Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese art of placing needles along the meridians of the body. In general, it is believed that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and causes the release of neurochemicals – the resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, promoting physical and emotional wellbeing.
The stimulation of certain points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promote relaxation.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for more than 3,000 years and is still practised today. The traditionalists believe that energy, or life force (Qi) travels along channels or meridian. There are 12 principal meridians divided into either Yin or Yang. No one knows how the meridians were first identified, but TCM practitioners believe that pain, and health problems are caused by the life force or Qi becoming stagnated and blocking a meridian. Needling was thought to release the blockage and restore the flow of energy.
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