Acupuncture is one of eight modalities in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) - all of which enhance health (some of the other practices being Chinese herbal medicine, Qi gong, and Tui-na [Chinese massage]). The practice of acupuncture has been developed and refined over 2500 years; based upon a system of 12 main channels or meridians - each of which is associated with an organ; as well as other channels and acupuncture points outside of these channels. Channels and smaller connecting vessels are pathways that carry Qi, blood, and fluids around the body, providing a means of communication between the various organs and tissues. In a healthy person there is a smooth flow of Qi and blood. When someone experiences symptoms such as pain, numbness, or nausea, there is a problem with the flow of Qi and blood - their movement has become impeded. Acupuncture is very effective at stimulating energy and removing blockage in these areas.

When treating someone with acupuncture (and Chinese Herbs) it is essential to arrive at a diagnosis that determines which organ systems are affected and how. The most basic principles of TCM disease diagnosis focus on differentiating between a state of excess or deficiency (for example, stomach fire or lung Qi deficiency), "yin" or "yang" pathogens, hot or cold, and between external (the pathogen is in the outer layers of the body or has reached the lungs - such as a cold or flu) or internal (a chronic illness for example).

In order to arrive at a diagnosis, the practitioner needs to take an in-depth case history. A physical exam gives further clues, as do "tongue and pulse" diagnosis. With tongue diagnosis, the tongue's shape, contours, colour, and its coating are carefully examined, as these reveal the state of the internal organs and the type of pathogen. The six pulses (all are located near the wrist, three on each arm) are palpated for further information, as each pulse is connected with at least one organ.

When a treatment plan is chosen, an appropriate group of points will be needled. Acupuncture itself is nothing like that associated with the needles commonly used for injection. Acupuncture needles are very different - they are as fine as a hair and very flexible. The needling sensation(s) that you could experience varies from person to person, but can include a feeling of numbness, throbbing, a distended or heavy feeling, warmth, or a tingling that may travel along the pathway of the meridian. It's very important that some sort of sensation is obtained in order to confirm that the Qi has "arrived" at that point and is being stimulated (or sedated) to affect the problem.

Very often, the points chosen may not make sense to you. For example, you are suffering from a digestive disorder, but you notice that a number of needles are being inserted into your legs. In this case, the reason is that the stomach and spleen (considered the principle organs of digestion) channels flow along the legs - and it is the "distal points" (those farthest from the body/trunk area) that are often the most powerful.

If you have any further questions regarding acupuncture, 360's naturopaths will gladly provide you with more information.

Contact us at 416 . 360 . 1300 or email us at info@360healthcare.com