Acupuncture: How does it work?
11/28/2005
Source: LOHAS Weekly Newsletter
Author: State Press
Acupuncture is more than just sticking needles into
random parts of the body -- there's actually a science behind it.
According to Jo Condra, a licensed acupuncturist at Essential
Chiropractic Acupuncture and Massage Therapy in Scottsdale, the
ancient medicine treats patients through treating their energy, or "qi."
The body's qi runs along pathways called meridians, which is what
the acupuncturist taps into with their needles. Condra says meridians
are connected to organ systems throughout the body.
For example, the kidney meridian runs from underneath the left side
of the collarbone, down the torso and ends underneath the left foot
(see graphic for other meridian paths.
Condra says acupuncturists help their patients by determining where
in the body his or her qi is unbalanced, adding that this unbalanced
energy will manifest itself physically. By examining these physical
symptoms, the acupuncturist determines what areas need to be treated.
For example, one of the bodily functions maintained by the liver is
evenness of temperament, says Condra. She says if someone is extremely
angry all the time, it may indicate a qi deficiency in the liver.
By placing needles into points along the meridian, the energy will
move and increase circulation throughout the meridian, Condra says.
This helps regulate the flow of qi throughout the entire body and
leads to improved health. Myriad factors help determine the number of
needles used and how many treatments are necessary for improved
health. Some factors include severity of the ailment and one's own
desire to get better.
"There is no solid treatment protocol,"says Condra. "In this
practice, we look at the individual, not patterns of symptoms."
Condra began practicing acupuncture after she says it helped her
recover from lupus. After spending seven years unsuccessfully treating
her disorder through conventional practice, Condra says acupuncture
was her answer.
"The techniques used in acupuncture are meant to initiate the body
to heal itself," Condra says. "No matter what type of medicine you
use, you have to be proactive. You have to look out for yourself and
your own health."
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