Chinese medical theory explains how acupuncture works by having a system of channels in the body and points along the channels that have different actions.
Western medicine has not unravelled the mystery of how acupuncture works. We know that acupuncture affects the body. For example certain points increase the blood flow to the uterus. We can see this on ultrasound. So we believe that acupuncture can help with fertility. And there are some 'gold standard' randomised controlled trials that support this theory. But we don't know why it works.
We know that using moxibustion on the point Susanli or Stomach-36 increases the haemoglobin in the blood. So it's used to treat anaemia.
Acupuncture alone is widely used by many practitioners because it can relieve pain. We can put needles in the feet and hands and see the levels of cortisol rise in the blood. This allows our own body to reduce inflammation.
Chinese medicine treats the body as a single functioning unit and views symptoms as a reflection of the health of the body as a whole. To construct a diagnosis, it looks to understand the body in terms of natural law and how we maintain balance within our internal environment and in relation to the external world.
Western medicine has the concept of homeostasis and it tells us that the body makes constant adjustments to remain constant in spite of varying external conditions.
Chinese medicine teaches us to become aware of how to and when to make adjustments to maintain our health. This encourages us to prevent disease throughout our whole lives. Its theory it is built on common sense. How we treat our bodies today will determine how our health will be in the future.
Applied Chinese theory maps out which parts of our bodies' systems are robust and working well and it lets us know which parts of our systems are vulnerable and need extra attention and support. This map is unique for each person and changes throughout one's life.
During a treatment session a diagnosis is formed. Then the creative healing art can be applied. During treatment many methods may be used including needles, moxibustion, cupping, massage, dietary advice, exercises, or Chinese herbal medicine.