The concept of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements are one of the most fundamental aspects of acupuncture. The organs of the body are seen to be interrelated in the same sorts of ways as other natural phenomena (e.g night and day). They are a constant and continual flow of energy, where illness is seen when there is a disturbance in that balance; caused by emotions, heat or cold, or other influences. Therefore, therapy is depended on accurate diagnosis of the source of the imbalance.
In Chinese medicine, the back is considered Yang and the front is Yin, the lower pars are also yin and the upper parts Yang. The interior of the body is Ying and the exterior Yang. As long as those forces are balanced, the individual will be in a state of good health. Each person is unique, therefore treatment is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. The frequency of subsequent visits varies, depending on the type of illness, the severity of the condition, the duration of sickness, and patient’s response to the treatment.
There are more than 360 specific points along the meridians called “Acupoints” connected to organs or systems in the body. When acupuncture points are stimulated, it changes the flow of bioelectrical energy along the nerves and releases neurotransmitters, primarily endorphins, which are the body’s pain relievers, the same chemical that produces a sense of relaxation. Besides, endorphins plays a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for headache, neck pain, back pain and arthritis. Endorphins also regulates serotonin in the brain. This is why depression is often effectively treated with acupuncture.
People often are apprehensive about using acupuncture for their illnesses as it involves inserting the needles into their body. In reality, the needles for acupuncture are very different from the conventional hypodermic needles. Most patients find the treatment very relaxing. As a sign of obtaining the vital energy, some patients may have a slight sensation of soreness, numbness, distention, or heaviness around the needles. However, there is no harmful effect from the therapy in common practice. Therefore, people who suffer from lingering or chronic diseases and do not respond well to orthodox medicine are particularly encouraged to try this promising Chinese art of healing.