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What is Qi? At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee”), or Life Energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain, and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quantity and balance of Qi. |
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How does Qi move? Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants, and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body. An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body organs and glands. |
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What does an acupuncturist do? During the initial exam a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms, and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is conducted, including pulse and tongue diagnosis. Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person’s health problems. The practitioner can then create a well structured treatment plan. Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction and balance of Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues, and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as the bodies’ ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to optimal health and well being. |
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