Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese healing art of placing ultra-thin needles on acupuncture points along the body. This promotes the flow of vital energy called “chi” that travels along the meridian system, an intricate pathway of energy similar to an electrical grid.
When the vital flow of energy becomes blocked the body’s delicate state of balance, is disrupted. This blockage can be caused by physical trauma, poor diet, lack of exercise, stress or emotional upset, and can lead to digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, auto-immune diseases, allergies, disruption in sleep patterns, anxiety, frustration and all types of pain.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Placing acupuncture needles along these meridian pathways releases a cascade of chemicals from the brain including serotonins and endorphins. This has been shown to switch from brain waves from alpha and beta waves (focused thought and mental chatter respectively) to delta and theta waves (deep sleep and meditation). This may occur without the patient falling asleep and still induce a state of deep relaxation.
Acupuncture also increases circulation, decreases inflammation and swelling, decreases pain, speeds tissue healing, and inhibits cortisol, the body’s fight or flight response.
ACUPUNCTURE CAN
- Elevate and stabilize mood
- Alleviate fatigue
- Aid in tissue healing
- Lower blood pressure
- Aid digestion
- Decrease lactic acid build-up
- Reduce inflammation
- Decrease pain
- Regulate sleep
- Balance hormones
- Increase blood and energy flow throughout the body
HISTORY OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 2500 years, with evidence that it could date back as much as 4000 years. It has been adapted over the years into various schools or styles including traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Five Element theory and has transitioned from an art form that was originally passed down from master to apprentice to the modern day Traditional Oriental Medical schools that now exist worldwide.