Part of Traditional and Classical Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a technique in Oriental Medicine founded on Taoist philosophy. Principles of acupuncture state there are energetic pathways or channels throughout the body that relate to organs and structures within the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, good health is achieved when a body is in a “balanced state” and disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians.
Energy from these pathways surfaces at various acupuncture points on the body. Each acupuncture point serves as a tunnel to deeper circulatory channels. Extremely fine gauge needles are inserted at selected points to stimulate and activate the body’s natural healing abilities, relieving pain and curing dysfunction and disease.
Electroacupuncture involves the use of a low voltage electric current. Pairs of acupuncture needles are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses between them. Another term for electroacupuncture is Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS). Electroacupuncture augments traditional acupuncture, restores health and well-being, and is particularly effective at treating pain.
Acupressure is a related field of treatment. Acupressure uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body’s life force to aid restoration of health. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).