“Health is the proper relationship between the microcosm, which is man, and the macrocosm, which is the universe. Disease is a disruption of his relationship.”
- Dr. Yeshi Donden, physician to the Dalai Lama

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the world’s most ancient healing methods and is often the most misunderstood. Historical records dating 5,000 years old indicate that healers in China were using acupuncture to successfully treat numerous types of dis-ease. Acupuncture is unique because it promotes balance and harmony throughout one’s whole being. Unlike western medicine, Chinese Medicine does not recognize the body, mind, and spirit as separate entities of their own. Instead, all aspects of one’s being are in seen and treated in dynamic relationship to each other.

Acupuncture promotes healing through its fundamental understanding of the cyclical flow of vital energy, also known as Qi. Qi is the fundamental life force that we extract from the food we eat and the air we breathe. This essential energy is what sustains our lives. When the Qi is full, balanced and freely circulating throughout our bodies we experience vigorous health. However, when the Qi is obstructed by some blockage (physical/mental/emotional), inflammation, pain, and dis-ease result. This affects our whole being - body, mind, and spirit.

Like a flowing river, the Qi circulates throughout our bodies in specific channels otherwise called meridians. These meridians have a corresponding relationship with our internal organ system (Heart, liver, lungs, etc.) and our emotional/mental state as well. Through placing acupuncture needles in precise locations along the meridians, the Qi flow is affected. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to monitor the strength, momentum, and balance of the Qi flow throughout the patient’s body to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. This is accomplished by utilizing various diagnostic techniques - primarily listening to the patient’s pulse and looking at their tongue.

The World Health Organization has reported that the following symptoms are greatly helped by acupuncture care: