects of TCM that have been advocated by the World Health Organization as reliable therapies for a multitude of conditions.
TCM views the body as a complex network of electrical energy systems (meridians).
Each meridian has multiple links to various organs, tissues and aspects of growth and development. When we are in balance, these systems flow freely providing our bodies with optimal health and support. Depending on diet, lifestyle, emotional stresses and genetics, these systems can easily become imbalanced leading to the stagnation of energy (Qi). Over time, these stagnations can manifest as various physical and emotional illnesses. Acupuncture aims to unblock these imbalanced energy systems and ultimately restore the body to its naturally healthy state.
Clinically speaking, acupuncture works in several ways.
As each needle passes through the skin’s surface, the immune system is activated and blood flow (circulation) is increased to the needling site. Additionally, certain points stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals can control and alter many functions of our regulatory systems.
For musculoskeletal injuries, greater circulation means faster healing. For pain management, acupuncture increases levels of adenosine, an anti-inflammatory and natural painkiller, in the damaged tissue. If you suffer from sleep disorders, depression or anxiety, acupuncture is proven to release dopamine and serotonin which are essential to mood stability and relaxation. For digestive issues, acupuncture can regulate gastrointestinal contractions and reduce lactic acid secretions. The scope of practice is seldom limited.