Meet Your Own Personal “Qi”

At the core of the ancient medicine of Acupuncture is what we call “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the vital energy that flows throughout your body and, just like your DNA, your Qi is unique only to you. Your Qi gives you energy, animates your body and protects you from illness, pain and disease. As you can see, your overall health is greatly influenced by the quality and balance of Qi in your body.

Qi flows through specific pathways of your body – almost like river flows – called “meridians.” There are 14 main meridians in your body, each a tributary for blood, oxygen and nutrients to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in your body.

Now, think again of the river imagery. If a dam were placed at any point along the river, the nourishing effect that the water had on the whole river would stop at the point the dam was placed, correct? The same is true in relation to Qi and the meridians. When the Qi becomes blocked, illness and disease can result if the flow is not restored.

What causes Qi blockage?

You might be undergoing physical or emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet or excessive activity that simply throws off the balance of your Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body manages to right itself and bounces back to a state of health and well being. But, in some cases, the Qi just gets stuck “at the river dam.” As a result, the rest of your body that was being nourished by the continuous flow now suffers.

Acupuncture is one tool used to restore the flow of Qi, by inserting needles into the acupuncture points (located on the meridians). These insertions help clear any residing blockages (dams) thus freeing the “river” to flow its natural and vigorous course.

When you begin your acupuncture treatment with Grant Collins at OC Acupuncture, you might feel pain or discomfort in one part of your body, but Grant Collins will apply the thin acupuncture needles to a completely different part of your body. Doesn’t he know that you hurt HERE and not THERE? Of course he does – remember, he has to work in the area where the “dam” actually occurred.

Click to learn more about how acupuncture works

Click to learn more about the acupuncture needles

Call Grant Collins at OC Acupuncture today at (949) 481-2511 with questions or to set up an appointment