Modalities Employed
Here is a brief description of the different modalities employed to stimulate and regulate the acupuncture meridians with the goal of energetic balance, thereby allowing the body to heal itself.
Acupuncture with needles
This method involves sterile, disposable needles about the diameter of a single strand of hair. They cannot be compared with the hypodermic needle, which is much thicker since they are either injecting or withdrawing fluid through them.
Most people do not even feel them with our light insertion method. The worst is perhaps the sensation of a mosquito bite occasionally. As the body’s flow of energies is activated, some parts of the body may feel heavy, tired or even a bit achy as new energy is pushing the stagnant energy through. This temporary excess of energy in those areas results in these sensations. For the majority of the time, most people feel none of these except for a deep sense of relaxation and often fall asleep.
There are 12 main meridians related to the major organs and 8 extraordinary meridians related to a deeper patterning within the body. Then there are different groupings of meridians that branch out from the main meridians. There are volumes of material detailing the specific pathways. Suffice to say that this very fine, intricate network links all of the cells, tissues, muscles and organs of the body. A massive network of communication is literally at our fingertips. The lightest stimulation, done with understanding and intention, can travel instantly to the deepest level of the body through this wonderful web. The possibilities are endless.
The various acupoints along each meridian are classified into two broad categories. Some points are better able to sedate or help to release excess, pent up energy caused by various reasons or etiologies, of which it is our job to uncover and thereby begin the release. Other points are geared to tonify, or let energy into an energy depleted meridian. This all helps to balance the body so that it can have a strong, steady source of flowing energy in order to rid itself of the previously mentioned interruptions that life throws us all.