How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to Chinese Medicine, energy circulates in the body through a series of pathways called meridians. Overall health is determined by the balance and constant flow of this vital energy. When the flow of energy is compromised, pain and illness ensues. There are points along each meridian, which when stimulated by an acupuncture needle, opens the flow of energy to restore balance and relieve discomfort.
Western Medicine explains the effects of Acupuncture in its ability to stimulate the body to produce pain relieving chemincals called endorphins. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in pain relief, general relaxation and biochemincal restoration of the body's own internal regulation system.
However it is explained, the result is the same - IT WORKS!
What about the needles? Do they hurt?
Acupuncture needles vary in size and length, but are always sterilized, hair-thin and never reused. Due to the very thin width of the needles, it is quite common not to feel the needles being inserted.
