What is Chinese Medicine?
If there is free flow, there is no pain; if there is pain, there is no free flow. - Chinese Proverb
Chinese Medicine is a whole-istic system that has evolved over thousands of years and considers ourselves as an extension of the natural world, rather than separate from it. Viewing life as a constant interplay of energy, Qi, the different branches of Chinese Medicine (acupuncture, tai chi, qi gong, herbal medicine, feng shui) look to balance or harness this Qi.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works on the premise that energy, Qi, flows through the body in channels, often called meridians. Practitioners believe that when Qi does not flow freely through the body, illness can ensue.
The action of the needle adjusts the flow of energy through the pathways and stimulates the movement of Qi and Blood within the body, thereby removing blockages that can lead to dis-ease. By inserting fine needles into the channels, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own natural healing mechanisms and help restore the body to homeostasis.
MRI scans show that acupuncture triggers the body’s healing process by calming the central nervous system, regulating hormones and releasing endorphins.