acupuncture

Anxiety, sadness, constant irritability, or that feeling that something inside just won’t resolve itself are not weaknesses or exaggerations. They are signals. And Traditional Chinese Medicine has been understanding them for thousands of years with a precision that Western science is now beginning to confirm.

In this article, we’ll tell you what TCM says about negative emotional states, what acupuncture can (and can’t) do for you, and why each emotion is treated differently depending on the organ it’s connected to.

The body and mind are not separate

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions are not something that only happens in the head. They are manifestations that the body expresses when an organ is overloaded, blocked, or deficient. Every emotion prolonged over time ends up affecting its corresponding organ, and vice versa: a weak organ predisposes one to feel that emotion more intensely.

This principle is called the mind-body connection, and it is the basis of the entire emotional approach in TCM. That is why acupuncture does not treat sadness, anger, or fear as separate categories: it reads them in the body, identifies the pattern, and works on the meridians and points that this pattern affects.

The five emotions and their organ

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), five main negative emotions are described, each linked to an organ. It is common to recognize more than one in each person, with a predominant emotion that sets the pattern:

Anger and frustration → Liver

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Liver is responsible for ensuring the free flow of Qi and Blood (Xue) throughout the body. When this flow stagnates, frustration, irritability, accumulated anger, mood swings, and, in the body, muscle tension, flank pain, indigestion, and irregular or altered menstruation appear.

Worry and Rumination → Spleen

The Spleen governs thought and the ability to transform. When it is overloaded by excessive worry, mental fatigue, constant rumination, difficulty concentrating, low appetite or, conversely, a craving for sweets, and a physical sensation of heaviness and a bloated abdomen appear.

Sadness and apathy → Lung

The Lung distributes Qi throughout the body and governs the skin and breathing. When sadness becomes chronic, this organ weakens: discouragement appears, lack of motivation, a feeling of not having enough air, dull skin, and increased vulnerability to colds and allergies.

Fear and Insecurity → Kidney

The Kidney stores the essence (that which sustains deep vital energy) and is associated with fear. When the Kidney is weakened by excessive fear, exhaustion, or excessive work without rest, insecurity, lack of willpower, profound fatigue, lower back pain, and a general feeling of cold that doesn’t go away with a coat appear.

Anxiety and Insomnia → Heart (Shen)

The Heart houses the Shen, which is the spirit, consciousness, the capacity for sleep and tranquility. When the Shen is agitated, anxiety, insomnia, nighttime awakenings, palpitations, a racing mind, and difficulty enjoying everyday things appear.

What does the scientific evidence say?

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Research on acupuncture and emotional health has grown a lot in the last five years. Today we have solid meta-analyses that support its use as a complementary tool.

In 2024, a review published in Frontiers in Neuroscience concluded that acupuncture is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression, especially in mild and moderate cases. That same year, another online review at CNS Spectrums confirmed these results by analyzing multiple variables and subtypes of depression.

A very interesting work published in 2025 in Frontiers in Psychiatry used neuroimaging to demonstrate that acupuncture modifies the activity of brain networks involved in emotional regulation. And a 2026 meta-analysis in World Journal of Psychiatry confirmed that acupuncture raises levels of serotonin (5-HT), one of the key neurotransmitters in mood.

What acupuncture can (and can’t)

It’s important to be honest about the limitations. Acupuncture can be a very valuable tool, but it’s not a magic bullet nor a substitute for other treatments in serious cases.

acupuntura y sus efectos en las emociones

Reduce general anxiety and the constant feeling of worry
Improve sleep quality in cases of insomnia of emotional origin
Calm irritability and frequent mood swings
Ease deep sadness and apathy (in mild and moderate cases)
Support during periods of grief, separation, or life crises
Reduce the use of anxiolytic or antidepressant medication under medical supervision
Prevent relapses in people prone to negative emotional states
Improve energy levels and motivation when emotional exhaustion predominates

However, it is not sufficient (alone) in cases of:

Severe major depression with suicidal ideation
Severe psychiatric disorders (psychosis, bipolar disorder in the acute phase)
Acute panic attacks or very severe anxiety attacks
Severe addictions in the active use phase

In these cases, acupuncture works very well as a complement to medical or psychological treatment, not as a substitute. At Kan & Li, we always recommend maintaining professional support when necessary.

