WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well.
Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well being. It is a safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of conditions.
WHAT IS Qi
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced chee), the vital 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 quality, quantity and balance of Qi throughout the body.
Qi is the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of Chinese philosophy, medicine and healing. This force is powerful and natural, and its balance plays a critical role in our health and well being.
HOW DOES Qi MOVE
Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are fourteen main meridians throughout the body. The diagram shows the meridian pathways in 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.
HOW IS Qi DISRUPTED
An obstruction of 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 persons health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.
Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accident, or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
Qi can easily be disrupted, but can just as easily be put back into its natural state of harmony and balance. Acupuncture therapies safely and effectively balance the Qi.
BLOCKAGE OF THE FLOW OF QI CAN BE DETRIMENTAL TO A PERSON’S HEALTH AND LEAD TO VARIOUS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OR HEALTH CONCERNS.
WHAT DOES AN ACUPUNCTURIST DO
During the initial exam, a health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam may be conducted which may include a pulse and tongue evaluation.
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 insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction and balance 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 body’s ability to heal itself, ultimately leading to optimal health and well being.
Businesses Affiliated with River Valley Acupuncture
MICHELLE ANNICELLI
Licensed Massage Therapist
6 MAIN STREET, CENTERBROOK, CT
860.304.0882
KATHLEEN BISSON, LCSW
Psychotherapist
6 MAIN STREET, CENTERBROOK, CT
860.853.8503
STEPHANIE FARRAND
Aesthetician | Facial Reflexologist | Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner
6 MAIN STREET, CENTERBROOK, CT