One of several styles in use, Chinese acupuncture has a history that dates back over 3000 years. Chinese acupuncture can thus claim to be one of the most practiced and revered systems in the world, with a pedigree and history that modern western medicine can only dream of.
Chinese acupuncture is based on a belief about the flow of energy through the human body. This universal life energy, or Qi, as it is known, flows through the body along channels called meridians.
If the flow of energy becomes blocked, we can become unwell. Chinese acupuncture works to unblock the flow of energy by inserting tiny needles at key points along the meridians. Once the flow of energy is unblocked, the body can heal itself.
Traditionally there were 365 meridians, one for each day of the year, though modern practitioners have identified many more. The skilled practitioner inserts very fine, sterile, disposable, stainless steel needles into the skin at key locations to stimulate the flow of Qi. This allows the energy to move freely, harmonising and the balancing the body.
Thus, unlike western medicine, the emphasis is on treating the whole person and restoring the entire body to health, rather than simply treating isolated symptoms with drugs or surgery.
The growing popularity of this treatment in the west means that there is likely to be a practitioner near you. If you have pain or illness, why not see what they can offer you?