What to expect from a session on emotional issues?

At Kan & Li, each person is holistically assessed before beginning. We listen to your story, take your pulse, observe your tongue, and ask about sleep, appetite, digestion, predominant emotions, and more.

From there, we design a personalized protocol. In most cases, sessions are combined with recommendations for Chinese herbal medicine, breathing techniques, and lifestyle adjustments, because in TCM the emotional approach is always multidimensional.

The usual frequency is one session per week in the initial phase, spacing out thereafter depending on progress. Most people notice some positive change from the first or second session, and sustained improvement after 6-8 weeks.

Why choose Kan & Li?

More than 10 years of experience in acupuncture and emotional support
Personalized diagnosis based on each person’s specific pattern
Combination of acupuncture, auriculotherapy, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations
Calm, confidential, and unhurried environment in the heart of the Eixample district

You don’t have to carry this burden alone

Negative emotional states are not a sentence or a character flaw. They are messages from the body and mind asking for rebalancing. And sometimes, that rebalancing is achieved by giving the body the tools it needs to return to its natural state.

Acupuncture is one of those tools. If you’ve been feeling anxious, sad, irritable, or just plain down for a while, Kan & Li can help you understand what’s going on and what path makes sense for you.

Menopause is not an illness. It is a natural stage in every woman’s life. But that doesn’t mean it has to be endured in silence or that the hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, or vaginal dryness that accompany it should be accepted as inevitable.

Many women are turning to acupuncture as a serious alternative, without hormones and without the side effects of some conventional treatments. And what they find works: the scientific evidence of recent years clearly confirms this.

What is menopause according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is understood as a natural decline of Kidney Yin. The Kidney stores the essence that sustains fertility, the menstrual cycle, and hormonal youth. When this essence becomes depleted, Yang can become relatively unanchored, and characteristic symptoms appear: rising heat, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, and dryness.

This is not a bodily failure, but a transition. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not aim to reverse menopause, but rather to support the process so that the body adapts better and the symptoms are alleviated naturally.

What does the scientific evidence say?

los efectos de la acupuntura en las mujeres con menopausia

A comprehensive systematic review published in 2018 in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which compiled multiple clinical trials, concluded that acupuncture is effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and improving the quality of life of menopausal women, both as a standalone treatment and as a complementary therapy.

A more recent meta-analysis published in 2024 in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, specifically focused on perimenopausal insomnia, found that acupuncture significantly improves sleep quality, reduces time to fall asleep, and decreases nighttime awakenings, with sustained effects over time.

And a 2025 network review published in Frontiers in Neurology compared different types of acupuncture for perimenopausal syndrome, concluding that combined therapies (body acupuncture) plus earphones, for example) offer the best overall results.

Symptoms that acupuncture treats in menopause

Hot flashes and night sweats
Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep
Mood swings, irritability and anxiety
Vaginal dryness and discomfort in relationships
Dry skin and mucous membranes
Fatigue and lack of energy
Palpitations and sensation of internal heat
Joint pain and stiffness
Difficulty concentrating and brain fog

How does acupuncture work during menopause?

The goal is not just to alleviate an isolated symptom, but to rebalance the whole. Acupuncture acts simultaneously on several fronts:

Nourishes Kidney Yin to reduce internal heat and hot flashes
Calms the Shen (spirit) to improve sleep and reduce anxiety
Tonizes Spleen Qi to sustain energy and mood
Regulates the Liver to soothe emotional changes
Improves peripheral circulation and reduces sweating
Modulates the autonomic nervous system (calms the sympathetic system, activates the parasympathetic system)

What if I’m on hormone therapy?

Acupuncture is perfectly compatible with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and any other medical treatment. In fact, many women who combine both therapies find they can gradually reduce their hormone dosage under the supervision of their gynecologist, provided the acupuncture treatment is maintained regularly.

In women with a personal or family history that contraindicates HRT (breast cancer, thromboembolism, among others), acupuncture often becomes the primary option for relief, with good results and without the associated risks.

How many sessions are needed?

