What is Acupuncture?

Our bodies have a series of vertical tube-like channels called meridians or energy pathways which connect to all of our major organs.

If the energy in these tubes is always moving there can be no illness.
When this energy gets blocked we begin to feel the symptoms of illness – headaches, cramps, depression, joint aches and pains, digestive disorders, etc.

Contracting forces -- our environment, our diet, and our thinking -- can block the flow of this meridian energy (Qi), affect our organ’s physiological functions, and cause illness.

Symptoms can manifest in any meridian anywhere on the body, inside and out, depending on which organ is involved.  According to TCM theory, even serious illness like cancer belongs to long term blockages of energy causing long term blood stasis.

This is where acupuncture is used very effectively to open up the flow of stagnant energy and return the organ’s functions before a serious condition manifests.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine hair-like needles into specific points (apertures) along the body's meridian pathways.

The degree of sensation is similar to a light pin prick, and/or in some cases can feel like a very low amperage electrical pulse.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture treatments are usually painless.  Even where there is blockage it is far less painful than say plucking out a hair.

Subsequent sensations can include mild tingling, slight numbness, very dull achiness, or electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion.

Vancouver Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, Tuina, Qi Gong

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©Caldwell Clinic, Vancouver BC Canada, Dr. Harreson Caldwell, DrTCM, RAc, Phone: 604.618.3111, or email for info