All Your Acupuncture Questions Answered
In our TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) series, we share insight into the major TCM treatments and answer frequently asked questions. Acupuncture is a popular TCM method to cure disease and restore balance. People often wonder “Will getting stuck with needles really make me healthier?” Here is everything you want to know about acupuncture.
TCM Philosophy
TCM believes a healthy body and mind is achieved through a free flow of vital energy (Qi) throughout the body. In TCM, the organs are interconnected and work together. An imbalance in one organ leads to a disharmony in the whole body. The TCM doctor focuses on identifying the origin of the disease as well as its effect on other organs. After a detailed diagnosis, the doctor comes up with a natural treatment plan to restore balance in the whole body. The treatment often involves acupuncture.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is a healing method which consists of placing needles in the body, along the meridians. The meridians are channels in which Qi flows between the connected organs. Normally, they ensure the body’s proper functioning through a free flow of Qi. However, a blockage may cause disruption in the flow of Qi. Thus the organs do not get the amount of Qi they need to work as they should. This ultimately leads to global imbalances and, eventually, disease.
The acupuncturist inserts needles, usually made of stainless steel and measuring from 13 to 70 mm, on defined acupoints. The process helps restore a free flow of Qi so that it can nourish the tissues and organs to bring harmony to the body and relieve pain.
When is Acupuncture Used?
Acupuncture can be used in prevention of diseases and for curing a disease, but also for promoting health and well-being. It is particularly efficient for digestive and respiratory disorders as well as for urinary, menstrual or reproductive disorders. It can also help with skin diseases and insomnia. Acupuncture is widely used for relieving pain from muscular or neurological disorders (headaches and migraines, neck pain, low back pain, etc.) and to help control tension and stress. It also helps soothe the mind in cases of emotional issues or depression.
The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture as a successful treatment method for various concerns. Western medicine proposes that acupuncture works because the needles stimulate the nervous system which generates the production of certain chemicals in the body. Those chemicals change the perception of pain or help the organs regulate themselves.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Patients often worry about the pain. Typically, acupuncture is not painful at all. Some people feel an unpleasant sensation when the needles get inserted, but this goes away shortly after the needles are in place. Many people will tell you they feel very relaxed when receiving acupuncture, and quite a few patients fall asleep.
Acupuncture is an effective and natural way to restore balance and heal the body and mind. Stay tuned for our continued series on TCM and natural health solutions!
Suffering from pain, chronic health issues, or insomnia? Curious about the needling sensation? Try acupuncture for yourself in a safe, cozy environment and find out how it can benefit your health Contact Body & Soul to schedule a session at one of Body & Soul’s four centers in Shanghai.