Clearing Blocks in Acupuncture

You may have heard of your acupuncturist say something like, “Before we work on your pelvic floor, we need to check for and clear any blocks.” Blocks are essentially barriers to the treatment being effective and holding from one session to the next or long term. Blocks can be diagnosed through the pulses, through your energy or even through the eyes. Blocks can also be physical symptoms like pain.

Clearing blocks, whether physical or energetic, is considered important in acupuncture treatment for several reasons. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which views the body as a system of interconnected energy pathways (meridians) through which vital energy (Qi) flows. When there are blockages or disruptions in the flow of Qi, it is believed to contribute to various health issues. 

Here's why your acupuncturist wants to get blocks cleared before addressing your chief complaint:

• Restoring Qi Levels:

• The fundamental concept in acupuncture is the balanced flow of Qi throughout the body. Clearing blocks is believed to restore the smooth and balanced circulation of Qi along the meridians, promoting overall balance in the body kingdom.

• Ridding Energetic Imbalances:

• Blockages in the meridians are thought to result in energetic imbalances. By identifying and clearing these blocks, acupuncturists aim to bring the body's energy into harmony, addressing both physical and energetic aspects of health.

• Improving Organ Function:

• Each meridian is associated with specific organs, and disruptions in Qi flow may, over time, impact organ function. Clearing blocks is thought to support the proper functioning of organs by ensuring that each organ fulfills its role in contributing to the whole body.

• Emotional Release:

• Stress and emotional factors can contribute to energetic imbalances. Acupuncture is known for its calming effects, and clearing blocks is thought to reduce stress and promote emotional healing, thus creating a great foundation for subsequent treatments.

• Pain Management:

• Acupuncture is often sought for pain management. Blocks or disruptions in Qi flow are thought to contribute to pain and vice versa. By clearing these blocks, acupuncture may help alleviate pain and promote a better sense of comfort.

• Enhancing Movement of Fluids:

• Acupuncture is believed to improve blood circulation and the flow of other bodily fluids. Clearing blocks in the meridians is thought to enhance the overall circulation of blood, lymph, and other vital substances, supporting various physiological functions. The movement of fluids helps to get the body primed for change and transformation.

• Facilitating Healing Responses:

• The body has innate healing mechanisms, and acupuncture aims to stimulate these responses. Clearing blocks is considered the first step toward optimizing the body's ability to heal itself by enhancing the flow of energy and promoting a state of balance. Your body begins to understand what the needles mean and trigger your own unique healing response.

Acupuncture is a very unique modality and is highly effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Treatment sessions build upon each other as the layers of dysfunction shift and resolve. Clearing blocks is most often done at the very beginning of care with a practitioner, as it provides the stepping stones for every other treatment.

While traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the concept of Qi and meridians, the effectiveness of acupuncture is also explored and interpreted within the framework of modern biomedical understanding. Many individuals find acupuncture beneficial for a variety of conditions, and research continues to demonstrate its efficacy. 

Are you ready to clear your blocks, click here for my Pelvic Care Schedule.