A Brief Overview of Acupuncture
How Acupuncture Works and Helps to Restore Health
Traditional acupuncture is based on Chinese medicine principles and regards pain and illness, whether physical or mental, to be a sign that the whole body is out of balance. It is a holistic system of health care which has been practised, developed and researched for over 2,000 years.
From an understanding of the body's energetic balance, acupuncture treatment aims to restore the body's equilibrium by identifying the underlying cause of the imbalance. Our health and well-being are influenced by the interaction of the physical, mental and emotional aspects of our lives and is perceived as being particularly relevant to modern day living.
There are numerous theoretical explanations as to how acupuncture works from western medicine perspective. Research suggests that acupuncture influences the body's immune system, increases the levels of specific hormones, white blood cells and antibodies and stimulates the brain to produce endorphins.
From a traditional perspective health is seen to be dependent on the smooth and balanced flow of the body's natural energy through a series of channels or meridians. The insertion of needles at specific points along these channels promotes the smooth flow of energy and stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms to restore balance and therefore health.
Irrespective of whether acupuncture is used for pain relief or used as a holistic treatment, it is clear that millions of people have benefited enormously from this therapy. Many people find that the alleviation of symptoms is also accompanied by an increase in energy, a feeling of ease and greater sense of wellbeing.
