Acupuncture regulates the free flow of Qi — the essential energy of life – throughout the meridians and as well as through the entire body. There is a saying in Chinese Medicine, “Tong zhi bu tong. Bu tong zhi tong. – With free flow there is no pain. Without free flow there is pain”. This quote speaks to the essential importance of insuring the correct and unobstructed movement of Qi, energy, through the body. Qi should move through the body in a regulated but uninhibited flow. This movement of energy is necessary to facilitate all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being.
Many factors can influence the movement of Qi and result in not only stagnations or blockages, but also deficiency of Energy. Physical injuries and traumas, improper diet, inactivity or too much activity, imbalance of work and rest, past illness, medications, environmental factors such as viruses, bacteria, toxins and climate, and even emotional stress can all affect the free flow of energy through the body. When the Qi does not move correctly, becomes stagnant, or deficient, ill-states of health will arise.
The acupuncture points are often located on the meridians, but may also be located by palpation or touch. This palpation can assist with diagnosis, but also prepares the body to heal. Acupuncture needle are very thin and most often painless. The sensation one may feel with the acupuncture might be warmth, coolness, pulsing, a sense of release or relaxation, pressure, tingling, tickling, flow, or a combination of sensations. It is not uncommon to feel a deep sense of relaxation. Often patients fall asleep during the treatments.
In areas of the body with a great deal of stagnation, glass or silicon cups may be used to clear these stagnations, improve blood and lymph circulation, and relax and relieve pain from the tissue and muscles where the cups are applied. The cups may be left in one place, or moved from area to area. Body regions commonly cupped include the arms, shoulders, neck, legs, hips, and back.