How does Acupuncture work? (Chinese Medical Explanation)

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning.The capacity to heal is strong in all of us. Acupuncture taps into the bodymind's capacity for self-regulation, which is the core of healing. Gaining the path toward health and well-being often involves changing the pattern we are stuck in. Acupuncture changes the pattern of the bodymind through the insertion of fine needles into the body. Acupuncture needles resonate the bodymind and subtly shape its enormous and ongoing project of self-regulation. The living moment is actually a welter of changing circumstances-chemical and physical, from within and from without-in the midst of which the bodymind rarely loses its balance. When the loss of balance occurs, the result is illness. But the body is capable of righting this balance, which the ancient Chinese defined in terms of yin and yang. In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle.

How does being stuck apply here? TCM theorises that it is essential for qi (energy), as well as blood to circulate in a continuous and unobstructed manner for good health of the mind and body. A complex network of internal and external Acupuncture meridians or channels is the pathway through which the energy flows throughout the body making this possible, and connecting the body as a unity. Acupuncture points lie along the meridians and are the access points that allow entry into the acupuncture meridians. The acupuncture points provide gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease body’s vital substances, qi (energy) & blood, thus correcting many of the body’s imbalances. 

As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place as the body is balanced; thus relieving symptoms and eliminating illness.TCM likens the human body to a highly complex electrical circuit. Like any electrical circuit it must be kept in good working order if it is to function effectively, and if the circuit breaks down the result is illness.Channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. The acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.