Menopause is a stage that lasts years, and acupuncture treatment is also planned with a medium-term vision. The usual pattern at Kan & Li is:

Initial phase: 1 session per week for 6 to 8 weeks to consolidate changes
Maintenance phase: 1 session every 2 to 4 weeks to maintain balance
Quarterly review: symptom assessment and protocol adjustment

Most women notice a clear improvement from the third or fourth session, especially in hot flashes, sleep quality and mood. Combined with Chinese phytotherapy, the results are even more stable and profound.

Why choose Kan & Li to treat your menopause?

More than 10 years of experience supporting women through this stage
Personalized diagnosis based on your specific pattern (not all menopauses are the same)
Combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations
Discreet, tranquil, and unhurried environment in the heart of the Eixample district

Menopause isn’t something you just go through, it’s something you support

Every woman experiences menopause in her own way. What we can tell you is that you don’t have to suffer the symptoms in silence. Acupuncture offers a natural, safe, and scientifically based path to navigate this stage with more calm, more energy, and a better quality of life.

Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural stage in every woman’s life. However, that does not mean one must endure it in silence or accept the accompanying hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, or dryness as inevitable.

Many women turn to acupuncture as a serious alternative—one that is hormone-free and devoid of the side effects associated with certain conventional treatments. And what they find works: scientific evidence from recent years clearly confirms this.

Tabla de contenidos

What is menopause according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In TCM, menopause is understood as a process involving the natural decline of Kidney Yin. The Kidney stores the essence that sustains fertility, the menstrual cycle, and hormonal youth. As this essence becomes depleted, Yang can become relatively unanchored, leading to characteristic symptoms: rising heat, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, and dryness.

It is not a bodily failure, but rather a transition. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not aim to reverse menopause, but rather to support the process so that the body adapts better and symptoms are naturally alleviated.

What does the scientific evidence say?

A comprehensive systematic review published in 2018 in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, which pooled data from multiple clinical trials, concluded that acupuncture is effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and improving the quality of life for menopausal women, whether used as a standalone treatment or as a complementary therapy.

A more recent meta-analysis published in 2024 in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, focusing specifically on perimenopausal insomnia, found that acupuncture significantly improves sleep quality, reduces the time it takes to fall asleep, and decreases nighttime awakenings, with effects that are sustained over time.

Additionally, a 2025 network review published in *Frontiers in Neurology* compared different types of acupuncture for perimenopausal syndrome, concluding that combination therapies (such as body acupuncture combined with auricular acupuncture) yield the best overall results.

Symptoms of menopause treated by acupuncture

Hot flashes and night sweats
Insomnia and difficulty staying asleep
Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety
Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes
Fatigue and lack of energy
Palpitations and a sensation of internal heat
Joint pain and stiffness
Difficulty concentrating and brain fog

How does acupuncture work during menopause?

The goal is not merely to alleviate an isolated symptom, but to rebalance the system as a whole. Acupuncture acts simultaneously on several fronts:

Nourishes Kidney Yin to reduce internal heat and hot flashes
Calms the Shen (spirit) to improve sleep and reduce anxiety
Tonifies Spleen Qi to support energy levels and mood
Regulates the Liver to smooth out emotional fluctuations
Improves peripheral circulation and reduces sweating
Modulates the autonomic nervous system (calms the sympathetic system, activates the parasympathetic system)

What if I am undergoing hormone treatment?

Acupuncture is perfectly compatible with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and any other medical treatment. In fact, many women who combine both therapies find they can gradually reduce their hormone dosage under their gynecologist’s supervision, provided the acupuncture treatment is maintained regularly.

For women with a personal or family history that makes HRT inadvisable (such as breast cancer or thromboembolism), acupuncture often becomes the primary option for relief, offering good results without the associated risks.

How many sessions are needed?

Menopause is a stage that lasts for years, and acupuncture treatment is also planned with a medium-term perspective. The standard regimen at Kan & Li is:

Initial phase: 1 session per week for 6 to 8 weeks to consolidate changes
Maintenance phase: 1 session every 2 to 4 weeks to sustain balance
Quarterly review: symptom assessment and protocol adjustment

Most women notice clear improvement starting from the third or fourth session, particularly regarding hot flashes, sleep quality, and mood. When combined with Chinese herbal medicine, the results are even more stable and profound.

