The Art of Acupuncture

By: Andrea Sipcic

For some, the thought of acupuncture can seem intimidating and possibly a little scary. While it has been known to relieve pain and assist in healing other ailments, the idea of being poked with a bunch of little needles might be a little daunting. However, there is really nothing to be scared of at all. Acupuncture is usually a gentle treatment and has provided many people with positive results in many ways.

Acupuncture actually originated in China a few thousand years ago and the very thin needles that are penetrated very shallowly into the skin are done on very specific acupoints or pressure points. Traditional Chinese medicine views the entire body as qi (pronounced chee), one’s energy and vital life force. When qi is flowing properly throughout the body, we have good health. If this flow of energy is blocked however (such as from trauma), acupuncture helps in releasing this and works towards restoring balance and flow.

Qi flows through channels (or meridians) near the surface of the body. There are twelve of them, all linking to specific organs like the liver or heart. Acupoints are located on these meridians, so when penetrated, the “gate” is opened and qi can flow through. Qi can also be considered in terms of blood circulating continuously throughout the body to sustain life. If blood flow is blocked, the affected part may “starve” and the body will respond by sending a warning signal in the form of symptoms, such as pain or muscle spasms.

Once the needles are inserted, they are then gently activated through specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or through electrical stimulation. The needles can feel uncomfortable when they are first inserted, and at most, mildly painful. Of course, not only is it different for everyone and their pain tolerance, but it often depends on how blocked the area is. Areas where there are heavier blockages may result in more discomfort.

Acupuncture can assist in many different disharmonies in the body. The following are just a few:

Headaches and migraines Neck pain Back pain Menstrual cramps Respiratory disorders Dental pain Osteoarthritis Asthma Addiction Fibromyalgia Carpal tunnel syndrome