Theories of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has helped millions of people over the past 3,000 years. It can help relieve symptoms and signs of many health problems and uncover the underlying root cause(s) of those symptoms. The goal of this dynamic and integrated health care system is to activate the natural, self-healing abilities of the body. It can also strengthen and support the body to prevent future illness and disease. Acupuncture is safe, natural, drug-free, and effective.
Your Vital Energy
Einstein showed us that everything is made of, and radiates, energy. Inside of you is an intelligent, energetic system that maintains health and balance. This subtle form of energy supports, shapes, and enlivens our physical body and activates our lives. For the past 3,000 years, practitioners of acupuncture have called this intelligent energy Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi describes the body's innate healing abilities, which are activated through acupuncture meridian points. Numerous cultures have described this energy and called it by many names: prana, baraka, pneuma, spirit, wakan, material force, vital force, orgone, ether and ruach.
Qi Animates the Body
Qi is the vital energy in all living things from the tallest tree to the smallest cell. Qi is a combination of energies, mixed from our food, air and inherited constitution (DNA). Qi animates the body and protects it from illness. It is necessary for growth, development, movements, maintenance of body temperature, and overall regulation of the body. Our health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi. Ancient practitioners said, "When Qi gathers, the physical body is formed; when Qi disperses, the body passes on."
Meridians Carry Qi
Meridians are like rivers inside the body. Whenever a river flows, it carries water that provides nourishment and sustenance for life on our planet. Similarly, meridians are the rivers where Qi flows inside of us. Qi flows through meridians, providing energy and nourishment to the body's cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands.
Health is Wholeness and Balance
Health is an inner resiliency that allows you to meet the demands of life. Being in a state of health helps you thrive in the face of environmental, physical, emotional, and mental stress. When Qi is balanced and flowing freely, the body's natural self-healing abilities are activated, enabling internal stability and harmony to occur. The body will flourish, and true health and well-being can be achieved.
Stressors Affect the Flow of Qi
Different stresses affect meridians and organ systems in different ways, affecting the quality and disrupting the flow of Qi. If a garden hose is blocked, it cannot provide an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually, the plant will be unable to grown, blossom, and thrive. Likewise, a blockage in the meridians will restrict the supply of Qi required to nourish and support the cells, tissues, muscles, organs, and glands. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, symptoms associated with the condition may appear. Over time, the body becomes weakened, unbalanced, and its self-healing abilities are compromised. Eventually, it becomes susceptible to pain, disease, stress, anxiety, and poor health.
Diagnosing the Quality of Qi
An acupuncturist develops keen diagnostic skills to effectively evaluate the quality, quantity and balance of qi flowing within the body. Diagnosis may involve four main techniques:
- Pulse diagnosis - Over 26 subtle variations in the quality of the pulse are felts at six different positions on each wrist.
- Looking - A person's appearance, demeanor, and tone of voice, as well as the color, shape, and size of the tongue, provide an acupuncturist with vital clues about internal health.
- Asking - By asking questions, information is gathered about past medical history, present health, lifestyle, and emotional state.
- Physical examination - Palpation of specific areas and acupuncture points can reveal imbalances.
Scientific Theories of Acupuncture
Scientists and doctors have several theories to explain the benefits of acupuncture.
- Neurotransmitter Theory - Acupuncture stimulates the release of specific neurotransmitters that affect immune system function.
- Autonomic Nervous System Theory - Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and several types of opioids, affecting changes in the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain.
- Gate Control Theory - Acupuncture activates specific receptors that inhibit the transmission of painful stimuli.
- Vascular-Interstitial Theory - Acupuncture affects the electrical system of the body. This facilitates healing by allowing the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissues.
- Blood Chemistry Theory - Acupuncture can both raise and diminish peripheral blood components, thereby regulating the body toward homeostasis.
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