Why choose Kan & Li for managing menopause?

Over 10 years of experience supporting women through this stage of life
Personalized diagnosis based on your specific pattern (no two menopause experiences are alike)
A combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle recommendations
A discreet, tranquil, and unhurried environment in the heart of the Eixample

Menopause isn’t something to simply “get over”—it’s a journey to be supported

Every woman experiences menopause in her own way. What we can tell you is that you don’t have to suffer through the symptoms in silence. Acupuncture offers a natural, safe, and scientifically backed path to navigating this stage with greater calm, more energy, and a better quality of life.

When a couple starts trying to conceive and things don’t happen as quickly as expected, it is common to feel frustration, anxiety, and sometimes the sense that something isn’t working quite right in the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has supported women in this process for thousands of years, and current scientific evidence is beginning to confirm what tradition already knew: acupuncture can be a very useful tool, whether you are trying to conceive naturally or undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view fertility?

In TCM, fertility depends on a delicate balance between three systems: the Kidney, which stores essence (what in the West we would call ovarian reserve and the quality of eggs and sperm); the Liver, which ensures the free flow of Qi and Blood (Xue) to the uterus and ovaries; and the Spleen, which produces the energy needed to sustain a pregnancy from the very beginning.

When any of these three systems weakens, or when there is stagnation, coldness in the uterus, or an excess of dampness and phlegm, fertility suffers. Acupuncture acts precisely here: it regulates these systems, improves the quality of the uterine environment, and supports implantation.

What does the scientific evidence say?

estudios científicos sobre la acupuntura y el embarazo

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2024 in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine—which pooled data from multiple clinical trials on acupuncture and in vitro fertilization—concluded that acupuncture significantly improves clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in women undergoing IVF, particularly when administered at the appropriate stage of the cycle and over a sufficient number of sessions.

Another recent meta-analysis published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2024), focusing on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF, found that acupuncture improves implantation rates and reduces the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Additionally, an updated review incorporating trial sequential analysis (2025) reinforces the view that acupuncture is an effective and safe complement to assisted reproductive treatments.

How can acupuncture help you if you are trying to conceive?

Regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes regular ovulation.

Reduces cortisol levels and anxiety associated with the process.

Support for IVF and artificial insemination treatments

Improves endometrial quality.

Balances hormones in cases of PCOS.

Reduces side effects of hormonal medication.

Increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.

Improves sperm quality in men.

Acupuncture and in vitro fertilization: when to start?

Ideally, acupuncture treatment should begin between two and three months before starting the IVF cycle. This timeframe allows for regulating the cycle, improving endometrial quality, balancing the nervous system, and preparing the body for stimulation medications.

Subsequently, it is recommended to continue with sessions during the stimulation phase, before and after embryo transfer, and during the initial weeks of implantation. Each phase has its own objective and specific selection of acupuncture points.

What if we are trying to conceive naturally?

Acupuncture works just as well in this case. In fact, many natural pregnancies are achieved after regulating the cycle, improving egg quality, balancing hormones, and reducing stress—which is often unknowingly blocking ovulation.

In these cases, we also tend to work with the partner, since around 40% of fertility issues involve a male factor. Acupuncture improves semen parameters such as motility, concentration, and sperm morphology.

What to expect from a session?

Every individual is unique, but clinical experience shows that a serious fertility treatment using acupuncture typically requires between 12 and 24 sessions—scheduled once or twice a week—ideally combined with Chinese herbal medicine and recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle.

Most women begin to notice changes within the first 4 to 6 weeks: more regular cycles, reduced menstrual pain, better sleep quality, and lower anxiety levels. Improvements in fertility tend to be the last changes to appear, but they do come.

tratamiento de fertilidad con acupuntura entrevista

Take the first step

If you have been trying to conceive for some time or are about to start assisted reproduction treatment, a free initial information session at Kan & Li can help you understand what is happening in your body and what acupuncture can do for you.

Sleeping well is not a luxury; it is a fundamental biological necessity. During sleep, the body repairs itself, the brain consolidates memories, the immune system strengthens, and hormones are regulated.

