Acupuncture (from acus meaning “needle” and punctura meaning “a pricking”) is a “traditional Chinese practice of insertion of fine needles into specific exterior body locations to relieve pain, to induce surgical anesthesia, and for therapeutic purposes.” Though at one time there may have been some doubts about the validity and efficacy of acupuncture in Western countries, but after years of documented successes there is little question that acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are legitimate avenues of treatment for a wide range of individuals alternatives.

Not only because of its long history of practice and observation in Eastern cultures, but increasing verification by the standards of Western medicine give acupuncture great credibility as a method of treatment, so that one could say that modern Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine are the two dominant medical systems in the world today.

The World Health Organization endorses acupuncture as a treatment for over 43 medical conditions, including:

• allergiesm, • asthma • back pain • carpal tunnel • colds and flus • constipation • depression • gynecological disorders • headache • heart problems • insomnia • sciatica • sports injuries • stress and • tendonitis

There are five basic points that underlie the principles and methods of this practice. According to TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Fourteen major energy channels, called meridians, course through the human body, including the head, hands, legs, feet, torso and internal organs.

A subtle energy called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body, even the most remote cells.  Qi is considered the vital force, the presence of which separates the living from the dead. Its balanced, unimpeded flow is critical to sound health. • Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the amount, flow or balance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction, and ill health or even death.

With acupuncture needles or other means, the acupuncturist stimulates certain points acupoints along the course of the meridians. Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and flow of Qi so that organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as Nature intended. This helps the body repair itself and maintain its own health.

Ancient Chinese physicians discovered that Qi circulates throughout the body along fourteen major channels, twelve of which are duplicated on the left and right side of the body. The two other major channels are located in the center of the body, one in the front and one in the back. There are a number of so-called extra channels and miscellaneous channels  throughout the body.

Today, all these channels are called meridians by English-speaking physicians. The meridians form a highly complex invisible network directing Qi to every area of the body, including the head, arms, legs, torso, organs, and organ systems. Over the centuries, the Chinese discovered hundreds of specific points in the meridians where Qi can be accessed and stimulated when its flow is disturbed. These points are called acupoints.

Since Qi is meant to travel freely through the meridian network, thereby providing the body with its balanced, harmonious vital force, any sustained blockage of it may bring on pain, a weakened immune system, and ill health. Such a blockage can have two effects on the flow of Qi through the meridians. Visualize Qi as water through a pipe. If the pipe gets clogged, you have an almost empty pipe on one side and a buildup of water before the blockage. In the case of Qi in the meridians this would mean that a blockage may cause a deficiency of Qi beyond it or a buildup before it, which might mean diminished activity of some organs and/or accelerated activity of others. Either way, the Qi is unbalanced and must be normalized through an acupuncturist’s professional care. Typical acupuncture treatment plans require the use of 1 – 12 needles to stimulate the acupoints and thereby normalize flow and distribution of Qi.

Typically, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or a piece of thread. When properly inserted into an acupoint, the needle produces little or no sensation. When it makes contact with Qi, some patients experience a slight tingling sensation. Some points, such as those on the face and fingers, can be sensitive, but there is rarely any pain involved in an acupuncture treatment. This is because the needles are so fine; just as a mosquito’s stinger can penetrate your skin without your feeling it; a fine enough needle is also nearly undetectable. Most patients experience feelings of deep relaxation and well being during the treatment and for some time afterwards.

Acupuncture can even create euphoric feelings (especially the first time) during the treatment and throughout the following day. This is because, in Western medical terms, it can stimulate the production of endorphins, hormones found mainly in the brain that reduce pain and elevate mood.

The list of things that can lead to a blocked or unbalanced flow of Qi is long. Some examples are: • poor nutrition or adulterated food • toxic air or water • infectious or contagious diseases • malfunction of an organ • injuries, (ergonomic to overuse, as well as home, work, sports, and auto injuries) • excessive dampness, wind, cold, or heat • emotional responses to life, such as worry, anxiety, and stress

Read the entire article