Ki (energy) circulates throughout the body by pathways called meridians, which are responsible for our health and wellbeing.
Meridians navigate the outside of our bodies. They are external manifestations of our internal organs. In acupuncture, the meridians are used to promote healing and maintenance of our wellbeing.
Our bodies have an inherent healing power of significant potential. Meridian therapy allows this potential to be realized. Different points along the meridians affect the body and its internal organs in specific ways.
"Matter follows energy"
Translation 'The Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine' (C-2000bc)
Acupuncture is an energetic medicine that utilizes the physical to access the energetic, and then balance it. The knowledge that 'matter follows energy' is of vital importance in understanding how Acupuncture works. The acts of Needling and Moxabustion influences the Ki, which then affects the physical body and returns it to balance and health. This is also true of our emotional state.
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A Different View of Illness
Acupuncture takes a different view of illness than that of Western Medicine. Whereas Western doctors examine specifics and focus on individual parts of the body, Acupuncturists view the body as a whole. The focus lies in the integration of various systems, such as the digestive system and the respiratory system; all working together, affecting each other, nourishing each other and keeping each other in check.
The body is viewed in terms of Yin and Yang, as well as a reflection of the external world and environment. This is referred to as the 5 Elements of Earth, Metal, Water, Wind and Fire, which all have corresponding organs and meridians in the body.
The signs of illness, disease and pain are displayed in the Ki of the meridians. This might (was ‘can sometimes’) be seen as pain or redness along the meridians. Diagnostic techniques include reading the pulse and tongue, palpating the meridians and the abdomen as well as questioning the patient.
The interrupted Ki flow is then deduced through the 5 elements, as well as Yin and Yang.
These signs are interpreted and through their meanings, a treatment is mapped.
Treatments consist of needling and moxabustion along the meridians to promote the correct flow of Ki. Specific functions of the body that work ineffectively are also treated.
It is in this way that the body is brought back into balance, re-establishing a sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture at Kotan Clinic, like its Taoist teachings, seeks the gentle path to recovery and ultimately, a sense of connectedness to the universe.
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