Yet, according to the Royal Academy of Medicine of Spain, nearly 40% of the Spanish population experiences occasional sleep problems. In Barcelona, the pace of urban life doesn’t help. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a unique perspective on insomnia—and acupuncture might be the tool you need.

Tabla de contenidos

How does acupuncture work for insomnia?

In TCM, sleep depends on the Shen (spirit). The Shen resides in the Heart during the day and descends to the Liver at night to allow for sleep. If the Shen cannot rest, there is no sleep.

The Shen needs two things to rest well: sufficient Yin (the nourishing and calming aspect of the organs) and unobstructed Qi flow.

Acupuncture acts on several levels simultaneously: it regulates the nervous system (calming the sympathetic system and activating the parasympathetic), tonifies Yin and calms the Shen, and reduces nighttime anxiety.

Main causes of insomnia according to TCM

causas del insomnio según la medicina tradicional china

Heart Yin Deficiency — frequent waking, night sweats
Heart Fire — difficulty falling asleep, intense dreams, irritability
Liver Qi Stagnation — difficulty falling asleep, tension
Spleen Qi Deficiency — heavy but unrefreshing sleep
Shen Imbalance — nighttime anxiety, racing mind

Types of insomnia and their management

<b>Sleep-onset insomnia:</b> inability to fall asleep; the mind won't stop racing. Likely pattern: Heart Fire or Heart Yin deficiency. Approach: Calm the Heart, nourish Yin.

Sleep-onset insomnia: inability to fall asleep; the mind won't stop racing. Likely pattern: Heart Fire or Heart Yin deficiency. Approach: Calm the Heart, nourish Yin.

<b>Terminal insomnia:</b> you wake up very early and cannot fall back asleep. Probable pattern: Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. Approach: Nourish Yin, anchor floating Yang.

Terminal insomnia: you wake up very early and cannot fall back asleep. Probable pattern: Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. Approach: Nourish Yin, anchor floating Yang.

<b>Fragmented sleep:</b> You wake up frequently during the night. Likely pattern: Spleen Qi deficiency or stagnation with heat. Approach: Strengthen the Spleen, move Qi, clear heat.

Fragmented sleep: You wake up frequently during the night. Likely pattern: Spleen Qi deficiency or stagnation with heat. Approach: Strengthen the Spleen, move Qi, clear heat.

<b>Non-restorative sleep:</b> you sleep but do not feel rested; fatigue throughout the day. Likely pattern: Qi and Blood deficiency. Approach: Tonify and nourish.

Non-restorative sleep: you sleep but do not feel rested; fatigue throughout the day. Likely pattern: Qi and Blood deficiency. Approach: Tonify and nourish.

Which points are used for insomnia?

qué puntos se utilizan para el estrés y el insomnio en acupuntura

C7 (Shenmen) — Wrist, radial crease. “Gate of Shen” — directly calms the spirit.
PC6 (Neiguan) — Wrist, 2 cun from the crease. Calms the mind, reduces nighttime anxiety.
Anmian — Behind the ear. Empirical point specifically for insomnia.
Du20 (Baihui) — Crown of the head. Anchors the Shen, calms an overactive mind.
Yintang — Between the eyebrows. Reduces mental chatter.
Liv3 (Taichong) — Foot, between the 1st and 2nd toes. Moves Liver Qi, releases tension.
Kid6 (Zhaohai) — Foot, below the inner ankle. Nourishes Kidney Yin, calms the Heart.
Sp6 (Sanyinjiao) — Leg, 3 cun above the inner ankle. Nourishes general Yin, calms the Shen.

How can acupuncture help with insomnia?

Regaining your sleep is a gradual process. As a regulatory therapy, acupuncture works cumulatively. The journey toward better rest is divided into three phases:

Adaptation phase (Weeks 1–2): The nervous system begins to recalibrate, and the first signs of relaxation appear.

Progress phase (Weeks 3–4): Resistance to falling asleep decreases, and nighttime awakenings are reduced.

Consolidation phase (Weeks 5–8): The body integrates this balanced rhythm as its new, natural habit.

To achieve this, we plan a standard protocol of 8 to 16 sessions (starting with 2 or 3 per week). For deeper imbalances, the prescription of Chinese herbal medicine serves as the perfect complement to solidify your well-being.

What to expect from a session?

