What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

How acupuncture works is the classical Chinese explanation of channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it to others.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy through the meridians. The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Does Acupuncture Really Work?

In my opinion, absolutely yes. In the past 2,000 years, more and more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely throughout Asia and Europe. It is now being more mainstream in America, being used by more and more patients as well as physicians.

Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other medical techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic, or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.