What is Acupuncture

Energetic Pathways and Body's Polar Field

Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese medical treatment of inserting specialized acupuncture needles around the body in specific places called "Acupoints" (commonly referred to as ‘pressure points’) in order to exert a therapeutic effect. The ancient Chinese, unlike Western anatomists, were already aware of what I think is the ‘polar field’ energetics of the body, that the human body has electrical and circuit-like phenomena which can be manipulated by metallic instruments for healing. Despite this, raw anatomy to the ancient Chinese was not something new, but it was long since recognized that higher workings of the human body existed that are more crucial in the disease process. These energetic pathways, called "meridians", circulate the vital energy via 14 distinct routes, traversing the entire body. Even though they are neither nerves, blood vessels, lymph, nor any other pathways known to man, according to classical Chinese Medicine literature, all such systems are included in these ‘channels’ which also interconnect the outer part of the body and the inner body (organs systems and deep circulatory pathways).


Today, the exact nature of "meridians" is still a mystery. While various research has suggested the possible nature of meridians, none offer a conclusive explanation. Yet, something is definitely there because by using traditional Acupuncture theories in clinical practice, the validity of "meridians" can be indirectly proven. It is therefore energy imbalances in the meridians that cause disease first, prior to problems in the physical pathways. In clinical practice, this cannot be more true as many diseases can be deemed to manifest as mental conditions arising from stress before they progress to physical problems.


Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment for pain. This is frequently reported, and is not a lie. For example, when I do treatments for pain, it is not surprising that oftentime it produces IMMEDIATE reduction of pain in the first treatment. Patients who suffer from chronic pain and who have taken painkillers, gone to other modalities without much relief, often experience dramatic results from Acupuncture. The reason is, as stated above, that the non-tangible energy meridians are a higher order to the physical pathology of, for example, the nerves and blood vessels. In a sense, by using Acupuncture to treat the meridians, the pathology of physical networks like nerves, blood vessels, tendons and muscles automatically reorganize and rebalance themselves, thereby eliminating pain naturally without side-­effects.


Acupuncture is not merely for pain treatment. It is also useful for multitudes of systemic and organ ailments such as digestive problems, allergies and gynecological conditions due to its effects on modulating systemic circulation and helping the body to metabolize wastes more efficiently, thereby decreasing inflammation. When combined with Chinese Herbal Medicine, the therapeutic effect is even greater.


FAQ


1. Does Acupuncture hurt? ---When the needles are inserted, patients either feel nothing at all, or may feel a slight mosquito-bite-like prick but that is often the most they will feel. Afterwards, the acupuncture needle is gradually and slowly pushed in slightly to get to the acupuncture point at which time patients typically feel a dull pressure sensation, as if somebody is giving deep pinpointed tissue massage from the inside. This sensation lasts for a split-second and will subside quickly. Afterwards, patients often instead feel a relaxing and numbing sensation that often puts them into a very calm state. Some patients will also fall asleep during the treatment, which is totally normal and a good sign.


2. Are Acupuncture needles big? ---Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, multiple Acupuncture needles could fit in just one syringe needle. That's super thin!


3. Is Acupuncture safe? ---Acupuncture is a time-tested healing modality with a long track record of safety. Acupuncture is very safe because the needles used are all single-use pre-sterilized and individually packaged needles. Areas that are needled are also cleaned with alcohol first before Acupuncture needles are inserted.