Acupuncture is a form of treatment with the principle that there are energetic pathways, or channels, throughout the body that influence associated internal organs and structures. Energy (Qi, pronounced "chee") from these pathways surfaces at various points on the body, called acupoints. Each of these acupoints serves as a tunnel, or access route, to the deeper circulatory channels within.
Extremely fine gauge needles are inserted at selected points, stimulating these points and thereby activating the body’s natural healing abilities. It is proven to be an effective, safe alternative and complement to medications or even surgery for a variety of conditions.
Each point on a specific meridian has a specific function, and acupuncture prescription means selection of a group of points to treat a condition or disease, based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We call that TCM acupuncture.
A TCM acupuncture practitioner has a sound knowledge of meridians and their interactions and knows the functions and indications of each point, in addition to contra-indications of them. For example LI-4 which is a commonly used acupoints for pain, is contra-indicated to use during pregnancy, but can be used to induce labour in case of delayed labour.
Japanese Style Acupuncture
It is said that the Japanese practice a truer form of medicine than the Chinese since the cultural revolution had little influence on their medicine. Whether it is that differentiation, or simply the uniqueness of their nation, the Japanese style resembles next to nothing of TCM. Many different schools exist, some that even only use moxa to treat. Much of the Japanese styles derive from varying interpretations of the Nan Jing. The Japanese have greatly influenced acupuncture with their technological advances in helping to invent the guide tube, the pump cup (as opposed to fire), and the silicon coated needle. As a general rule Japanese styles are much more subtle than TCM. The needles are inserted shallower and the "De Qi" sensation is not necessarily sought after. In addition, the Japanese seem to place much greater importance to details (i.e., direction of needle, order of insertions, etc.). They also seem to concentrate much more on root treatment than local.
The functions of Meridians
It is by virtue of the complex interweaving network of the channels that Qi, and Blood are transported to every part of the body. All the organs and tissues are nourished, energised and warmed by Qi and Blood circulating through the channel network. Zang Fu (internal organs) are the root of the channels, and the channels themselves are the stems, different body tissues and sense organas are the flowers, e.g. Heart flowers into the tongue.
The Zang Fu are linked to each other throgh the interconnection amongst the meridians (channels), e.g. the primary meridian of Lung originates in the Stomach, passes through the Large Intestine and diaphragm, whilst the primary channel of the Heart connects with Small Intestine and Lung.
The meridians serve to transmit acupuncture stimulation from the acupoint to the diseased area of the body, rendering acupuncture treatment effective. By stimulating an acupoint through needling, cupping, heat application, pressure or massage, the Qi and Blood of the whole course of the channel may be regulated.