How does acupuncture work?

It is hard to make sense of something that is difficult to make sense of!  Most people who come for acupuncture come without knowing much about “how it works”. We take time in our initial session to explain the premise behind acupuncture. In explaining it – it makes so much sense!

Acupuncture is  based on the belief that our body has the ability to promote its own healing. What underlies our body’s ability to heal  is an energy called Qi. We cannot see qi. It is an invisible force that is known by its effect.

When I think of qi energy, I try to picture what exactly  is behind/underneath/below all our bodily functions. What allows our blood to flow through the vessel? What holds organs in place? What exactly promotes our arm to move, a sneeze to happen, our ability to think, feel, and move – our ability to HEAL??? It is qi. The intangible, immeasurable, invisible force that is known only by its effect.When we have an injury or illness, it takes time to heal. When we are sick, we cannot hurry this process. We know we have to ride it out. In a hurried world, this requires patience. Because we cannot see qi – we trust that it is there!

Acupuncture promotes our body’s ability to heal. It is a whole body medicine!

If our body is a tree – all the many parts of our body are “our branches”. When encouraging a tree to grow – we don’t water just one branch – we water the whole tree – and also the roots.Our body is much like that! In order for our whole body to flourish and stay strong, we have to take care of the whole body. We have to take care of our own roots in order for our branches to heal. Acupuncture treats our whole body – both the root and the branches. We work with our qi energy – which treats the root and the branch of our body.

We also have to regularly take care of our body just like we regularly take care of our trees! This is why it is so important to incorporate ongoing acupuncture into your health and wellness regime!

When I was first introduced to acupuncture, I would call my acupuncturist when I had health issues come up. If I had a cold, I would go for one or two sessions and, along with some Chinese Herbal Medicine, was back on track in no time.I would also go to the acupuncturist when I had PMS before my menstrual cycle. I would go when I had stress and anxiety and also insomnia.

Acupuncture was and is my first line of defense when I am in need of some medical attention!

As an acupuncturist in a busy practice, we have patients come to us with a WIDE VARIETY of health issues.  We have people come for acute issues (such has a cold or the flu, an injury or stress management), as well as more chronic health issues (such as allergies or sinus issues, repetitive motion injuries from sports and insomnia).   More and more patients are seeking out acupuncture as part of their health and wellness!  Before taking medication, calling in sick or simple ignoring a nagging health challenge – give your acupuncturist a call !