Acupuncture started in China over 3,000 years ago. It is popular worldwide and is recognized as a primary healthcare system in many countries. The Chinese word “qi” (pronounced “chee”) describes the body’s life force, or energy. Meridians are the pathways through which energy, or qi, circulates. Before an acupuncture treatment, your therapist will assess what meridians and organs are involved. This diagnosis is based on your signs and symptoms as well as where you manifest physical pain.
Disease, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), results from an imbalance or blockage along the meridians of your body. This causes physical, emotional and psychosomatic stress related disorders.
This is where the needles come into use: very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are inserted into specific points along meridians to disperse blockages and mobilize the body’s natural immune response. No medicine is put into your body; the body begins to heal itself.
There is no need to worry. Acupuncture is neither scary nor painful. Lots of people actually fall asleep while the needles are in and wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed. Ask anyone who has gone to a licensed acupuncturist and they will tell you how great they feel through the whole process.
