Muscle tension, a condition readily treated by acupuncture, disrupts our bodies' natural tendency to seek and maintain equilibrium between our nervous, circulatory and muscular systems. Trained and licensed acupuncturists recognize this imbalance as a blockage of the flow of energy, or qi, between these interdependent systems. Symptoms of this imbalance range from muscular aches and pains to nervousness, sleeplessness and anxiety. Acupuncture can restore the flow of energy, creating both local and system-wide changes.
Locally, acupuncture restores the following systems:
Lymphatic system: Restoration of the lymphatic system means better immunity, as white cells can more easily reach areas of injury, or receive chemotactic messages from local areas.
Venous system: Decompression of the venous system allows fresh blood to carry away carbon dioxide and lactic acid,
Arterial system: Proper functioning of the arterial system means increased oxygenation and restoration of nutrition.
Nervous system: Decompression of nerves reduces irritation and pain, and cuts down on "error signals"-misfiring of nerve impulses.
System-wide, acupuncture stimulates the release of endogenous (substances your body makes) endorphins, which decrease pain and increase feelings of relaxation and well-being.
