What is Acupuncture? A Simple Guide for Calgary Residents
When I see a new patient, my first question is always: Have you ever had acupuncture before? The second is: Would you like to know more about it? I start each appointment by giving a brief introduction to this beautiful, ancient medicine. My goal is to help patients understand acupuncture, rather than experience it blindly.
Even a little understanding encourages greater trust and openness, which can enhance healing. Whether you call it the placebo effect or simply “where your attention goes, energy flows,” knowledge plays a pivotal role. That’s why I wrote this blog. Let’s explore what acupuncture truly is.
Tracing Acupuncture’s Journey from China to the West
Acupuncture’s roots go back thousands of years in ancient China as a core pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It was practiced to restore balance and harmony by working with the flow of energy, or “qi.” Over centuries, practitioners refined the techniques, passing knowledge down through generations.
This practice didn’t stay confined to China. As trade routes opened, it spread westward. One of the first Westerners to study acupuncture was Dutch physician Willem ten Rhijne, who documented practices in Japan in the late 17th century. In the 19th century, French physician Jean-Nicolas Marjolin observed acupuncture in China directly, sparking Western interest.
It wasn’t until 1971 that acupuncture gained wide recognition in the West, thanks to American journalist James Reston’s article in The New York Times about his acupuncture experience after an emergency appendectomy in China.
Today, acupuncture bridges ancient wisdom and modern healthcare, offering unique therapeutic potential.
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Understanding How Acupuncture Works
What is Qi?
When explaining acupuncture, I always start with qi (pronounced “chee”), the cornerstone of TCM. Qi is often called the vital energy or life force that animates us and keeps everything in nature—including our bodies—flowing smoothly. In my practice, I think of qi as the spark bringing life, movement, and communication to every cell.
Dr. Dan Keown, in The Spark in the Machine, describes qi as “the intelligent force and organization of bodily functions, encompassing both energy and structure.” He parallels qi with the body’s communication networks—our cells talking, organizing, and healing. Keown says, “Our life is electric, and what is bio-electricity if not concentrated metabolism, pure bio-energy, what Chinese medicine sees as Qi?”
Giovanni Maciocia, another Chinese medicine expert, says: “Qi is the root of a human being. It is the basis of all phenomena in the universe.” For him, qi is both the energy moving within us and the foundation of everything around us. When qi is balanced and flowing, we feel well; when blocked or deficient, dis-ease emerges.
In short, qi powers and coordinates our bodily functions. Understanding it is key to appreciating how acupuncture restores balance and health.
What are the Meridians?
The next piece in acupuncture’s puzzle after qi is the meridian system. Meridians, or channels, are invisible pathways forming a network throughout the body that carry qi to every organ and tissue. Think of them as “superhighways” for your vital energy, connecting everything and keeping it running smoothly.
TCM recognizes 12 main meridians—each linked to a major organ—and several extraordinary meridians supporting the system. When qi flows freely through these channels, we feel balanced. Blockages lead to symptoms and imbalance.
Though the concept sounds mystical, meridians represent connection and harmony in the body—helping everything work as a whole.
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Balance Is Key – Concepts of Yin and Yang
Balance is at the heart of TCM. Yin and Yang are opposing but complementary forces essential to health. Yin is cool, restful, nourishing, and receptive; Yang is warm, active, energizing, and expressive. Both must move in harmony to maintain health.
Every organ and meridian reflects this dynamic. Imbalances between Yin and Yang appear as physical, mental, or emotional symptoms. Thus, acupuncture isn’t simply about pain relief—it’s about restoring balance.
Acupuncturist Yvonne Farrell says, “Acupuncture opens the door to the possibility of change… Movement is good, but coordinated movement with a specific intent or goal in mind can create change.” True healing helps the body find its unique balance, allowing Yin and Yang to work together and resolve symptoms at their root. This perspective deeply resonates with me and shapes my practice.
The Western Perspective: How Acupuncture Works in Scientific Terms
People often ask how acupuncture works from a Western science view. Modern research begins to explain what ancient practitioners sensed.
One exciting area links acupuncture meridians—the invisible qi pathways—to fascia: the connective tissue network wrapping and linking every muscle, organ, and bone. Think of fascia as a flexible web throughout the body.
Scientists find traditional meridian lines closely match fascial planes. Many acupuncture points align with thicker or special fascia areas. Some researchers suggest fascia may be the physical counterpart of the meridians. Stimulating points might influence this connective tissue system, improving communication and flow on a deeper level.
In short, acupuncture may tap into the body’s structural wiring, affecting how cells, nerves, and fluids interact through fascia. This bridges ancient qi and meridian concepts with modern anatomy and physiology—a beautiful fusion of Eastern wisdom and Western science.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
When asked what acupuncture can help with, I wish I could say “almost everything!” Alongside Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture addresses a vast range of concerns. To keep it straightforward, here are five conditions acupuncture excels at:
1. Menopause
One of the few rigorously studied topics in modern science, acupuncture helps ease hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep troubles during menopause.
2. Musculoskeletal Pain (MSK)
Acupuncture effectively treats muscle and joint issues, easing pain and inflammation, improving mobility, and offering lasting relief.
3. Fertility and Menstrual Health
Supporting conception, balancing hormones, regulating cycles, and easing PMS, acupuncture aids reproductive health in both women and men.
4. Digestive Health
Issues like bloating, IBS, acid reflux, and constipation respond well to acupuncture’s soothing and regulatory effects on digestion.
5. Better Sleep
By calming the mind and body, acupuncture restores restful sleep and improves overall sleep quality.
And this is just a start. Acupuncture supports headaches, anxiety, allergies, immune health, and many other conditions.
When Would You Choose Western Medicine and When Traditional Chinese Medicine?
This is a common question. My answer: tap into both whenever possible.
Many I see feel let down by Western medicine—multiple medications with side effects and limited relief. I relate from personal experience. But Western medicine has strengths: diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, surgeries can be essential and lifesaving.
TCM shines in prevention, addressing chronic health patterns, and long-term wellness. While Western hospitals don’t use acupuncture as a primary cancer treatment, it helps manage side effects like nausea, fatigue, and emotional distress.
I prefer a blended approach. For example, hip and glute pain often benefit from acupuncture, but Western imaging (X-rays, MRIs, ultrasound) sometimes clarifies the cause—like distinguishing tendinopathy from piriformis syndrome, which require different treatments.
Ultimately, combining the strengths of both supports and empowers your healing journey.
Choose the Right Acupuncturist for You
Choosing an acupuncturist is about connection, trust, and feeling supported. Research their website, social media, and approach. If trying acupuncture on a whim, bring questions, and know you can say no anytime until comfortable.
In my practice, I explain every technique—like fire cupping—fully, including potential temporary marks. If you’re uncomfortable, that’s okay! Your health, comfort, and boundaries come first. The best acupuncturists respect your consent and tailor treatments to your needs.
Your practitioner should be a partner—listening, explaining, and respecting your choices. Your body and healing belong to you—don’t settle for less.
References
- Willem ten Rhijne, Dissertatio de Arthritide: Mantissa schematica: De Acupunctura, London, 1683.
- Historical accounts on Jean-Nicolas Marjolin’s observations of acupuncture in China, early 1800s.
- Reston J., “Now, About My Operation in Peking,” The New York Times, November 4, 1971.
- Bai, Y., Kurosawa, H., & Ito, K. (2011). Review of evidence suggesting that the fascia network is the anatomical basis for acupuncture meridians. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, Article ID 260510. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neq038
