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Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of promoting natural
healing. While acupuncture is most commonly known for its
use to in alleviating pain, the World Health Organization
recognizes over 250 illnesses successfully treated by acupuncture.
Acupuncture and acupressure have a long history of being successfully
used for both chronic and acute conditions.
Thousands of years ago the Chinese sages discovered specific pathways, called meridians, that carry
the vital life force or Qi through the whole body. Very simply put, illness,
in acupuncture theory, is a blockage in
energy flow. The ancient Chinese found that by effecting specific areas (acupuncture
points) along these pathways, a person’s health and
healing process could be influenced.
The
World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 250 illnesses
successfully treated by acupuncture
Among those included:
•Pre-menstrual syndrome •Gynecological disorders
•Anxiety •Depression •Arthritis & joint
Problems •Sinusitis •Sciatica
•Enhances recovery from injuries •Pain •Musculo-skeletal
disorders
•Gastro-Intestinal disorders •Neurological disorders
•Stress, fatigue, tension •Allergies
...and the list continues to grow....
Frequently asked
questions about Acupuncture
What are Meridians?
How does acupuncture work?
Is there any modern evidence
of meridians?
How many meridians are
there?
 What are acupuncture points?
How about those needles?
Does acupuncture hurt?
How do the treatments feel?
Are there alternatives to
treatment with needles?
When should I see an acupuncturist?
How many treatments will I need?
How long do I have to keep coming
Is acupuncture helpful for
prevention, to support well-being?
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
 What are “meridians”?
Meridian is a Western word. In Chinese the pathways are called
“channels and collaterals”. These form a web through
the whole body, just as the roads and highways traverse the
nation, integrating all the body’s parts systems and
functions into a unified organism. The channels are described
in great detail in Chinese medical texts. They begin deep
in the body and flow both internally and externally. Internally,
they connect with and supply Qi to all the organs, tissues
and systems of the body including the nervous, endocrine and
muscular systems. Externally, they flow along the layers of
the skin, where they can be accessed through slender needles
or hand-work.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is energy medicine. It works with the meridian
system which affects the other energetic systems of the body
and is the interface between the various levels. Thus acupuncture
affects body, mind and spirit. Qi, or the vital life force,
is found only in living bodies. Acupuncture works to harmonize
and nourish the flow of the vital life force through our being
It clears blockages to allow a smooth flow of energy.
Acupuncture works to harmonize and support
the health and well-being of the whole body by working with
specific energetic areas on meridians. Meridians are pathways
that carry the vital life force or energy to nourish all the
organs, systems, and tissues and cells of the body.
Acupuncture clears blockages to allow a smooth
flow of biochemical/electrical energy throughout the body
to promote healing.
Through applying touch or special needles
at appropriate points, which are determined through pulse
diagnosis, acupuncture is essential to promote healing and
relaxation, enhance immune function, rebuild energy, help
restore good sleep patterns and to tonify and nourish the
body at all levels.
Is there any modern evidence of
meridians?
Some scientists attempt to explain acupuncture in terms they
can relate to; stating that acupuncture effects the nervous
system, or works by stimulating release of endorphins into
the body. This may be so, but acupuncture works with an energetic
system that influences but is distinct from the physical systems
we are familiar with in Western medical knowledge.
Since the vital life force, or Qi, is only present in living
persons, it cannot be studied in corpses and will not be found
upon dissection. Open-minded scientists in Europe and other
areas of the world have experimented with injecting radioactive
isotopes into acupuncture points. They were amazed to discover
what they call a “ductile system” that exactly
matches the meridian systems described by the Chinese thousands
of years ago. In studying further, these scientists have found
that, indeed, these discrete ductile systems (meridians) carry
Qi to the organs, tissues and even to each cell in the body,
just as the ancient Chinese described.
Richard Gerber, MD (Vibrational Medicine) and others hypothesize
that the acupuncture meridians constitute the energetic interface
between the biochemical and bioelectromagnetic aspects of
our beings. The meridians are responsible for energizing,
nourishing and keeping healthy all the cells, tissues, organs,
and systems of the body.
How many meridians
are there?
There are 12 main meridians each of which relates to a specific
organ, function and emotional/mental aspects of our being.
