Acupuncture

Acupuncture has existed for four to five thousand years. It represents a complete medical system capable of addressing any and all conditions of ill health.

The meridians are pathways of energy – quite like the blood vessels and the lymph system and even the nervous system – but they are non visible yet, distinct. Along these trajectories of energy there are energy vortexes – Acupuncture points – 365 major points and many more of them through out the body! The points are like pools of energy and they are found on distinct meridians, which in turn connect to major organ systems. There are 12 major meridians and 8 Extraordinary meridians weaving an intricate web of connections between – organs – function – and state of wellness and health.
The origins are obscure but it is believed that some visionaries “saw” or perceived the meridians, organ connections and functions of the meridians and the related acupuncture points first.

Maybe even four thousand years ago People might have sat around a fire and someone may have had a headache and started massaging a point in the web between thumb and index finger and or the top of the shoulder on the trapezium muscle and simply noticed that the pain subsided. Maybe they used a stone to dig in the points that appeared to alleviate the pain.

The connection between the points were discovered, named and recorded over many, many years – decades and even centuries.

Eventually over centuries stone and then bronze needles were borne. leading to the development of these fine, minute needles used today. The needles are superfine by comparison. Three of them fit into one hypodermic needle! Because of this, the only experience might be a slight, instantaneous burning sensation when inserted. Acupuncture appears to produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemical cells such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and hormones thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person’s blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

My first experience with acupuncture completely relieved an acute sciatic condition that had me wrapped in pain. Whatever sensation I might have felt as the needles were inserted has long faded from my memory, if ever there at all. I vividly recall the pain from my condition though, and the affect those little needles had in providing relief.

I have always held the view that needle phobia stems from some of our first betrayals in life; such as the pain felt from our first supposedly “pain free” shot we get as innocent little children trusting the promise of our parents and the “nice” nurse assuring us “it won’t hurt”

One absolute effect of acupuncture, also according to Western science, is the release of endorphins, once the needles are inserted, giving rise to a sense of deep relaxation and comfort of being.