One sunny day my wonderful father in-law was rear ended.  His car did not sustain much damage but his 75 year old lumbar spine was achy and sore and he was having frequent and excruciating  back spasms.

 I suggested that he let me put a couple of acupuncture needles into specific areas on his back.  After about a 30 minute treatment he felt much better and the spasms had completely subsided albeit he was still a little sore.

 I explained to him that Acupuncture is the process of inserting very fine stainless-steel needles into specific acu-points located near or on the surface of the skin.  The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature, and influences all essential life activities which includes the spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of life. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness occur. Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts.

 Acupuncture works to “re-program” and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Chi energy.  Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person.

 Many people have found Traditional Chinese methods of healing to be excellent tools for maintaining optimum health and preventing illness.  There are many diseases that can be treated successfully by Acupuncture or its related treatments. The most common ailments currently being treated are: lower backache, Cervical Spondylosis, Condylitis, Arthritic Conditions, Headaches of all kinds (including migraine), Allergic Reactions, all women’s health issues, and a good track record for treating addictions to food, alcohol, and  tobacco (nicotine).  Acupuncture can rid the body of the physical dependency, but can not rid the mind of the habit (psychological dependency).

 I will be writing a monthly article on holistic cures for common disharmonies such as seasonal allergies, colds, flu’s etc.  If  there is a specific health topic you would like me to write about please drop me a line.Happy Qi Teresa (Terez) Zeigler L.Ac., CH is a licensed acupuncturist practicing in the Chicagoland area.  For more information about  Teresa or Acupuncture please visit WWW.Healingvessel.com or E-mail her  at Tzig48 at hotmail dot com.