Chinese medicine is an over 3000 year old science, so trying to wrap our brains around what it is and why it works can be confusing and overwhelming. This page will help you understand the WHAT and the WHY behind this ancient medicine. In a fun, practical and personal way we will break down what Chinese medicine is and how it relates to modern science and today’s medicine.

What is acupuncture & Chinese medicine?
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
-Thomas Edison
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is an over 3000-year-old science that can help to relieve the signs and symptoms of many different health problems. It can also uncover the underlying root cause(s) of those symptoms. The goal of this medicine is to activate the natural, self-healing abilities of the body and then continue to strengthen and support the body in preventing future illness and disease.
The placement of needles in the body activates the movement of Qi (pronounced chee), activates pain relieving endorphins, improves blood flow and calms the nervous system. The use of herbal medicine, nutrition and other self-care techniques are additional powerful ways to get the full benefit of this powerful medicine.
What is Qi and how does it ‘flow’ in my body?
“Qi is the root of a human being. It is the basis of all phenomena in the universe.”
-Giovanni Maciocia
Einstein showed us that everything is made of and radiates energy. This subtle energy supports, shapes and enlivens everything in our physical body. Our health is influenced by the quantity, balance and flow of this energy. The meridians are essentially the subtle ‘rivers’ that this Qi flows through, to all of the tissues of the body.
From a scientific point of view, Qi is looked at as the oxygen that flows through the body. Since oxygen is carried by our blood, then you could say that the arteries are also the equivalent of our meridians that carry the Qi. The abundance of oxygen and blood flowing through the body, reflects the state of our health. The better our blood flow, the healthier we are and the younger we feel!
What is yin and yang and how does it apply to me in my body?
“In a normal state of health, yin and yang harmoniously support and depend on each other for existence.”
-Paul Pitchford
Whether it be darkness & light or joy & sadness, our world as well as our body is made up of opposites. When it comes to our health, it is all about finding the balance between those opposites and we call that yin and yang.
When it comes to Chinese medicine we look at the six divisions of yin and yang specifically. They are:
“In a normal state of health, yin and yang harmoniously support and depend on each other for existence.”
-Paul Pitchford
Whether it be darkness & light or joy & sadness, our world as well as our body is made up of opposites. When it comes to our health, it is all about finding the balance between those opposites and we call that yin and yang.
When it comes to Chinese medicine we look at the six divisions of yin and yang specifically. They are:
- YIN & YANG
- COLD& HEAT
- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR
- DEFICIENCY & EXCESS
What are the 5-elements and how to they apply to me and my body?
“Health and happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.”
-Thomas Merton
The Five Elements in Chinese medicine are Fire, Earth, Water, Metal, and Wood. According to the ancient Chinese belief, those are the basic elements of the universe and everything in our world is a compound of the five elements. These elements are understood as different types of energy in a state of constant interaction and flux with one another.
The most important of all is the balance of all five elements.
The movements of five elements are stable and predictable when they are in balance, and vice versa
“Health and happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.”
-Thomas Merton
The Five Elements in Chinese medicine are Fire, Earth, Water, Metal, and Wood. According to the ancient Chinese belief, those are the basic elements of the universe and everything in our world is a compound of the five elements. These elements are understood as different types of energy in a state of constant interaction and flux with one another.
The most important of all is the balance of all five elements.
The movements of five elements are stable and predictable when they are in balance, and vice versa
What happens in the body during acupuncture?
“There is evidence that acupuncture influences the production of and distribution of many neurotransmitters & this in turn alters the perception of pain”
-David Eisenberg, M.D., Harvard Medical School.
In Chinese medicine the four aspects of the body that need to be functioning well to be healthy are:
When an acupuncture needle is inserted, the sensory and proprioceptive nerves that are stimulated send a message to our mid-brain, which is where our body’s enkephalins and endorphins are released. These are our body’s opioids and can powerfully relieve pain. Once these neurotransmitters are released, our body vasodilates and moves blood into the affected areas, initiating healing.
“There is evidence that acupuncture influences the production of and distribution of many neurotransmitters & this in turn alters the perception of pain”
-David Eisenberg, M.D., Harvard Medical School.
In Chinese medicine the four aspects of the body that need to be functioning well to be healthy are:
- Qi (oxygen) delivery to the tissues
- Vascular system- blood abundant and circulation is good
- Organs are healthy and balanced
- Nervous system
When an acupuncture needle is inserted, the sensory and proprioceptive nerves that are stimulated send a message to our mid-brain, which is where our body’s enkephalins and endorphins are released. These are our body’s opioids and can powerfully relieve pain. Once these neurotransmitters are released, our body vasodilates and moves blood into the affected areas, initiating healing.
What is the research on whether acupuncture works?
Now that Western medicine is starting to see that acupuncture works for many different conditions, research has really started in earnest to learn how it works and for what conditions. Functional MRI’s and treatment studies are showing positive results for the treatment of pain, nausea, hot flashes, menstrual pain, anxiety, allergies, headaches/migraines, osteoarthritis, post-operative pain and many other conditions.
A great resource if you would like to learn more about specific acupuncture research studies and an overview in the field is the website for Evidence Based Acupuncture.
/www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/
Now that Western medicine is starting to see that acupuncture works for many different conditions, research has really started in earnest to learn how it works and for what conditions. Functional MRI’s and treatment studies are showing positive results for the treatment of pain, nausea, hot flashes, menstrual pain, anxiety, allergies, headaches/migraines, osteoarthritis, post-operative pain and many other conditions.
A great resource if you would like to learn more about specific acupuncture research studies and an overview in the field is the website for Evidence Based Acupuncture.
/www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence/