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| Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique that has been practiced in Eastern countries for more than 2500 years. Acupuncture is used to both treat illness and to prevent disease. The practice of this technique focuses on the whole person, including mind, body and spirit. It also takes into account the importance of a person's internal energy and his or her external surroundings on the development of a disease process.
The classical Eastern explanation of acupuncture is that vital energy, called Qi (chee) circulates through the body in pathways called meridians. These pathways have points located along them that can be stimulated to redirect, increase or decrease the flow of Qi. It is thought that illness is caused by improper flow of vital energy through these channels. Acupuncture involves inserting tiny, hair-thin needles into the skin to stimulate these points to balance and harmonize the flow of Qi. This stimulation sends a signal to the body to turn on it's own self-healing or regulatory mechanisms.
A more scientific or western explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of acupuncture points prompts the body to release certain hormones and chemicals that can reduce pain, calm the nervous system and regulate the endocrine system. Some of the chemicals that acupuncture has been proven to release are endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions. It has been estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine.
Ear acupuncture is another form of healing that involves using acupuncture points on the ear to stimulate other parts of the body. One may also apply tiny seeds, secured with tape, on the specific ear points that the patient stimulates between acupuncture appointments. This can help amplify the effect of the acupuncture treatments.
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