Is the Ancient Practice of Acupuncture Outdated?

Even in an age of “newer is better,” we still appreciate that some things get better with age.

Cheese, scotch, and, let’s face it…George Clooney.

Add acupuncture to the list. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may seem to be the latest fad but in fact, people have been benefitting from them for thousands of years.

How can such ancient techniques be effective today?

Although it feels like our lives are changing at a rapid pace, our bodies have evolved very little. We stand a little taller, grow less body hair, have prettier teeth…but that's about it. Anatomically speaking, we’re not that different from our ancestors 4000 years ago.

Our peripheral lives, however, have certainly changed. New developments like electricity and computers have helped to usher acupuncture into the 21st century. We understand our bodies better than ever before, and acupuncturists can even use laser treatment alternatives for those who are terrified of needles.

Here are some of the ancient TCM principles that help acupuncture to work so well today:

Two Halves Make a Whole.

The aim of acupuncture and TCM is always to achieve balance in the body. In yin and yang theory, it takes two opposites to create a complementary whole. You may even notice a similar theory with the partner you have chosen.

A Balancing Act.

Let’s have a mini science lesson. Our moon revolves around our earth, our earth revolves around our sun, and our sun is not the only sun in our vast universe. Scientists will likely discover more galaxies and universes in the future, but all of them will always be connected by the same energy field.

With all of this vastness, the connectedness of our body within itself is not that difficult to appreciate. For example, you may have noticed that emotional stress can manifest as physical symptoms in your body. This interconnectedness means that an imbalance in one area can affect others. The connectedness of mind, body, and spirit formed the basis of TCM 4000 years ago and still applies today.

Let the Good Vibes Flow.

Acupuncture is a simple modality that gives us access into the body without the use of drugs. Energy flows through our body in a particular pattern and rises to the surface at identified acupuncture points on our meridian system.

The map of the hundreds of points has been studied and honed for over 4000 years. Because we know how each acupuncture point corresponds to particular body parts or bodily functions, we simply re-establish the balance of the body's energy using needles or lasers to stimulate those points. It's that simple (but perhaps not an ideal occupation for the directionally challenged).

So what’s in it for you? How can acupuncture help each of you cope with your modern world?

The modern pace of life and diet can bring about problems like food/environmental allergies, fertility issues, obesity and injuries. These were not everyday problems for our ancestors. Acupuncture can address these modern ailments, helping your body re-establish its balance in today's hectic world. 

And better health means more time to watch Mr. Clooney get better with age.

Have questions? Send me your questions or comments at [email protected] or visit my website Raindrops Acupuncture.

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A former fitness instructor and avid downhill skier, Wendy Lind was left at a standstill when her knees gave out at the age of 44. After a few acupuncture treatments – what she recalls as “the best naps of her life” – Wendy was back on the slopes. She eventually enrolled in a four-year intensive program at the Oshio College of Herbology and Acupuncture in Victoria, where she was the “Senior Citizen” of the class. At the age of 50, she began her new career as a Registered Acupuncturist and is now the proud owner of Raindrops Acupuncture Centre.