Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated in ancient China and has over two
thousand years of history. Influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy and observation of
the flow of cycles in Nature, Chinese medicine uses the theory of Yin and Yang and the
theory of Wu Xing to explain the mechanism of balancing the body's function. From an
Eastern perspective, balanced health is maintained when energy flows freely around the
body. This energy is called Qi (pronounced chee) and flows in pathways called
channels.

When Qi is blocked or stagnant, there is an energetic imbalance causing illness. This
energy can be manipulated at specific points on the body, restoring the smooth flow.
Acupuncturists commonly do this by placing fine needles in these points at a particular
depth on the body and stimulating them. Energetic flow can also be restored using
techniques such as tuina, moxibustion, cupping, and guasha.

How does Acupuncture work?

Clinical studies show that Acupuncture works by releasing natural neurotransmitters
and hormones, specifically β-Endorphin which lessens the body’s perception of pain;
Met-enkephalin, which regulates nociception in the body; and oxytocin, which
modulates pain and relaxes and calms people. Acupuncture has also been shown to
reduce stress and anxiety by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The release
of serotonin is also documented; this neurotransmitter is believed to help regulate
mood, behaviour, memory and sleep. Acupuncture improves blood circulation, both in
the local area and in the brain. Improved circulation also helps remove lactic acid and
dead blood cells; replenished blood helps restore fresh oxygen and nutrients to the
tissues. Acupuncture also regulates immune function by normalizing interferon levels
and the immune response, speeding up infection healing and reducing systemic
inflammation. 

What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
- Emotional: increases vitality and energy level
- Mental: helps calm the mind, improves concentration and mental clarity
- Physical: feeling more relaxed, improves circulation, enhances digestion,
restores sleep and can be used alongside Western medicine

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes Traditional Chinese Medicines ability
to treat a wide variety of disorders:
- Respiratory system: common cold, fever, bronchitis, sinusitis.
- Muscular Skeletal System: lower back pain, sciatica, shoulder pain (frozen
shoulder), neck pain, knee pain (arthritis), carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Nervous system: neuralgia, dizziness, insomnia, headache and migraines.
- Gastrointestinal system: diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal weakness,
gastritis.
- Circulatory system: hypertension, anemia
- Reproductive system: irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility,
premenstrual syndrome, easy premenopausal symptoms
- Easy stress, depression, anxiety
- Addictions: drugs, alcohol, nicotine