hometherapiesacupuncturehow does it work?

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A real mystery, and the sort than can and has filled many books. It has and still does fascinate acupuncturists and herbalists as to how it actually works. The basic theory is that there is a network system of "channels" which interconnect with each other. The "channels" run all over the body and transport qi (pronounced chee), or energy. "Energy" is a strange word that people often misunderstand when on a subject of an complimentary medicine, but is well understood when watching an "isotonic lucusaid" advert on television - although granted there are various types of energy that have different functions, just as there are various hormones of the body that also have different functions. Qi can effect the tissues, blood supply, nervous system etc., therefore if the transportation, or flow of qi is disrupted then this will disrupt the surrounding anatomical structures i.e.- the blood flow, nerve supply, cellular transportation etc.

The channels connect internally with the viscera and thus can have an effect on the internal mechanism of the body's organs. Therefor certain points on the body, limbs and extremities can influence energetic flow in a particular area \ organ. The aim is to balance the person as much as possible.

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For example:

• A menopausal woman is suffering from hot flushes, profuse sweating, and palpitations - which can be a very disturbing experience. The western diagnosis would be a hormone imbalance and HRT would probably be the prescribed treatment. The diagnosis in Chinese Medicine could be one of, or a combination of, many depending upon the individual. Acupuncture points would be selected and this would in turn effect the hormones by bringing the body back into balance.
• A young man sustains a sports injury to the right knee. It becomes swollen, painful, and bruising evidence of the impact sustained. The qi in the area has been disrupted by the impact \ or sudden movement. As the qi is disrupted, so is the blood supply, nerve supply etc. Homeostasis is in a state of flux resulting in the swollen, painful knee. Specific points would be selected to regulate the flow of qi and blood in the area and thus re-establishing a balance which would in turn reduce the inflammation and encourage a health blood supply to the area so that repair to the damaged tissues could take place.

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