Chinese Body Acupuncture

All recorded acupuncture practices have their roots in ancient China over 3000 years ago. Because of it's effectiveness it was adopted by Western Health Care practitioners in the 1960's. In short acupuncture is a complete alternative to modern medical care, although acupuncturists concur that there are some conditions that Western medicine is more effective at treating. Acupuncture encourages the body to heal itself by creating or restoring a natural balance within the person. It fosters a balance between body, mind and spirit.

There are pathways of energy throughout the body called meridians. Each meridian corresponds to a particular organ. Energy must be able to flow freely along these meridians for optimal health to prevail. When energy flow gets blocked somewhere along a pathway, or when there is an imbalance of energy within the system of pathways, dysfunction or disease may develop. Needles inserted at specific points along the meridians (acupuncture points) work to unblock or rebalance the flow of energy.

Acupuncture has been effective at treating a wide range of medical disorders for thousands of years. It is only recently that scientists in Europe and North America have done research to explain its effectiveness. This research has shown that endorphins (natural pain relieving chemicals) are released in the body when needles are inserted at acupuncture points.. Endorphins mimic morphine in their action. This results in decreased pain and inflammation, relaxation and biochemical rebalancing of the systems.

More Information:

The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute