What is Acupuncture?

Over the past 29+ years I have answered many questions about acupuncture, how it works and what conditions can be treated with acupuncture. Here are some of the most common questions.

What is Acupuncture?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is attained by a harmonious balance of complementary energy within the body. This energy is called “Chi” (pronounced Chee). Chi is composed of Yin and Yang qualities. Some examples of Yin and Yang are as follows:

YIN YANG

Earth Heaven

Female Male

Night Day

Moon Sun

Interior Exterior

Front Back

Chi flows throughout the body in a series of pathways called meridians. The meridians are found on both the left and right side of the body. Along these meridians, there are a series of points that can be used to help control the flow of energy. There are over 600 acupuncture points found on these meridians. The acupuncture points can be stimulated using acupuncture needles, acupressure from fingers, massage, heat, cold and vibration.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture was introduced to the United States following President Nixon’s trip to China in the early 1970’s. Since that time scientific research has tried to explain how acupuncture works. One study found that stimulating certain acupuncture points causes your brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are your body’s natural pain killers. Other studies have found that acupuncture is effective for controlling nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy / post-surgical intervention and pain from post-operative dental procedures.

What conditions can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncturists around the world treat a variety of conditions. There are very few conditions that acupuncture treatments cannot help. Acupuncturists have a Wellness philosophy. They believe that it is important to maintain a healthy body. Acupuncturists have found that as the seasons change people have a greater chance of becoming ill. Early acupuncturists found that with the change of the seasons, the meridians became clogged like the gutters on your house. They found a series of points that helped to clean out the meridians and allowed for the harmonious flow of energy along the meridians. Therefore acupuncturists encouraged their patients to be seen 4 times per year at the change of the seasons to maintain wellness.

If you have any questions about acupuncture you can direct them to drchris@reineckeclinic.com.