What is acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the major therapeutic techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
TCM originated in China over 5000 years ago and has developed its own unique system of diagnosis and identification of disease. It works by stimulating certain pressure points through the use of fine needles to restore the body’s natural flow of energy.
How acupuncture works
The ancient Chinese believed that each person has an energy, which they called qi (pronounced chee), flowing through the body. They felt that good health is maintained if the body’s energy, or qi, is able to flow freely and harmoniously. The pathways through which qi flows are called meridians and these circulate through the organs and tissues of the body.
There are over 500 acupuncture points and many of these lie along the meridians. By stimulating these points with needles, the quality and quantity of qi can be normalized to help maintain health.
Often an area or acupuncture point is warmed and stimulated by a Chinese herb. This process is called Moxibustion. Suction cups and massage may also be utilized to enhance the treatment.
