The human body's “life energy” flows through meridians or channels in the body. In a healthy state the channels are well balanced and in harmony with each other.

When a disruption of energy flow ocurs, it alters the entire system, producing pain or symptoms. Acupuncture works to correct the balance, and hence remove the symptoms.

Common Uses for Acupuncture

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture can be used for the treatment of:

  Muscular disorders: headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, tendonitis, lower back pain, and sciatica

  Digestive disorders: gastritis, spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhoea

  Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, recurrent chest infections, bronchitis, and asthma

  Pelvic disorders: urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems including infertility

  Mood disorders: anxiety, depression

How does acupuncture work?

The classical Chinese explanation of how acupuncture works is based upon the belief that there are regular patterns of energy channels throughout the body. These energy channels, or "meridians", are like rivers that flow though the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. Any obstruction of these channels will act like a dam; the backup of flow to one part of the body can also restrict the flow to other parts of the body. This blockage in the meridians can be relieved by needling the acupuncture points. With the blockage removed, the flow of qi through the meridians is restored.

From a modern scientific perspective, it is understood that needling of the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system. This causes the body to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain that can alleviate the pain or trigger further chemical and hormonal releases that influence the body's internal regulating system.

For further information and research on acupuncture, visit www.ndhealthfacts.org