ACUPUNCTURE

This ancient Chinese healing modality is gaining widespread acknowledgement as a powerful tool for healing. Recently, the National Institute of Health released a consensus report detailing its’ proven efficacy in effectively treating pain and promoting healing. The question that is on everyone’s mind is how it works.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that acupuncture harmonizes and regulates the vital energy of the body (Qi). Disharmony comes about from injury, disease, and improper diet and activities. While these factors must be addressed for long-term results, acupuncture can facilitate the healing response in many conditions. Chinese herbal medicines, along with proper diet and exercise, further aid the healing response so that harmony may be restored.

Western research into the mode of action of acupuncture has revealed important insights into the physiology of its' healing action. Relaxation of muscle spasm (smooth and skeletal muscle), anti-inflammatory effects, and promotion of blood circulation have all been demonstrated. A normalizing effect on the autonomic nervous system, sympathetic and parasympathetic, has also been observed. Acupuncture induced stimulation of wound healing (electrical) currents like the bodies’ own encourage healing of even old injuries and organ dysfunction and disease. Ongoing research in these areas continues to inform us of exciting possibilities for healing.