Acupuncture is one of five components of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The other four are herbal medicine, the practice of a physical and breathing discipline called Qigong, a type of massage called Tui Na, and the use of specific foods and food types. The main objective of each component is to bring about a harmonious flow and balance of Qi.
The principles of Acupuncture are as follows
There are 14 major energy channels called MERIDIANS that reach through the body from the head, arms, hands, legs, feet, torso and internal organs. They are a highly complex, invisible network that transports and directs energy to every part of the body.
The body’s energy, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is called QI (pronounced chee). It circulates via meridians to all parts of the body, even the most remote cells. Qi is the vital force that is present in all living things and connects the body to the greater universe. Its balanced and unimpeded flow is critical to good health. Any misdirection, blockage or other derangement of the amount, flow, or balance of Qi results in dysfunction of the body and ill health. When Qi flows smoothly and harmoniously throughout the meridians, each of the body’s systems and organs interacts with and affects all the other systems and organs in a truly interdependent, interrelated and integrated way.
The blockage of Qi not only diminishes its presence in one organ or part, but also causes excessive buildup of Qi in another area. A meridian carrying Qi is like a stream, water backs up behind a damn and slows down or stops in front of it. A blockage of Qi may cause a deficiency beyond it and a buildup behind it, which means diminished activity of some organs and excessive activity of others.
The objective of an Acupuncture treatment is to normalize the flow and distribution of Qi and balance its circulation by stimulating selected ACUPOINTS. The Acupuncturist assesses your situation and completes a diagnosis in the language of Traditional Chinese Medicine, then selects points that are appropriate. These Acupoints were mapped out several thousands of years ago by Chinese physicians using centuries of trial and error and meticulous observation. Western science has demonstrated the existence of Acupoints by measuring the minute electrical charges on the skin.
The above information thankfully comes from the bodypointacupuncture.com at the following link.
