Acupuncture is a form of medicine that utilizes the system of channels or meridians in the body. Channels / Meridians are along areas that correspond to symmetrical planes of the body. These planes relate to lines of greatest potential movement within the bodies’ entire (internal & external) structure. The understanding in Chinese medicine is that the body has a constant circulation of energy and Qi that flow throughout the meridians, which corresponds to its’ regular metabolic functioning. When the circulation of energy throughout the meridians is dysfunctional then illness, injury or the state of “un-wellness” will occur.

When there is a dysfunction of the meridians Acupuncture applied on specific points along the meridians are used to manipulate and access the bodies’ dynamic by adjusting the movement energy and Qi through the meridians. One basic principle is to realign the bodies’ energy and to regulate blood circulation and other metabolic functions. The needles have a magnetic like effect on the bodies’ energy and thus can be used to influence movement of energy


Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the herb mugwart is used as a conductor for the transmission of heat into the body. Moxa follows the same system of acupuncture meridians but it has more of an effect on the circulation of blood as Moxibustion is known to dilate blood vessels


Bleeding

First it should be understood that when bleeding is referred to only a few drops of blood is desired to come out of the skin and not a gaping wound or a gash. The goal of bleeding is to circulate energy in the Meridians by removing blood and fluid from a localized area in order to allow for an uninhibited flow of blood and energy. This relieves pressure in a specific meridian which may also lead to the release of heat.


Cupping

Cupping is a very old method that is used to break capillary beds in localized areas of dense firm tissue to allow new blood to fill the capillary regions and repair what is needed by clearing out metabolic waste and providing the appropriate nutrition to the area.