Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
“Acupuncture” Meaning and Technique
“Acupuncture” is actually an interpretive translation of the Chinese ideogram for “needles and fire.”
It refers to an ancient form of medical treatment that involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into special points on the body located along channels or pathways called meridians. The needles can be used in conjunction with moxabustion or moxa burning, which is a therapeutic herb. It is a technique where heat is applied to the acupuncture points.
Chinese Medicine includes the use of acupuncture, moxa, massage, magnetic and laser therapy, chi gong, cupping, nutrition, and herbs.
Documentation of the efficacy of these treatments is increasing as a result of research and application by major medical universities throughout the US and Europe.
It is widely acknowledged in the West as a means of surgical anesthesia, treatment of pain, and more recently addiction. Alcohol, tobacco and drug dependency is an area of medical care where the application of acupuncture therapy demonstrates dramatic results as seen by the research of Dr. Michael Smith at New York’s Lincoln Hospital.
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine and healing that supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It is a safe, painless and effective method that has been proven to treat a wide range of medical issues. It has been practiced in China for over 3,000 years.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands that any illness or symptom is the result of an imbalance of energy within the body as a whole, and therefore the whole person must be treated; body, mind and soul.
The goal is always to treat the cause at its root and not just the symptoms. All symptoms whether they are physical, mental or emotional are seen as an expression of imbalance and the body/minds attempt to correct itself. Symptoms naturally discontinue when balance is restored.
The Chinese philosophy underpinning the practice of acupuncture asserts that health is dependent upon the body’s motivating energy- known as Qi- moving in a smooth, balanced, and specific way throughout the body.
Qi moves through a series of meridian pathways originating beneath the skin and connecting with the internal organs. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities and energies-yin and yang- and when the balance between them is disturbed symptoms and disease will manifest. By inserting fine needles into specific points, the body’s natural healing ability is enhanced.
The flow of chi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include poor nutrition, lifestyle, infections, poisons and environmental toxicity, traumas, weather conditions, hereditary factors and emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, worry and sadness. Health is not simply the absence of disease or pain; it is a state of balance and harmony between all aspects of each person.
Our life energy travels in the fourteen primary channels
Diagnosis is made from your symptoms, tongue and pulse. Each meridian has a pulse located on your wrist that informs the practitioner about the state of the energy within it, and thereby guides the action that will be taken.
There are 361 acupuncture points located on the 14 meridians and over 200 special points that may be selected for each individualized treatment.
Acupuncture treatments will help your internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through these major pathways. Health is always dependent on the smooth and uninterrupted flow of chi through the meridians.
The pulse and tongue diagnosis inform the practitioner what is out of balance and how to put it right. The acupuncture needles are then inserted along the points of these channels to re-establish the proper flow of energy, to summon it to the places that need it and push it from places where it is congested or blocked.
The slight tingling sensation you might feel when the needle is inserted is the sensation of your energy being pushed or pulled. Since each person is unique, the number of treatments you might need will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether it is acute or chronic and the overall vitality of the individual.
You will know after 2-4 sessions if acupuncture is right for you. Since most imbalances that cause disease did not develop overnight it is reasonable to assume it may take time to bring about a complete healing. Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic, and only a few sessions are required.
Generally from 5-15 treatments are adequate for the majority of chronic ailments. Many acute conditions may only require a single treatment and some degenerative conditions may require long term treatment.
As acupuncture is given over a period of time results can manifest in a gradual alleviation and elimination of your discomfort or illness.
The mechanism underlying this relief is not merely symptomatic, but acts on the disease process itself. Acupuncture therapy can be seen as a means of reversing the disease process. The effects of acupuncture therapy will include a realignment of the basic energetic functioning of the body and as such can have profound effects on illness and health.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, thereby promoting physical and emotional well-being.
It is important that you and your acupuncturist work together as a team to produce the best results. It is best to cut down or eliminate completely white sugar and refined and overly processed foods, fried foods, smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine.
Take only any medications prescribed by your physician that are absolutely necessary, especially on the day of treatment. Do not eat a heavy meal just before or after treatment and try to arrive relaxed. Avoid anything strenuous physically or emotionally following your session.
It is good to imagine yourself the way you would like to be and feel. Your mental energy is a powerful force. Allow your thoughts and attitude to reinforce the help each treatment provides. Picture yourself in a healthy, free flowing, balanced state of being. Eat sensible foods, stay with the idea of moderation in all things, get appropriate exercise, and be kind to yourself mentally and physically.
The World Health Organization has publicly stated that acupuncture is suitable for treating the following conditions:
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders
Toothaches, pain after extractions, gingivitis, acute or chronic earaches, sinusitis, runny nose, and acute tonsillitis.
Respiratory Disorders
Bronchial asthma, coughs and colds.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Esophageal and cardio spasm, hiccups, acute or chronic gastritis, ulcers, colonitis, dysentery, constipation, and diarrhea.
Eye Disorders
Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, nearsightedness, and cataracts.
Neurological and Muscular Disorders
Headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, post stroke paresis, peripheral neuritis, neurological bladder dysfunction, bed wetting, intercostals neuralgia, cervical syndrome, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain and osteoarthritis.
In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat many other problems:
These problems include infertility and female complaints, dizziness and vertigo, a weakened immune system, tinnitus, hay fever, depression and anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, skin conditions such as shingles, acne, eczema and psoriasis, and fatigue. It can greatly assist people recovering from surgery and injury, chemotherapy, and radiation.