f you are just beginning to look into Acupuncture, you will be exposed to language you probably aren’t familiar with. One of the first phrases you might come across is the term “meridian.” Meridians are defined as the invisible channels through which Qi (or energy) circulates throughout the body. The Acupuncture points are the locations where the Qi of the channels rises close to the surface of the body. 

What Acupuncture seeks to do is restore the balance of energy and the appropriate energy flow to these meridians which allows the body to function normally and return to health more naturally. Meridians exist in corresponding pairs and each meridian has multiple Acupuncture points along the channels.

In total, it is generally understood that there are fourteen main meridians throughout the body. There is a meridian that runs up the center of the body on the front and another that runs along the spine. The other 12 meridians run from head to toe along the rest of the body. Each limb is traversed by six channels, three yin and three yang in nature. Yin channels are located on the inside surfaces and the yang channels are located on the outside surfaces. Each Yin organ (lung, heart, kidney, liver, spleen) is paired with its corresponding Yang organ (large intestine, stomach, small intestine, bladder, and gallbladder). In order for the body to function properly, there must be balance between the Yin and Yang. 

Now that we have defined “Qi” as energy and the meridians as essentially the highway on which qi travels, what is this concept of Yin and Yang in Acupuncture? There is a basic understanding in Western culture as to the meaning of Yin and Yang but the give and take of Yin and Yang in the human body is not as easily understood. This concept is actually a cornerstone in Traditional Acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In a nutshell, it is believed that every entity in the universe carries both positive and negative influences. The negative is defined as Yin and the positive as Yang. Yin and yang are never static and always fluctuating. The yin/yang symbol provides a visual example of the balancing act that goes on constantly in our bodies.

When I place a needle to stimulate a certain Acupuncture point along the meridian, this helps to restore the normal balance and flow of qi (or energy) so your organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as intended. This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain overall health and wellness. The goal is typically threefold: relieve any pain or other symptoms, strengthen the Immune system, and balance the organ functions with each other for optimum health.

As a practitioner of Chinese Medicine, don’t be afraid to ask me any questions if you don’t fully understand some of the terminology. The more you know about this ancient form of medicine, the better you’ll understand how it can impact your health for the better. Give me a call today if you are interested in giving Acupuncture a try or have more questions about how Acupuncture can benefit you and your health care goals.

info@drmindyboxer.com

310. 450. 9711

Dr. Mindy Boxer is a holistic practitioner who has grown into her specialties in an organic way. Understanding a range of disciplines allows her to integrate the wisdom of Ancient healing in combination with the most recent innovations in Scientific research. This dynamic blend has enabled Dr. Boxer to help patients in the prevention and treatment of disease for over 25 years.

At age 15, Dr. Boxer began her lifelong practice of Yoga & Meditation, read many Nutrition books, began Juicing her Vegetables, and explored and all Raw Diet.  Recognizing the importance of Nutrition in overall health, she earned her Ph.D. in 1986 in Nutrition and Human Behavior, providing her with a solid foundation to counsel and educate patients on how to attain health and vitality.

Her informative Lectures and appetizing Cooking Classes were the perfect forum to educate the community about the effects of food on Mood and Behavior, as well as in innovative ways to balance Body Chemistry in order to achieve overall well being.

Sensing a need to expand her training and understanding of the human body as a whole system, Dr. Boxer continued her studies in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine,  and in 1993 earned a Masters Degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She is licensed by the Medical Board of the State of California in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and is also licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.

These diverse disciplines give Dr. Boxer a unique view of the human body and how to keep it functioning in an optimal manner. Her practice of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Functional Nutrition have a profound effect on Hormonal balance, Rejuvenation, and Immune system enhancement.

Dr. Boxer has a particularly keen understanding of Women’s Health issues including Gynecological irregularity, PMS, Fertility, IUI & UVF support, Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, and Menopausal issues. Her interest in the human body as a dynamic system has given her the understanding to deal with such problems as improper Digestion and elimination, Cancer Support, Allergies, back pain, tight neck and shoulders, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory distress, chronic fatigue, Insomnia, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

She has also studied the art and science of Homeopathy, earning her Diplomate in Homeopathy from the Hahnemann College of Homeopathy in 1995. This allows her to treat the whole person — physically, mentally, emotionally.