Acupuncture Blog Chicago: What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the primary treatments used in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture promotes the body's healing abilities by regulating the flow of Qi (vital life energy in the body, pronounced "chee") by inserting very fine needles into specific points in the body. Over many years, TCM has mapped out the flow of Qi in the body through a system called meridians. Each of the 12 main meridians connects to one specific organ, or group of organs, that govern particular bodily functions. Illness results when Qi stagnates or is blocked, or when the body has too little, or too much, of it. When energy flows freely, wellbeing is restored. For more information on acupuncture and Chinese Medicine check out my web site or my blog

Comments: 9

Mariana T. May 22, 2008, 9:03pm EDT

I go to a wonderful acupuncturist for almost everything - His name is Anthony Carr and he practices in Santa Barbara - He and my chiropractor keep me in tip top shape - thanks - Salud.

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Sammie B. May 22, 2008, 11:44pm EDT

Neat. Always sounded like an interesting experience to me, but I'm terrified of any sort of needle to begin with. xD

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Donald H. May 23, 2008, 6:17am EDT

After my return form Viet Nam I was informed by the VA doctors that I would loive the pain in my left knee forever. Ten years later i was telling an old friend, a chiropracter, about his and he asked if I knew about acupuncture. I did and I was then asked if I would let him try to relieve the pain. Well the upshot was that the pain was relieved....now I get 2 treatments per year...! I studied shiatsu in Japan...it is a form of acupressure that is based upon acupuncture. it also works well.

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Donald H. May 23, 2008, 6:19am EDT

Sammie.......forget the needles...! they DO NOT hurt...! You feel nothing except a bit of pressure on the surface of the skin. There is NO PAIN associated with acupuncture....! More correctly the "needles" should be called meridian probes...!

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Erica Hidvegi May 28, 2008, 4:49pm EDT

Isn't 'acupressure' just as effective ?

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Jennifer D. May 29, 2008, 10:33am EDT

Hi Thanks for the comments. While acupressure is wonderful I do feel needles are often more effective. However if needles are not an option acupressure is a great idea and can be a wonderful adjunct to acupuncture.

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Jean A. Jun 2, 2008, 3:52pm EDT

I have never tried Acupunchure, with all those needles, it seems so strange how they do work,
but anything that get the energy flow in harmony cant be bad.

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