What is Acupuncture & What Does It Treat?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a modality used in Traditional Chinese Medicine which dates back to over 2,000 years. This process involves inserting very fine needles, about the size of a human hair to the size of a cat whisker, into the skin or into the muscle underneath.

The premise of the practice is that it works on meridians and vessels within the body which carry Qi (sounds like Chee). In Chinese, the character for Qi is comprised of fire on the bottom, and nothingness above. Aside from Qi, acupuncture also works at dispelling heat, external pathogens, stimulating blood flow, removing damp heat, phlegm, and other pathogenic factors as described from the perspective and philosophy of Chinese Medicine.

The muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments all work together to form the myofascial system. These components are all interconnected and dependent on each other for smooth movement of the body.

If there is an injury or weakness within the system, then pain will exist and persist until the body heals itself or a modality such as acupuncture is utilized to help promote healing.

There really are no words which sum up Qi in the English language, but it is often referred to as energy since this is something that most everyone can relate to.

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