What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese medical treatment in which needles are used to adjust Qi along meridians to promote natural healing. The use of acupuncture began over 5,000 years ago. Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of medical problems. It has helped countless numbers of people become well and stay well. History has proven that it is both safe and effective. The procedure is virtually painless. Acupuncture for management of medical problems achieves both symptom control and healing.

What is Qi?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is vital energy. A person’s health can be positively or negatively influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. If the Qi is strong, circulates well and in good balance, then the person reaches optimal health.

How is Qi disrupted?
Physical and emotional trauma, injury or accident, stress, excessive activity, lack of sleep, seasonal changes and poor diet are among the many things that can negatively influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. The blockage of the flow of Qi can cause pain. The weakness of Qi leads to lack of vital nourishment to the organs, and the imbalance of Qi is detrimental to a person’s health, causing many medical problems.

What is a meridian?
A meridian is the pathway of Qi flow. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, gland and organ in the body.

What is the procedure of acupuncture treatment?
During the initial consultation a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding diseases, syndromes, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is conducted, including pulse and tongue diagnosis. Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person’s health problems. The practitioner can then create a well-structured treatment plan.

During the acupuncture procedure, an acupuncturist will place and adjust fine disposable sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This acupuncture procedure can unblock the obstruction of Qi, eliminate pain and restore Qi balance and harmony, as well as the body’s ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective holistic therapy that can help a wide variety of medical problems.

What else can help Qi balance?
Healthy life style, balanced diet, herbs and exercise can also help improve Qi’s strength, circulation and balance.