TCM Acupuncture for Beginners
Acupuncture has been an effective tool to maintain good health and relieve suffering for over 2000 years. While the practice has been adopted in other countries, it originated in China and the first known mention of acupuncture appears in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine in 100 BCE. While the practice has modernized over the years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture is influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy, science, technology and culture. It relies upon the theory of Yin and Yang. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments and can provide positive results in a single session. It’s a powerful and effective treatment with a long history in China and around the globe.
So, what is the theory of Yin and Yang? Harmony between yin and yang is believed to be crucial to Qi (our life force). When yin and yang are out of balance, our Qi becomes disrupted leading to mental and physical suffering. Yin (Zang) organs store vital substances (such as our heart, spleen, and lungs) while yang (Fu) organs store nutrients and excrete waste (such as our stomach, intestines, and bladder). While these two systems have unique functions, they require harmony to operate properly. This is why TCM aims to balance yin and yang for optimal Qi flow.
Today, there are five methods of diagnosis used in an acupuncture appointment: inspection (looking), auscultation (listening), olfaction (smelling), inquiry (asking), and palpation (touching). Additionally, an examination of the tongue plays a role in diagnosis as it is believed to be a reflection of our health. Acupuncturists will study the shape, colour and coating of your tongue to assess the health of the liver, lungs, spleen, and kidneys. Since 1997, acupuncture has been acknowledged in North America as an effective healing tool and has boomed in popularity. While alternative methods, such as Japenese-Style Acupuncture, exist, TCM Acupuncture is the oldest, and most widely practised, treatment style with over 3000 years of success.
Want to experience all the benefits that acupuncture has to offer in a single session? Book an appointment with William, in the clinic on Wednesday from 11-5 PM.
TCM acupuncture focuses on needling specific energy points to regulate Qi, restore health, and maintain harmony between yin and yang. The practice began developing when humans realized they could affect the body’s internal processes by stimulating particular areas of the skin. In the beginning, acupuncture was performed using sharpened stones and bones before the introduction of needles. Modern acupuncture’s foundation was formed during the Ming Dynasty when the 365 energy points used by TCM acupuncturists and the flow of Qi were established. Acupuncture is heavily influenced by Taoism and Confucianist ideology. Confucianism’s aversion to surgery and anatomy led to the adoption of non-invasive healing practices, such as acupuncture, while the Taoist belief that good health relies upon harmony between yin and yang plays a central role in the practice.
