Our bodies are enlivened by a vital force. The Chinese call it Qi. It’s everywhere at every moment throughout our bodies and it concentrates and travels along energy rivers in the body called meridians. The more freely and harmoniously your energy flows through these meridians, the greater your vitality.
Qi can become deficient, excessive or stuck. Changes to the flow of Qi occur in a myriad of ways: sudden and/or prolonged stress - even "positive stress"; external biological and chemical toxins; internal toxins such as suppressed, repressed, and repeatedly experienced emotions, thoughts and beliefs; overworking physically or mentally; too little sleep, too much sleep; as well as exercise, eating, and other lifestyle choices.
Qi flow can be restored in a myriad of ways as well. Acupuncture uses sterile extremely thin needles to restore the free flow of your Qi. Acupressure stimulates your Qi flow manually. Tai Qi and Qi Gong are body movement exercises that get your Qi flowing. Person to person Qi Gong can utilize one person's Qi and universal Qi to move the Qi in another body. (Somewhat like hands on healing, if you're familiar with that.)
In scientific terms, acupuncture has been shown to produce a number of effects:
- stimulates the release of endorphins
- boosts the parasympathetic nervous system
- enhances the immune system
- normalizes endocrine function
- reduces one's experience of pain
- stimulates muscle and organ function
The following is a "List of Conditions that can be Treated by Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine" compiled by the World Health Organization...
Alcohol & Tobacco Addictions
Allergies & Bronchitis
Asthma
Back Pain
Breast Lumps
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Chronic Cough
Cold & Flu Recovery
Constipation or Diarrhea
Depression or Anxiety
Earaches & Infections
Exhaustion/Fatigue
Fertility
Food Addictions & Cravings
Gastrointestinal Discomforts
Heart Conditions
Hemorrhoids
Hiccups
Hormonal Imbalances
Hypertension
Insomnia or Hypersomnia
Irregular Periods
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Joint Pain/Arthritis
Menopausal Discomforts
Menstrual Pain & Dysfunctions
Migraines
Mood Swings
Nerve Disorders
Prostate Enlargement
Pre and Post Pregnancy Strengthening
Recovery from Traumatic Injuries (including Surgical)
Sexual Functioning & Desire
Scar Reduction
Sinus Infections
Sports Injury Recovery
Stress Induced Symptoms
Unexplained Pain
Urinary Tract Infections
Incontinence
Uterine Fibroids & Prolapse
Vaginal Itching/Infections |
