ACUPUNCTURE

EASTERN PHILOSOPHY

Acupuncture was discovered in China at least 2500 years ago. The early Chinese created a complete map of energy meridians, like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance and pain. Stimulating the acupuncture points (sometimes with a twirling of the needle between the fingers or by passing a mild electric current through them) can influence the meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.

WESTERN PHILOSOPHY

A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of designated trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles prompts the body to release certain hormones and chemicals that can reduce pain, and calm the nervous system.

Designated points stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal ailments.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain and muscle spasms, a decrease of depression and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.