ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which is the oldest form of medicine practiced in today’s world. With texts dating back 2000 years and philosophies dating back 8000 years, this ancient system of healing is gaining popularity in our country and around the world at a rapid pace. TCM is being used by millions of people due to its ability to naturally heal the body and increase the body’s function so the body can regain its own self-healing capability.
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine sterile needles into specific points along pathways (meridians) in the body to adjust many circulatory systems and regulate internal organ function. When stimulated, acupuncture points can stimulate and help a local area problem and can also be used to affect distant areas in the body. For example, there are points located on the wrist that can be used to treat neck pain.
There is modern research that suggests the positive effect of acupuncture on the regulation of neurotransmitters, hormones, immune cells, and even release of endorphins. An example of such a point is He Gu (LI4), which is used to help the body release a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone makes the uterus contract therefore assisting pregnant women in labor. There are many other points that have equal or more significant effects on the body. In the west, we have just started to learn about all the benefits of acupuncture that Asian countries have experienced for thousands of years.