What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a methodology used by Oriental Medicine practitioners to treat people for a wide variety of medical conditions. Acupuncturists insert thin, sterile needles into specific areas of the body in order to initiate healing and promote health. It is akin to the nervous system giving instructions to the patient’s body/mind that enables the body to return to its natural healthy state. Acupuncture is a form of medical healing that developed in ancient China and has been in practice for 3,000 to 5,000 years. Today, it is widely used around the world.

Meridians

Acupuncture operates through 12 primary meridians or channels in the body. It is believed that they are pathways for the flow of Qi (the universal life energy) and Blood. Acupuncture focuses on stimulating acupoints on these meridians with needles. These 12 primary meridians are believed to run vertically, bi-laterally and symmetrically on the whole of the body with each meridian corresponding to an organ system. You’ll see the meridians capitalized when used by name (Kidney, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Large Intestine, Lung, Liver, Stomach, and Gallbladder).The meridians are so named for the way Chinese medicine classifies the functional activities and relationships in the body.