Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced in China and neighboring countries for over 5000 years. It consists of the use of very fine needles and other devices to stimulate and/or balance the flow of energy (also called “chi” or electromagnetic currents) through channels or meridians in the body. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese ideas about the rhythm and harmony of the universe as a whole—the Tao—and the relationship of human beings to that universe. Health is viewed as a dynamic interaction between each individual’s inner environment and the exterior world.

Traditionally, acupuncture was used preventatively to correct small imbalances in the inner environment before they became more serious and resulted in pain and disease. Today, this principle still holds true, although a person can benefit from acupuncture at any stage of the balance/imbalance continuum. Because this system of healing views the person as a whole entity, a sort of mini-universe within themselves, body/mind and spirit are interconnected. Healing on one level flows into other levels. Most people experience a unique sense of well-being and renewal from treatment.

Suggested Reading:
Traditional Acupuncture: Law of the Five Elements—D. Connelly
The Web That Has No Weaver—Ted Kapchuk
Layman's Guide to Acupuncture—Yoshio Manaka