Acupuncture / Electroacupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a 2000 year old ancient healing modality that originated in China and spread through East Asia and the rest of the world. Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body to bring it back into balance when there is pain or illness present.
Acupuncture points lay on channels that flow throughout the body, connecting the external body with our internal organs. Qi, which loosely translates to “vital life force”, flows through these channels allows the body to function healthily. When there is a blockage of Qi within the channel, it causes dysfunction or disease within the body. Acupuncture works on activating acupuncture points in order to restore the flow of Qi and equilibrium in the body. Points can be stimulated for their individual therapeutic effect, or used in combination with other points to restore balance in the body.
Sometimes, acupuncture needles can be connected to an electric stimulation device which send gentle currents to the needles releasing the body’s natural pain relieving neurotransmitters and creating an anti-inflammatory response.
How does acupuncture work?
Although western science continues to study the mechanism of acupuncture on the body, it has been found that acupuncture works on stimulating the body’s connective tissue in order to modify brain chemistry. Biochemical changes stimulate body’s natural healing process through the nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, and immune system. Depending on the condition being treated, acupuncture has been shown to:
Lower blood pressure, regulate body temperature, and lower respiratory rate
Reduce pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain killers, endorphins enkephalins
Lower stress hormones such as cortisol and boosts happy/feel good hormones like serotonin and dopamine
Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (our rest and digest state of being) in order to relax the body on muscular and organ level
Allow for increased circulation to certain muscles and organs bringing them fresh oxygen and nutrients
Decrease inflammation