Vital Energy

What Does Acupuncture Actually Do? Here’s What You Need to Know

You’ve probably heard someone say, “You should try acupuncture for that.” Whether it’s back pain, stress, migraines, or fertility challenges, acupuncture is often recommended—but what does it actually do? Let’s explore how acupuncture works, what it does in the body, and why so many people are turning to this ancient practice to support modern health. Acupuncture in a Nutshell Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points lie along channels called meridians, which are thought to be pathways for the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy. When your Qi is flowing freely, you feel healthy and balanced. But when Qi is blocked or deficient, symptoms like pain, fatigue, or illness can arise. Acupuncture’s goal is to restore balance and promote the body’s natural healing ability. What Acupuncture Does—According to Both Eastern and Western […]

Tenants of Traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system that encompasses various practices, theories, and principles. It is rooted in a holistic understanding of the body, mind, and spirit. Here are the key tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Qi (Chi): Qi is the vital energy that flows throughout the body, maintaining health and vitality. It is the fundamental concept in TCM and is believed to be the basis of life. The balance, circulation, and harmonious flow of qi are considered crucial for overall well-being. Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang are opposing forces that exist in a complementary and interconnected relationship. Yin represents the cooler, passive, and nourishing aspects, while Yang represents the warmer, active, and dynamic aspects. Health is achieved when Yin and Yang are in a balanced and harmonious state. Five Elements (Wu Xing): The Five Elements theory categorizes natural phenomena and the human body into five interconnected […]

What is cupping therapy?

In Chinese medicine, cupping is a therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. It is believed to help improve blood circulation, alleviate pain, and promote healing. The technique has been used for thousands of years and is still widely practiced today. Here’s how cupping works according to Chinese medicine: Creating suction: The cups used in cupping therapy are typically made of glass, bamboo, or plastic. They are heated with a flame or a pump is used to remove the air inside the cup, creating a partial vacuum. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, and as the air inside the cup cools down, it creates suction, causing the skin to rise and redden. Promoting blood flow: The suction created by the cups helps to stimulate blood flow in the area. This is thought to remove stagnation and congestion in the body, improving the circulation […]