Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is based on the concept of maintaining balance and harmony to keep ourselves in a state of good health. TCM focuses on the entire system, body, mind and spirit to restore balance.

According to TCM, our energy flows through channels in the body that run from the surface to deep inside, and connect with each other. Illness is the result of a blockage or problem with the flow of energy. Acupuncture points access these channels to affect the energy flow and organs of the body.

How does Acupuncture refer to the organs of the body?

The organs regulate the correct functioning of the body, mind and spirit. TCM refers to the organs based on their functions. For example, in Chinese Medicine, the liver stores blood, ensures a smooth flow of energy around the body, regulates menstruation, opens to the eyes, manifests in the nails, and plays a vital role in social interaction, creativity and in ensuring we get a good night's sleep.

Based on its function, each organ has a corresponding group of symptoms that indicate a potential imbalance within it. A patient reporting problems with vision, in particular, floaters in front of the eyes, may indicate a liver imbalance in Chinese Medicine. However, all patients will be viewed as a whole and will be diagnosed based on the organs and channels affected.

What is Qi?

Qi (pronounced 'chee') is the concept which underpins all of Chinese Medicine. It can be translated as 'vital energy'. Qi runs through the channels of the body in different forms and is accessed via acupuncture points. During treatment, Qi will be experienced as a pulling, warming, tingling sensation when the needles are manipulated after insertion. It is a pleasant but unusual sensation.

Acupuncture and its History

By analysing natural processes, the ancient Chinese deduced key patterns and principles which occurred in all things that they used to understand and influence the factors causing disease.

Acupuncture evolved as a natural process of healing that accelerates the body's own ability to heal itself to restore balance. It focuses on improving the overall well being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of a specific symptom. The principle aim of acupuncture is to recover the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.