Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is currently the world’s oldest and most consistently practiced medical system. TCM views the body-mind process as an integrated whole–understanding the environment, mental-emotional state, diet and lifestyle as equally important factors in a person’s well-being. When balanced, these lead to harmony and good health.
A person’s health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body. Qi travels along the Meridians, special pathways that carry blood, body fluids and Qi throughout the body. The meridians act as communication lines between the parts of the body, linking every organ, tissue, muscle, bone and tendon to create a unified whole. When pathways become obstructed, deficient, or excessive, the flow of Qi becomes insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted: Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of balance, and illness can result.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the body at specific points to support and optimize physiological functioning. The acupuncture points are at locations where the Meridians come to the surface of the skin and are easily accessible by “needling,” Moxibustion, or Acupressure. Acupuncture helps restore even circulation of Qi throughout the body, and maintain balance between Yin and Yang.
For centuries this ancient healing modality has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of health problems. More recently, modern electromagnetic research has confirmed the locations of these therapeutic points. The first record of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year-old Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world.