Philosophical Background
Acupuncture is an ancient practise, a holistic health system that seeks to restore balance to body and mind. Philosophically it places humans within the cosmos, as an entity, integral to and therefore influenced directly by the environment. To be healthy is to live in accordance with the fluctuating energetic changes of the universe. That is, the changes that occur with the changes in seasons, and the daily fluctuation between day and night. Closer to home, on a more micro scale, energy fluctuations that occur in relation to our environment, the food we eat, the way we breathe, move our bodies ( or not ) and the manner in which we respond emotionally to our surroundings can either enhance our energetic system or disrupt it.
Energy or "Qi" as the Chinese understand flows through every aspect of life. Qi is what gives energy to the body; for instance the mitochondria in our cells can be viewed as engines of energy or "qi" production. If this energy production or circulation of qi gets disrupted illness can follow. There are many ways in which the energy of the body or mind may be disrupted. Bad posture, poor use of the body, lack of awareness and overuse can all lead to injury, but the same applies to the mind. Old habits and thinking patterns, a scattered lifestyle and lack of space to nourish the body/mind can all lead to a disrupted flow of qi through the body. The acupuncture system is a framework through which your acupuncturist seeks to restore good energy or "qi " circulation, very much like a musician will finely tune an instrument.
What Happens in an Acupuncture Treatment?
Fine needles are inserted in specific points along the body. Often a dull sensation is felt on insertion and for most clients a sense of relaxation follows. By stimulating the body at particular points along the body, the perception of pain can be modified, and inflammation decreased.
Why does my acupuncturist put acupuncture pins in one side of my body and not the other?
Sometimes a practitioner works bi-laterally, that is, she uses exactly the same points on both sides of the body. At other times she may select different points on each side, it really depends upon what the presenting problem is.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture stimulates the body and therefore can be used to increase circulation where it is lacking. It has been used as an adjunct to assist women undergoing IVF treatments. Some studies suggest it may assist with fertility treatments although evidence in terms of efficacy is inconclusive ( Cheong, Hung Yu Ng E, Ledger, Acupuncture and assisted conception, The Cochrane Collaboration 2008). 
In simple a word, acupuncture is used to treat pain. Acupuncture has been shown to manage the symptoms of pain and discomfort. Therefore multifarious conditions that involve pain and discomfort may be helped. From a traditional perspective the fact that there is pain indicates pathology. By addressing that pain we are able to encourage a sense of wellbeing which may assist in recovery. Generally the increased sense of well being that accompanies treatment has a positive effect and extends into ones whole life. If you are unsure please call to see if you think treatment could be of benefit to you.
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