At Kan & Li, we perform a comprehensive diagnosis before any treatment. During the first session, we listen to your history, take your pulse, and examine your tongue to identify your pattern of imbalance. We select specific acupuncture points tailored to your case and allow you to rest for 20–30 minutes with the needles in place.

Most people notice some relief from the very first session, although the cumulative effect is more powerful. A typical course of treatment consists of 6 to 10 sessions.

Stress has become the silent companion of our daily lives. And when we say “has become,” that is an understatement: according to the WHO itself, stress is the epidemic of the 21st century.

But there is something many people do not realize: stress is not merely mental; it manifests in the body. Neck and shoulder tension, sluggish digestion, insomnia, irritability, headaches… It all begins at the root—and acupuncture can help cut it off at the source.

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How does acupuncture work for stress?

Acupuncture is one of the most powerful tools in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating stress. It does so by acting directly on the nervous system.

Regulates the autonomic nervous system.

Each acupuncture session sends signals to the brain to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for calm and recovery). It is like pressing the “reset” button on your nervous system.

Studies published in journals such as Frontiers in Neuroscience and Autonomic Neuroscience have shown that acupuncture significantly reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and decreases activity in the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis.

Unblocks stagnant Qi

In terms of TCM, stress causes Liver Qi stagnation. The Liver is the organ responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.

anatomia humana como circula la energía qi en el cuerpo medicina china tradicional

When we are constantly under pressure, Liver Qi stagnates, and this affects all the other organs. Acupuncture releases that stagnation.

It releases endorphins and serotonin.

centro de acupuntura en Barcelona tratamientos y terapias

Stimulating specific points releases natural endorphins and boosts serotonin levels—the neurotransmitters associated with happiness and calm.

That is why many people leave a session feeling a profound sense of well-being.

Which points are used for stress?

Liv3 (Taichong) — Foot, between the 1st and 2nd toes. “Great Rushing” — unblocks and harmonizes Liver Qi, calms the mind.
PC6 (Neiguan) — Wrist, 2 cun above the crease. Regulates chest Qi and calms the heart.
GB34 (Yanglingquan) — Leg, below the head of the fibula. Relaxes tendons and joints.
Yintang — Between the eyebrows. “Third eye” point — calms the Shen.
Du20 (Baihui) — Top of the head. Raises Yang, calms the spirit.
Liv14 (Qimen) — Side of the chest. Disperses Liver Qi, relieves irritability.

How can acupuncture help with stress?

Reduction of anxiety and constant feelings of worry
Improved sleep by calming the Shen (spirit)
Relief from muscle tightness and chronic tension
Emotional stabilization — less irritability and mood swings
Improved concentration by reducing mental chatter
Reduction of tension headaches
Appetite regulation — stress triggers emotional eating

What to expect from a session?

Most people notice some relief from the very first session, although the cumulative effect is more powerful. A typical course of treatment consists of 6 to 10 sessions.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system with a history spanning over 2,500 years that views health in a fundamentally different way than Western medicine. It does not merely treat symptoms; it seeks the root cause of the imbalance and restores harmony throughout the entire body.

It is neither “alternative” nor merely a supplementary form of medicine. It is a comprehensive medical system with its own logic, diagnostic methods, and treatments proven over millennia.

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it and is increasingly integrating it into healthcare systems worldwide.

Table of content

The fundamental principles of TCM

Qi: vital energy

Everything in the body—organs, tissues, emotions, and defenses—functions thanks to Qi (vital energy). When Qi flows freely, there is health. When it stagnates, weakens, or becomes depleted, problems arise.

TCM does not speak of “diseases” as separate entities; it speaks of imbalances in Qi that manifest as symptoms.

Yin and Yang: dynamic balance

In TCM, nothing is absolute. Everything has its opposite, and they rely on one another:
• Yin → the cold, the restful, the internal, nourishment
• Yang → the warm, the active, the external, transformation

Health is not a fixed state but a dynamic balance between the two. When one becomes too dominant, illness arises.

The Zang-Fu organs: more than anatomical structures

In TCM, each organ has a function that extends far beyond its anatomy. The “liver” is not merely the hepatic organ; it is the system that manages flow, planning, and the ability to adapt to change. The “spleen” is not just the immunological organ; it is the center for the transformation and transport of nutrients.

