Acupuncture: A Core Modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles at specific points (acupoints) along meridians to regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) and restore balance.

TCM Framework

• Qi flows through 12 primary meridians connected to organ systems.
• Blockage or imbalance → pain, dysfunction, disease.
• Needling unblocks Qi, harmonizes Yin/Yang, promotes self-healing.

Modern Biomedical Perspectives

• Stimulates peripheral nerves → spinal cord/brain → releases endorphins, serotonin, adenosine.
• Modulates autonomic nervous system, immune response, local blood flow.
• fMRI shows specific brain activation patterns per acupoint.

Evidence-Based Uses (WHO, NIH)

• Chronic pain (low back, osteoarthritis, headache)
• Nausea (chemotherapy, postoperative)
• Allergic rhinitis, dysmenorrhea, infertility adjunct

Seek a licensed acupuncturist (NCCAOM certified) or physician-acupuncturist. Single-use sterile needles are mandatory.