Acupuncture Meridians
How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is an ancient and holistic form of healing that originated in the East approximately 3,000 years ago. The aim of acupuncture treatment is to balance the energy flow of the body so that the body may heal itself, as well as it is able. The energy is known as Qi (pronounced chee).
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
According to the Eastern Tradition of Medicine: Traditional Acupuncturists believe that where Qi becomes blocked pain and illness develop. Qi flows through channels, called meridians. Meridians traverse the body and run from head to toe. Acupuncture points are located along the meridians. There are 352 commonly used acupuncture points. Your acupuncturist will decide where your energy flow is not smooth and, by using needles, will gently release the blockage in order that your energy may flow smoothly and the body heal. Blockages in the flow of Qi may be due to physical, mental or psychological trauma.
Traditional Five Element Acupuncturists believe that the body does not function as a separate entity (like a machine) to the mind and spirit. It is sometimes very evident that emotional or mental stress manifests in physical symptoms such as headaches, indigestion, palpitations and bowel problems. It is also apparent that physical problems, such as chronic disease or severe pain, have a detrimental effect on our spirit and emotions; we may become depressed, tearful angry or frustrated. In Five Element Acupuncture, body, mind and spirit are treated as one and each person is considered as a unique individual.
Acupuncture’s popularity is growing and last year there were over 2 million acupuncture treatments in the UK.
According to the Western Tradition of Medicine: Acupuncture stimulates the release of natural pain killing and mood enhancing chemicals within the body. These are released in several areas of the body - around the needles, in the spinal cord where the nerves run, and in the brain. The release of these chemicals promotes healing and recovery.
Western research demonstrates that acupuncture plays an important part in the management of pain and chronic disease and can significantly decrease the amount of medication that is required. Research into acupuncture for the following treatments has shown positive statistically significant results: backache, headache, migraine, stress, depression, asthma, insomnia, arthritis, irregular or painful periods, high blood pressure, infertility.
Source: World Health Organisation
Alison Moon Acupuncturist, BA, LicAc, MBAcC:
treating patients from Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire
Telephone: 07989 940528