Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a major component of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine maintains that balance is key to our overall health. When our life forces, yin and yang, are out of balance sickness or disease will surface. Imbalance blocks qi, pronounced 'chee', or vital energy, from flowing throughout our body.
The channels through which qi flows are called meridians. Qi includes not only the physical, but also the mental, spiritual, and emotional forces that flow through every person. Acupuncture is a means to restore balance to the qi, which puts our whole being back in sync with the universe.
The word acupuncture literally means 'needle prick'. At first glance the word elicits the image of a human porcupine. Looks are not everything, at least in the realm of acupuncture. Learning more about acupuncture and what it can do for you may lessen your personal qualms about needles. The fact is, most people feel little or no pain upon needle insertion.
The needles are small, sterile, metallic rods of various lengths. Acupuncture uses these thin needles to manipulate key points, called acupoints, along the meridians to clear blockages and restore balance. Acupoints are the places where the meridians come closest to the surface of the skin. The needles are inserted into the skin only far enough so that they do not fall out.
continue to Acupuncture Part 2