Each of these also has connecting (luo) meridians that interconnect
the channels. Tendo-muscular meridians follow these organ
channels but are primarily involved with musculo-skeletal
conditions. There are also 8 “extra” meridians
which help regulate and harmonize the other meridian flows.
What are acupuncture
points?
The concept of a “point” is a misnomer. The actual translation of the word conveys an image closer to that of a cave, as they connect areas on the surface of the body to the channel flow of Qi, which flows deeply throughout the whole body.
They
are areas where there is a slight change in electrical resistance
along the meridian, where a change can be affected.
How about those
needles?
Acupuncture needles are so fine, that eight of them would
fit into one hypodermic needle. They are solid and made of
stainless steel. Since the point is smooth, insertion through
the skin is not painful. Only disposable, single-use, sterile
needles are used.
Does acupuncture
hurt?
People experience acupuncture differently. Most experience
no discomfort. Some report feeling a slight sensation, tingling,
or electric sensation around the needle. Some report a sensation
that is exactly along the acupuncture pathway (meridian) the
point is on.
If there is any discomfort, it is mild. Once the needles are
in place, clients report feeling very relaxed and most people
rest deeply or snooze during the treatment.
How do the treatments feel?
Once the needles are in place, treatments are so relaxing
that most people fall sound asleep, to awake feeling refreshed
and renewed. One client, who comes for monthly “tune-ups”,
refers to his sessions as acu-naps!
Deep relaxation puts us
into the “rest and repair” mode of our nervous
system, which is known as the parasympathetic nervous system. In this state of relaxation, the body’s healing mode is activated.
 Are there alternatives
to treatment with needles?
For children under the age of 9, the Japanese Shoni-shin technique
is very effective.
A practitioner might utilize any of the following modalities
to treat acupuncture points along with or instead of treatment
with needles:
• application of color light
• gentle, hands-on energy work
• acupressure or Tui Na
• press pellets (non-puncture variety)
• ear seeds to stimulate points on the ears
• moxa, which is a warming technique using special herbal
preparations
When should I
see an acupuncturist?
Ideally, as soon as you experience any signs of distress or
illness. Come in as soon as you can after any accident or
injury. At the same time, be sure to check in with the appropriate
health professional to get a medical assessment of your injury
or illness. You can have acupuncture treatments concurrently
with other medical treatments and, in many conditions, this
will give the best results.
Acupuncture is a harmonizing healing art that supports your
body through the healing process. It can improve recovery
time and activate the body’s own healing abilities.
How many treatments
will I need?
This varies depending on many factors. The duration, severity
and nature of your complaint are all important considerations.
So is your constitution, overall health and your response
to treatments. Some people respond more quickly than others.
During the initial visit, we will make a recommendation for
an initial course of treatment. This may be for six sessions.
At that time, we’ll do an evaluation and decide on how
to proceed from there.
Generally, within two to three visits a person will have a
sense of whether they will receive benefits from acupuncture.
Those with acute conditions, may only need one to three treatments.
Those with chronic or complex conditions may benefit from
regular sessions over a long period of time. In these cases,
acupuncture is combined with herbal medicine and perhaps nutritional
supplements and other lifestyle recommendations for best results.
How long do I
have to keep coming?
Once a person is able to maintain the positive benefits of
the treatments, the frequency of visits can be adjusted. Initially
a person may come one to two times a week. After a while,
once or twice a month may be sufficient until a person is
feeling very well. Then, a person may decide to come every
so often for wellness sessions or for a regular “tune-up”.
This is usually determined by both client and practitioner
by mutual agreement.
Is acupuncture
helpful for prevention, to support well-being?
We have many clients who come for “wellness treatments”
once a month. They report feeling that this enhances their
optimal health and well-being. This is very beneficial. During
each acupuncture visit, the practitioner is examining the
client and works to harmonize the pulses, which reflect the
dynamic state of the person and so contributes to supporting
welll-being.
Is acupuncture
covered by health insurance?
Many insurance companies now cover acupuncture. Some companies
will cover acupuncture for pain-related illness or injuries
but not for chronic health conditions. Check your policy before
you come in for treatment. Insurance companies inform us that
they listen to their customers, not to their providers.
If you, as an insurance customer, insist that your insurance
company offer you reimbursement for acupuncture treatments,
they will take this into consideration. Over time, if there
is enough customer requests for this, they will change and
expand their policies to cover acupuncture for any condition;
not just pain.
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