Acupuncture is perhaps one of the oldest and the most complete healing system known in human history. In Chinese medicine, our physical body and all of its internal organs, actually our “life” itself are regulated by some form of subtle energy– “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). Pain and “disease” are believed to be the results of blockages in the flow of energy.
When Qi flows abundantly, there should be no pain and one can enjoy his/her optimum health.
Using these philosophies as backdrops, acupuncture is the insertion of hair-fine needles into the body at specific points to restore the flow of vital energy. How did ancient Asian medical experts find the location and the functions of these acupuncture points remains a mystery. Needling some specific points and/or combination of points is the heart of acupuncture treatments. After the needles are placed at the points, the patient will lay still for 20 to 30 minutes.
Although this healing art has been practiced for many thousands of years, it was only recently that modern medical world has accepted the validity of this healing art. Numerous research studies indicate that electromagnetic activities of acupuncture points differ sufficiently from other areas of the body. Effects of acupuncture in treating various symptoms, from side-effects of chemotherapy to induction of labor, have been documented widely.
These days, a growing number of general public accepts the fact that acupuncture offers an extraordinary alternative to modern medicines.