Acupuncture is a healthcare treatment, based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, health is achieved by balancing the “yin” and “yang” of our vital life force known as “qi” (pronounced “chi”). Disruptions and imbalance in energy flow can lead to pain, loss of function and disease. The practice of acupuncture stimulates specific acupuncture points located along the body’s “meridians”, through which our vital energy “qi” runs, in an effort to restore balance.
The meridian system sustains and integrates all tissues and organs into an organic whole, providing the pathways for blood and energy movement. It contains “interior” pathways linking the upper and lower body and the viscera (guts/organs), and “exterior” pathways linking the skin, sinews, bones and other tissues. The meridian system includes subdivided branches and forms a network of vessels that reaches every part of the body.
The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of specialized ultra-fine acupuncture needles into the acupuncture points along the meridians, stimulating the auto-regulatory mechanisms of the body to promote healing. Acupuncture can have an effect on the nervous system, cardiovascular, digestive, immune and endocrine systems. Because it facilitates the body’s self-healing mechanism, acupuncture can be beneficial in managing a variety of health issues.
Some of the conditions that can be treated using Acupuncture include:
• Headaches
• Digestive disorders / Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Hormone balancing / Menopause / PMS
• Infertility
• Back Pain / Musculoskeletal Pain / Muscle spasms
• Stroke recovery
• Arthritis
• Nerve pain
• Shingles
• Smoking cessation / Addiction treatment
• Insomnia and Restless Sleep
• Anxiety / Depression
• Chemotherapy side effects
• Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue
• Bell’s Palsy (Facial paralysis)
For more information about Acupuncture, please visit the following links:
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO)
UC San Diego School of Medicine – Using Acupuncture to Relieve Pain and Improve Sleep