Dr. Cassandra Gray dives into the Basics of Acupuncture:

What is it?

Acupuncture is a major branch of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Chinese medicine is a form of medicine practiced regularly in many countries to treat all forms of disease and health problems. There are practiced methods of treatment through acupuncture to improve health and well-being ranging from physical disorders like injuries, sleep disorders or female health to emotional issues like depression, anxiety and PTSD/Trauma concerns. It is an excellent preventative medicine and one of the best methods used for treating chronic stress.

How does it work?

Acupuncture is a qi corrective tool that reestablishes proper qi flow in the body. By using fine needles it will activate the meridian system and correct aberrations in the flow of life force, blood, lymph and other regulatory activity in the body like immunity. The points used for this are designated for specific functions and are chosen for your particular health presentation. There are principles at play in Chinese medicine which include the concept of yin and yang and a detailed study of the functions and actions of your organs and meridian systems. These are the foundational guidelines we use to find the best way to approach correction and how to diagnose which patterns need to be addressed to restore balance.

What is Qi?

Qi is energy. It is the energy we are within the body and the energy that becomes the body in a more solid state. Qi can be considered everything in a larger scope of perspective however in acupuncture it is the subtle flow of life force within us which becomes us. TCM considers the proper movement of life force energy to be essential to good health. It is said that qi is the commander of the blood, and blood is the mother of qi. They are interdependent and essential for proper nourishment, health and well-being. Any form of stagnation can eventually lead to illness if not corrected. Qi naturally attempts to correct itself, but sometimes we get into situations that support stasis such as desk jobs, repetitive tasks, injuries, stress or constant emotional disruption. Stasis leading to disease or physical symptoms can be a pattern that develops over many years or an abrupt issue that comes on suddenly. Other major causes of stasis are unhealthy diet, toxic environments and unhealthy relationships.

What does acupuncture treat?

In short, acupuncture has the ability to treat any condition because it addresses the pattern/s that leads to the symptoms or condition. Chinese medicine treats patterns of disease rather than the disease. Every disease has a range of patterns that may be present, and every person will have underlying tendencies constitutionally or lifestyle born which often play a role in the development and presentation of a disease.

How often do you need treatments?

Treatment regularity depends on your condition and the length of time you have been dealing with it. Usually, new clients should come once every week or two for roughly 4-6 months. This frequency builds a momentum of regulation and forms a foundation for the body’s balance that is sustainable. I then recommend treatments once a month for maintenance and preventative health measures. When we use acupuncture for a health condition, we are intervening and reshaping long-term patterns to change them to a state your body can manage better, returning you to balanced health. This is why regular treatments will give the best results. Acupuncture is also useful for acute conditions, and can spot-treat issues as they come up. It is highly individual and always up to the client on how they wish to reach their goals. Qi correction can be a subtle experience or a strong one, and each person will find the right timetable for their needs as they become used to what acupuncture can do for them.