Acupuncture is one aspect of complementary medicine known as Eastern medicine, Oriental medicine, or Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a relatively non-invasive medical system used to diagnose and help people become well and stay well. Acupuncture involves the insertion of small needles into various points on the body to facilitate healing. Oriental medicine has been safely used for hundreds of years.
Chinese medicine is a system of medicine that recognizes the presence of various meridians (channels) in the body, along which the Qi (pronounced “chee”; refers to energy or life energy) flows. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these channels is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a rivers flows it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Like rivers, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body. All symptoms and health conditions can be diagnosed and treated according to the flow of energy along these meridians.
Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When it becomes “backed up” in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. Hindering the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.
What causes Qi to get stuck?
Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occur, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being. When this disruption is prolonged, excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness pain or disease can set in.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How are the points chosen?
Acupuncture points exist all along the various meridians of the body, and the majority of points chosen will be along these meridians. The points may be on any part of the body, and may not necessarily be on the same part of the body as the area being treated. For example, needles may be inserted into the hand to relieve low back pain or a headache, or needles may be inserted into the foot for high blood pressure. In addition, needles can be directly inserted int
o a painful spot on the body.
The specific points are chosen based on Tongue and Pulse diagnosis, along with a complete history. A Chinese diagnosis is made, from which the points are selected.
Will it hurt?
Acupuncture usually does not hurt. Most people feel only a tiny prick as the needle is first inserted through the skin. An ache may be felt once the needle is inserted. This is a normal sensation and is part of the acupuncture treatment, and indicates the Qi is becoming unblocked. It is important to inform the Doctor of any and all sensations experienced during the acupuncture treatment, as well as when the sensation ceases.
Will it bleed?
No, the acupuncture needles are inserted into muscle tissue—not into blood vessels. However, if the needle is being inserted into an area rich in small blood vessels, a tiny amount of blood may be expressed as the needle is removed. The Doctor is prepared for this, however a bruise may develop over a site that has bled. A needle will not be inserted into a bruise.
Preparing yourself for Acupuncture
- Wear loose fitting clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown during the treatment.
- Eat before coming for your appointment. Acupuncture on an empty stomach is not recommended.
- After the needles are inserted, they are left in place for 20 minutes. The needles will be periodically stimulated throughout this time. This is simply done by turning or adjusting the needles.
- At the first session of acupuncture, the Doctor will insert only a few needles to assess your response to acupuncture, and to gently introduce your body to the experience.
“To live is to have Qi in every part of your body. To die is to be a body without Qi. For health to be maintained there must be a balance of Qi, neither too much nor too little.”
-Classical Chinese medical text, Nan-Ching, 2nd C., AD.
Please note: Lisa Bloomer, N.D. uses ONLY sterile, single-use needles. Needles are discarded immediately after use.
Acupuncture is a safe, effective and drug-free therapy that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of a few health issues acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been effective in treating:
- Addiction (e.g. alcohol, drug, smoking)
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Chronic fatigue
- Colitis
- Common cold
- Constipation
- Dental pain
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Digestive trouble
- Dizziness
- Emotional problems
- Eye problems
- Facial palsy/tics
- Fatigue
- Fertility
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Labour induction
- Low back pain
- Menopause
- Menstrual irregularities
- Migraines
- Morning sickness
- Nausea
- Osteoarthritis
- Pain
- PMS
- Reproductive problems
- Rhinitis
- Sciatica
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Shoulder pain
- Sinusitis
- Sleep disturbances
- Smoking cessation
- Sore throat
- Stress
- Tennis elbow
- Tooth pain
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting
- Wrist pain