Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an effective method of managing health that has been in use for thousands of years. It is the most renowned of the Chinese or Oriental medical practices and is often used in combination with herbal medicine, cupping, tui-na (massage) and moxabustion (the burning of leaves of moxa, the Chinese wormwood tree).

Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, sterile, disposable needles into precise points on the surface of the body. These points were mapped by the historic Chinese Masters and lie on bio energetic pathways, or meridians, that traverse the head, torso and limbs. Acupuncture points have specific actions and direct the flow of qi, or bio force, to certain organs or areas of the body. Although acupuncture largely remains an enigma to modern science, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.

The origins of acupuncture theory lie in both Daoist and Confucian philosophy. The Daoists espouse balance is maintained by a harmony of all opposites while Confucian beliefs champion ordered hierarchy and right conduct. Good health is viewed as the free and equal circulation of qi throughout all organs and areas of the body. It depends upon balance of the opposing energies of yin (cooling, nourishing) and yang (warming, active), the true functioning of organs, and the movement of substances in the correct direction. When qi is impeded, counter flow occurs and organs are unable to maintain efficient function. Illness and disease are the result. To correct the imbalance or treat the condition, acupuncture points are chosen that aim to balance yin and yang, right the flow of qi and restore the proper functioning of the organs.

There are three main theoretical frameworks within Chinese acupuncture. Zang Fu acupuncture where points are based on the assessment of organ systems. Stems and Branches method uses the seasonal energies assigned to the organs and meridians to balance the system. Five Element aims to harmonize the interaction of the organs based on their allocated nature of fire, earth, metal, water and wood. The practitioners at Lotus Healing Arts will select the acupuncture model that best suits the condition being treated.

One of the many asked questions of acupuncture is "will it hurt?" As the needles are much finer than the hypodermic needle, the sensation you feel will be relatively mild. You will be asked to indicate when you are aware of any pressure, aching or electrical feelings at the needle site. The sensation lasts for ~ 10-20 seconds and is a sign the acupuncture point is having the desired effect. Acupuncture also stimulates the release of opiate like hormones inducing a deep state of mental and body relaxation. It is not uncommon to fall asleep during an acupuncture session.