An overview of acupuncture will only skim the surface of this fascinating ancient medical art. The practice, which began in China thousands of years ago, focuses on the concept of yin and yang. It aims to restore natural balance, based on the theory that imbalance causes most illness.
Acupuncturists believe that yin and yang are expressions of energy, also called Qi (pronounced "chee"). Correctly inserted acupuncture needles tap into Qi to balance your energy. They restore the flow of Qi, allowing the body to heal itself.
Eastern medicine believes that the flowing force called Qi is responsible for all life and all change. Qi drives the weather and the slow movement of the continents. It also maintains our bodies.
Some Qi is inherited. Nutritive Qi comes from a proper diet. Each organ has its own, innate type of Qi. Acquired Qi is protective, and acupuncture is one way to get it. Acupuncture unblocks Qi, and balances its expression.
Qi energy manifests as yin and yang. They appear in every aspect of nature. As we perceive them, yin is cold, and yang is hot. Yin is passive, and yang is active. Yin is female, and yang is male. Nothing, however, is completely yin or yang. The two principles constantly expand and contract, realigning themselves within their eternal relationship.
To an acupuncturist, all existence is a striving for harmony. The two manifestations of Qi constantly work to balance and rebalance themselves. Acupuncture addresses this balance.
Like practitioners of Western medicine, most acupuncturists take the patient's pulse. Unlike Western doctors, their fingers detect twelve separate pulses, six in each wrist. Each pulse is associated with a specific organ, such as the lung, spleen or heart.
Although the organs are called by their Western names in America, Eastern medicine does not believe they are confined to specific locations in the body. Each has a particular variety of energy. This Qi flows mostly through channels called meridians, which direct the energy that is produced and stored by the organs. Checking the correct pulse can detect problems with an organ. Observing and questioning a patient also helps detect organ problems.
Acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points along specific meridians, depending on the particular problems. The metal needles contact and regulate the Qi. They can release blockages and restore balance in energy flow, according to the tenets of acupuncture.
Ultra-thin needles are sterile, often single-use disposables. The acupuncturist quickly sticks them in to a depth that barely breaks the skin or up to three inches. She may want to leave them in for just five minutes or as long as an hour; the average is 30 minutes.
The slender needles generally do not hurt even sensitive patients. Some do report a mild pinching sensation. Others say they experience a pleasant tingle and a feeling of healing.
Acupuncture does not focus on fighting disease. Rather, it works to restore a natural state of health. Many patients choose acupuncture as a supplement to traditional medical care. Its ancient practices have many adherents throughout the world. Some practitioners are also doctors trained in Western medicine. For more than just an overview of acupuncture, seek out a qualified practitioner in your area. Most are eager to share their knowledge.
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