Acupuncture Therapy originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is the
Science and Art of healing. Its aim is to establish a healthier state of
body function and to increase the body's capacity to cope with stress.
When healthy, an abundant supply of qi (pronounced chee) or "life
energy" flows through the body's meridians (a network of invisible
channels through the body). The meridians relate to various organs (some
which are the same name as Western Medicine and some that are unique to
Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the meridians were mapped out by the
ancient Chinese.
If the flow of qi in the meridians becomes blocked or there is an
inadequate supply of qi, then the body fails to maintain harmony,
balance and order, and disease or illness follows. This can result from
stress, overwork, poor diet, disease pathogens, weather and
environmental conditions, and other lifestyle factors and becomes
evident to TCM practitioners through observable signs of bodily
dysfunction. TCM practitioners look carefully for these signs of health
and dysfunction, paying particular attention not only to the presenting
signs and symptoms, but also to the medical history, general
constitution, the pulse and tongue.
By stimulating certain areas along the meridians (acupuncture points)
with tiny sterile disposable needles the quality and quantity of energy
and fluids can be normalized. Essentially this stimulation assists your
body to "heal" itself.
As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits:
- provides drug-free pain relief
- effectively treats a wide range of
acute and chronic ailments
- treats the underlying cause of
disease and illness as well as the symptoms
- provides an holistic approach to the
treatment of disease and illness, linking body, mind and emotions
- assists in the prevention against
disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being