THE TAO OF WELLNESS: Learning about the ancient art of acupuncture

Who would have thought tiny hair-fine needles could help to heal the body? As far back as 5,000 years ago, China records detail the use of acupuncture to cure wounded soldiers and manage pain.

Forms of acupuncture have also been found in many other cultures and civilizations prior to the use by the Chinese. South African tribesman were found to scratch parts of their body to help cure disease and Egyptian hieroglyphics have recorded similar findings to meridians used in Chinese medicine, known as energy pathways through the body.

So why has something that has been used for so long and lasted through time not become mainstream in North America?

The theory of Chinese medicine is based on balance and harmony within the body instead of something that can be seen, touched and felt.

Western medicine, based on anatomy and physiology, has a hard time explaining how acupuncture actually works.

Coming from a background with little exposure to Chinese medicine or without knowing much about it before attending school, I too was curious but critical of the theory of balance and harmony to cure disease.

It was years into school, seeing patients return for their acupuncture sessions, feeling better and being discharged with little to no symptoms, that finally convinced me there is in fact something to this medicine and yes, it is capable of improving disease and even eliminating it.

I would see patients suffering for years taking many different medications, seen countless specialists that had found relief using acupuncture. It never ceases to amaze me, even until this day.

What I've learned to accept is Chinese medicine and Western medicine are completely separate entities and cannot be explained by one another.

However, they do not have to be used exclusively and are a great complement to each other.

Chinese medicine looks at each patient as an individual and takes into account all of health concerns into a diagnosis.

For example, if you are suffering from migraines, insomnia and anxiety, your treatment will treat the root cause for all three of your health concerns.

There have been many studies to try and determine the positives of acupuncture and here are the findings to date:

- Acupuncture has been found to trigger the brain to release endorphins, the feel-good chemical naturally occurring in your body; boosts circulation; increases immune response; and is found to close channels that communicate pain.

Does acupuncture hurt?

These hair-fine needles feel like a little mosquito bite, but usually you feel little to nothing. You leave feeling relaxed, groggy and happy - not what you usually associate with needles.

Acupuncture is non-addictive and once improvements are seen they last.

There are no side effects to treatments and can be combined with most existing medications and treatments.

Sounds good right?

So why not try it? You'll be pleasantly surprised at how great you feel.

Note: Acupuncture can be used along side many allopathic treatments and medications without interactions.

Always consult your health-care providers before starting any new treatments.