What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although
often known as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the
overall well being of the patient, rather than the treatment of specific symptoms.

“Qi” According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy -known as Qi - moving in
a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin.

Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang - and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine
needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural
balance.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief,
poor nutrition, weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.

The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person rather than a symptom is to recover the equilibrium between the
physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual.

Yin and Yang

The idea of harmony and balance are also the basis of yin and yang. The principle that each person is governed by the
opposing, but complementary forces of yin and yang, is central to all Chinese thought. It is believed to affect everything in the
universe, including ourselves.
One of the main aims of the acupuncturist is to maintain a balance of yin and yang within the whole person to prevent illness
occurring and to restore existing health. Acupuncture is a yang therapy because it moves from the exterior to the interior.
Herbal and nutritional therapies, on the other hand, are yin therapies, as they move from the interior throughout the body. Many
of the major organs of the body are classified as yin-yang pairs that exchange healthy and unhealthy influences.

Channels or Meridians - The invisible Pathways of Qi

Chinese use the term "jing luo" which means, channels, conduit, meridian etc. These are the invisible channels through which
qi circulates throughout the body. The acupuncture points (or holes as the Chinese term xue is more aptly translated means)
are the locations where the Qi of the channels rises close to the surface of the body.

There are 12 main meridians, six of which are yin and six are yang and numerous minor ones, which form a network of energy
channels throughout the body.Each meridian is related to, and named after, an organ or function, the main ones are: the lungs,
kidneys, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, large intestine, gall bladder, urinary bladder, three cavites - san
jiao (three heater) and pericardium (heart protector/ or circulation sex meridian).

There are also 8 extraordinary channels that are considered to be reservoirs supplying
Qi and blood, to the twelve regular channels. These are believed to have a strong
connection to the kidney.

Along these meridians are more than 400 acupuncture points, classified by WHO.
(There may be as many as 2000 points in use for different treatments.)
These are listed by name, number and the meridian to which they belong.
When Chi flows freely through the meridians, the body is balanced and healthy,
but if the energy becomes blocked, stagnated or weakened, it can result in physical,
mental or emotional ill health. An imbalance in a person's body can result from inappropriate emotional responses such as:
excess anger, over-excitement, self-pity, pain, deep grief and fear.
.
Environmental factors such as cold, damp/humidity, wind, dryness, and heat or Physical factors such as wrong diet,
perversions, overwork and too much exercise can also cause an Imbalance.

To restore the balance, the acupuncturist stimulates the acupuncture points that will counteract that imbalance. So, if you have
stagnant Chi, he will choose specific points to stimulate it. If the Chi is too cold, he will choose points to warm it. If it is too weak,
he will strengthen it. If it is blocked, he will unblock it, and so on. In this way, acupuncture can effectively rebalance the
energy system and restore health or prevent the development of disease. The points that the practitioner chooses to stimulate
may not necessarily be at the site of the symptoms alone.

How Does Acupuncture Work

Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are
believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord,
and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence
the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote
physical and emotional well-being.

There are three main mechanisms:

Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of
electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to
be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as
endorphins, and of immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or vulnerable to disease.

Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system
during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.

Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain
chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neuro hormones. Acupuncture also has been documented to
affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions
and processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature are regulated.

How can Acupuncture help?

Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. These might include anxiety states, arthritis,
asthma, backpain, circulatory problems, depression, diabetes mellitus, facial paralysis, high blood pressure, indeterminate
aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraines, neck pain, paralysis, rheumatism, sciatica, skin conditions, stress
disorders etc.,
.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all, although for babies and children, pressure rather than needles may be used.
Acupuncture has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth. It is also helpful for
people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs. Some people may have
acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves
without being 'ill' in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and
chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can differ from one person to another.

What Does It Feel Like

Many people fear experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests which is not true.
Acupuncture needles are much finer as thin as human hair and are solid rather than hollow. Hence hardly cause any pain or
discomfort. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either
for a second or two, or may be left in place for 30 minutes or more, depending on the effect required.
During treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

Acupuncture treatment is given in lying, down or seated position based on requirement.
Most patients go into a state of deep relaxation and some even fall asleep due to the endorphins which are released during the
treatment.
In areas where the muscles are especially tight, electrodes may be attached to the needles. The electrical current provides a
steady vibration to the tight muscles which feels like a gentle massage.

Benefits
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also
lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.
Hence it is a widely accepted form of therapy for various issues.
Questions:

 What is “Qi” according to traditional Chinese medicine?

 What are the equal and opposite qualities of Qi called?

 How many channels or meridians are there according to Chinese medicine? Can you name
them?

 How is acupuncture treatment given? Why is it not painful?

 What ailments can be treated by acupuncture?

 How does acupuncture work?