Acupuncture is a technique used to encourage the body to improve functioning and promote natural healing. It takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as it does on the treatment.
Acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine focusing on the flow of energy through channels of regular patterns in and over the surface of the body. These energy channels are known as meridians or Qi, connecting yin and Yang organs.
Qi is often defined as "air" or "breath" and, by extension, "life force" or "spiritual energy" that is part of everything that exists.
Like a river, the Meridians flow through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. Any obstruction to the energy flow will cause a build up and blockage where energy will pool (like a dam) and cannot flow leading to dysfunction in the body.
There are over 500 acupuncture points in Meridians and when blocked can be influenced through the use of needles on the acupuncture/ Qi points which will unblock the obstruction and restore the body to a healthy state and to bring it to proper functioning and energy flow.
Acupuncture treatments can therefore influence and help the internal organs to correct imbalances in digestion, absorption, energy production and circulation of energy in the body through its meridians.
In modern medicine acupuncture is used to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional wellbeing. This is achieved by stimulating the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscle, spinal cord and brain. Such chemicals influence the experience of pain and may trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s self- regulating systems.
Dry Needling focuses on the release of triggers points / muscle spasms in the body as a result of injury or stress. These cause pain, discomfort and disruptions in energy flow and balance in the body. Like traditional acupuncture, it uses needles to release the areas of tension in the body and promote natural functioning in the body.
Patients experience acupuncture differently. In most cases there is minimal discomfort or none at all. It is relaxing and calming for the body and given sufficient time and care can be a very effective treatment in restoring balance and promoting wellness in your body.