This holistic perspective makes it possible to identify causes that more reductionist approaches fail to detect.

Meridians: internal communication channels

Meridians are invisible channels through which Qi circulates. They connect organs, limbs, and internal structures. The 12 main channels and the 8 extraordinary ones form a network that allows any area of the body to be influenced from a distance.

That is why a point on the foot can affect digestion, or a point on the hand can calm anxiety.

Why is it so highly recommended?

Preventive medicine
TCM intervenes before an imbalance develops into a manifest illness. The classic *Neijing* text states: “The best physician treats the disease before it appears.”

Holistic approach
It does not treat symptoms in isolation. Depending on the pattern, the root cause of a migraine might lie in the liver, spleen, or kidney. Differential diagnosis is the key tool for identifying the actual cause.

Multiple therapeutic tools

Acupuncture: needles placed at specific points to restore the flow of Qi
Herbal medicine: medicinal plants formulated for each specific pattern
Tuina: therapeutic massage that unblocks meridians
Cupping: mobilization of blood and Qi in areas of blockage
Moxibustion: application of heat to points to tonify Qi
Auriculotherapy: ear stimulation targeting specific organs and functions
Qi Gong: movement and breathing exercises to cultivate Qi
Dietary therapy: using food as medicine based on its nature

Complementary to modern medicine

An increasing number of people are turning to TCM alongside their conventional medical treatment—not as a substitute, but as a complement that enhances results and reduces side effects.

How can it help you?

TCM has proven effective in addressing:

Stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders
Chronic pain: back, head, and muscle pain
Digestive disorders: bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion
Gynecological issues: irregularities and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Fatigue and exhaustion with no clear medical cause
Boosting immune defenses and improving overall vitality
Joint and muscle pain
Headaches and migraines

The key difference

Western medicine asks: “Which bacteria is causing this infection?”
Traditional Chinese Medicine asks: “Why has this person’s body been unable to resist it?”

One question leads to antibiotics. The other leads to understanding and strengthening the body’s entire internal terrain.

Want to know more?
At Kan & Li, we use comprehensive TCM diagnostics to identify your pattern of imbalance and design a personalized treatment plan.

acupuncture

Table of Contents

The body and mind are not separate

The five emotions and their organ

Anger and frustration → Liver

Worry and Rumination → Spleen

Sadness and apathy → Lung

Fear and Insecurity → Kidney

Anxiety and Insomnia → Heart (Shen)

What does the scientific evidence say?

What acupuncture can (and can’t)

What to expect from a session on emotional issues?

Why choose Kan & Li?

Table of Contents

What is menopause according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?

What does the scientific evidence say?

Symptoms that acupuncture treats in menopause

How does acupuncture work during menopause?

What if I’m on hormone therapy?

How many sessions are needed?

Why choose Kan & Li to treat your menopause?

Tabla de contenidos

What is menopause according to Traditional Chinese Medicine?

What does the scientific evidence say?

Symptoms of menopause treated by acupuncture

How does acupuncture work during menopause?

What if I am undergoing hormone treatment?

How many sessions are needed?

Why choose Kan & Li for managing menopause?

Table of Contents

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view fertility?

What does the scientific evidence say?

How can acupuncture help you if you are trying to conceive?

Acupuncture and in vitro fertilization: when to start?

What if we are trying to conceive naturally?

What to expect from a session?

Tabla de contenidos

How does acupuncture work for insomnia?

Main causes of insomnia according to TCM

Types of insomnia and their management

Which points are used for insomnia?

How can acupuncture help with insomnia?

What to expect from a session?

Tabla de contenidos

How does acupuncture work for stress?

Regulates the autonomic nervous system.

Unblocks stagnant Qi

It releases endorphins and serotonin.

Which points are used for stress?

How can acupuncture help with stress?

What to expect from a session?

Table of content

The fundamental principles of TCM

Qi: vital energy

Yin and Yang: dynamic balance

The Zang-Fu organs: more than anatomical structures

Meridians: internal communication channels

Why is it so highly recommended?

Multiple therapeutic tools

Complementary to modern medicine

How can it help you?

The key difference