What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an important part of Traditional Chinese medicine an ancient form of therapy that has been used to balance the body, mind and spirit for over 2,000 years. Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating acupuncture points, found at specific locations and depths in the body. Each point has a specific function and hence are used to treat various conditions. Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles at select points on the body to activate and regulate the body’s innate response systems to encourage healing. By working with the nervous system, immune system, circulatory system, endocrine system and more, acupuncture promotes balance in the body by reminding the body how to heal itself. As per Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) we have 12 primary channels. Apart from these 12 channels there are sinew channels related to muscular system, Luo or collateral channels, Divergent channels and extra ordinary channels that dive deep in the body. These create an intricate human body web. Due to this unique network of channels acupuncturist can use local or distal points to treat conditions. According to TCM theory circulation through channels determines health and wellness. Qi is the energy that moves blood. If the Qi and blood are not moving there is pain and disease. Impaired Qi movement can be caused due to several things such as external pathogens, trauma, injury, emotions, overwork, poor diet and so on. By stimulating certain acupuncture points, we move Qi and blood and restore balance, alleviate pain and other symptoms.