What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a highly developed method of medicine and has been used in China for over 2000 years. It differs from allopathic medicine in that it looks at the body as a whole system and illness or disease occurs as a result of an imbalance in that system. It is also based on the ancient Chinese view of the universe. This is the yin/yang theory which explains that all of nature is divided into two complementary opposites. When these are in balance, life is harmonious. Because humans are part of nature, yin/yang forces are active in them also.
Sometimes yin/yang gets out of balance and illness results. Acupuncture is effective in restoring this natural balance. Energy (chi) flows throughout the body along channels called meridians. Insertion of needles at specific points on the meridians redirects the energy and stimulates the body to heal itself.
Modern science explains that acupuncture indirectly affects the nervous system allowing certain chemicals or hormones to be released which aid in restoring balance. For example, endorphins are released which relieve pain and anxiety. There has been research done and it has shown there are physical changes in the body as a result of acupuncture.
One may wonder if Chinese medicine is a science or an art. In my opinion, it is scientific in that there is a body of knowledge grounded in rational, consistent thought. It is an art because it requires a different way of looking at the world and puts great emphasis on the holistic concept of mind, body and spirit. A Chinese physician needs to be sensitive to seeing each person as a unique individual. Sir William Osler, a British physician said: "Ask not what kind of illness the patient has but what kind of patient has the illness".