Acupuncture affects the meridians and chakras, or energy pathways and centers, of the body. When the chi or subtle energy that moves through these channels becomes blocked or unbalanced, people often experience pain, illness or emotional distress. Acupuncture uses very small needles (about 0.25 mm in diameter), to unblock and balance these energy channels to improve a person's health.
Needles are gently inserted into various parts of the body, such as the head, ear, back, chest, abdomen, arms, hands, legs, or feet. Although there are hundreds of acupuncture points, a treatment usually requires only a few needles. While the needles are in place, people sometimes experience a feeling of warmth or a slight tingling sensation. The needles usually remain in place for ten to thirty minutes. During an acupuncture treatment, people often feel drowsy and may even fall asleep. Afterward, people may feel relaxed, energized, or experience a heightened sense of well-being. Most people, even those with a strong aversion to needles, find acupuncture very comfortable and enjoyable.
Acupuncture is a versatile modality that can be useful for many different ailments. It also plays an important role in preventive medicine. For example, if someone frequently catches colds, acupuncture can help boost his immune system so he is less likely to get sick. In addition, acupuncture can often address symptoms that may not be treatable by Western medicine. Suppose a person always has cold feet, craves a particular type of food, or feels tired at a certain time of day. While these symptoms may not seem particularly important from a Western medical viewpoint, from an acupuncture perspective they can provide useful clues as to what's going on with the person.
Sometimes people find it hard to believe that a treatment as subtle as acupuncture can have such far-reaching effects. However, slight shifts can make a big difference. When a person's chi becomes more balanced, his overall health, energy level, and outlook can all improve.