Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese Healing Art that is derived from the oriental theory of opposites, the male and female energies known as Yin and Yang. Fine needles are inserted at specific points along the body’s subtle energy conduits known as “meridians”, hence restoring the body’s balance. It can be used for stress management, pain relief, injury, fatigue, nausea, sleep disorders, digestive disorders, aphasia, chemical dependency, weight loss and many other chronic diseases or ailments. The experience is painless and often there is a sense of blissful relaxation and deep renewal at the end of the session.
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of points (more than 400) on the body. Tiny, sterile needles are inserted into the skin and then manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. There is little to no pain associated with the needles. They remain in place for approximately 20 minutes, during which time you relax, meditate, practice deep breathing or even sleep.
There have been extensive studies conducted on acupuncture, especially for back and neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and headache. The stimulation of acupuncture points results in a release of neurohormones (such as endorphins). This has an analgesic effect as well as an effect on other multiple systems of the body, which elevate mood and relieve pain.
Classical Chinese theory explains that energy flows in channels throughout the body–connecting all the organs and systems that sustain life. These channels are accessed through acupuncture points. If the energy flow becomes disrupted or unbalanced due to stress, trauma, infection or poor diet, this causes pain and illness. By stimulating certain acupuncture points on specific channels, balance and harmony to the organs and channels can be restored.