What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is an ancient technique in which a skilled practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to prevent or treat illness. Practiced for over 2,500 years in China, where it originated, acupuncture is part of the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine, which views health as a constantly changing flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"). In traditional Chinese medicine, imbalances in this natural flow of energy are thought to result in disease. Acupuncture aims to restore health by improving the flow of qi. According to the traditional Chinese philosophy, health is maintained through an even distribution and flow of energy called Qi. We can think of Qi as the source of life. Disease is a consequence of interruption or depletion of this vital energy. Qi is circulated throughout the body by a network of invisible and intangible channels called 'meridians'. The acupuncture points lie along these meridians. Each meridian refers to a particular organ, and the energy flowing through that meridian can be taken as indicating the functional state of that organ. Acupuncture is used every day in many countries around the world to treat people with both acute and chronic disorders. These conditions range from mild discomfort, such as a headache, to serious organic problems, such as gallstones. Treatment works by activating the acupuncture points. This action stimulates the body's own restorative and recuperative powers so that the natural state of balance and harmony that is commonly called good health can be restored. An acupuncturist might say that treatment is analogous to removing a blockage to the natural flow of water, so that a stream can clear itself and run freely again. Top of Page |
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What Is Meridian Therapy? (Needleless Acupuncture) Meridian therapy is the accepted name employed by those who practice the principle of Acupuncture without the use of a penetrating needle. Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique. Therefore, there are many ways to stimulate an Acupoint other than a needle, just as there are many different strokes used in swimming. Many practitioners use electronic stimulation, laser beam or pressure massage to treat an Acupoint. The principle of Acupuncture does not change, only the technique. Top of Page |
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How Does It Work? Far too often in the medical professions, a patient is told after extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong," "It is all in your head," or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it. The examining doctor unable to find the cause of the problem has little else to tell the patient. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for an Acupuncture evaluation as a last resort. The human body's energy flow courses over twelve meridians or channels that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in the body. If we were to compare a 175 pound man on one end of a seesaw and a 47 pound child on the other end, it becomes obvious the seesaw would be "broken" due to the fact the heavier person would be sitting on the ground and lighter would be dangling in the air. Even though the seesaw is producing a symptom of being broken-extensive examination would not reveal anything wrong with the seesaw. The obvious answer is in the balance. Correction of the balance corrects the problem. This is Acupuncture's goal-to restore normalcy to the body's energy balance by utilizing a combination of Acupoints located on the twelve meridians. This is accomplished by a variety of means, the needle is just one. Medical research continues in this country and others to attempt to explain in western scientific terms what the ancient Chinese seventy centuries earlier described. Today, many theories have been postulated as to why Acupuncture is so effective in pain control. However, as more discoveries are made, more research is indicated. Top of Page |
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Is Treatment Painful? One would assume inserting a needle into the skin would be painful since most of us can relate to being stuck with a pin or having a hypodermic injection. However, four Acupuncture needles can easily be inserted into the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle. Because of the extreme slenderness of the needle, most people compare the sensations to "less than a mosquito bite." A phenomena referred to as "TEHCHI" occurs when the energy is contacted. This sensation is felt as a mild to moderate heaviness or tingling. Needles obviously have their place in clinical practice. However, many physicians certified in Acupuncture and licensed Acupuncturists are employing electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoint with equal effectiveness as the needle. Both of these procedures are painless and are quickly becoming standard worldwide. The tapping needle "teishein: is not really a needle as it does not pierce the skin. It produces a mild to moderate sensation. Compare it to taping a ball point pen on the skin. This form of stimulation has been used successfully for centuries. Thumb pressure is equally impressive and not considered painful. Top of Page |
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How many treatments are usual? Obviously the number of treatments vary with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after the first treatment, whereas others many not notice any effect until the seventh or eighth visit. It's been shown that a certain percentage of patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following a course of therapy. A small number of patient will receive a worsening of symptoms, as the body's energies are returning to normal. This is usual and no need for alarm. It is followed by improvement. Researchers internationally agree the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen. The usual frequency is between two and four times a week. Patients are urged not to enter an Acupuncture program with the thought of "taking a few" to see what will happen. Even though it is possible to achieve success, a program of ten visits would have a better chance for success. Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing process. If the treatments are recommended and results occur in just five visits, the doctor may elect to discontinue treatments or continue their use to stabilize the condition. Top of Page |
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Are Results Psychological? Many critics of Acupuncture have suggested the science is hypnosis or "mind over matter." This criticism is totally unfounded as Acupuncture has startling effects in infants and toddlers as well as veterinary applications. The effect it has in surgery as an anesthetic further disclaims the skeptics. Even total disbelieves report favorable response to Acupuncture. However, a positive outlook is obviously beneficial in all phases of life to include healing. Top of Page |
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What Conditions Are Accepted? Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization, working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training center of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has indicated Acupuncture is effective in the following conditions. Acute and chronic pain relief, migraine, tension cluster and sinus headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, bed wetting, cervical (neck) pain, and mid-back pain, low shoulder, tennis elbow, post-operative pain relief, gastric problems, asthma, allergies, skin conditions, hemorrhoids, abnormal blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety, neurologic syndrome, various eye problems, etc., etc. This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions Acupuncture has been credited with helping. Top of Page |
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Is Acupuncture Expensive? The cost of Acupuncture treatment varies in different parts of the country. However, the average appears to be between $45.00 and $75.00 per treatment Top of Page |
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Are Results Permanent? For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system or tissue damage, results are often permanent. For chronic conditions, symptoms may recur from time to time. Generally a few additional treatments are sufficient to obtain relief. It's suggested that patients with severe or chronic conditions return for a booster treatment two to three times a year. Top of Page |
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Addiction Control Acupuncture has gained a great deal of notoriety in recent years concerning its considerable success with addiction control. It has been shown that Acupuncture has a very positive effect in the area of both drug and alcohol addiction. This procedure, in conjunction with professional counseling, has been proven extremely effective. One of the most noteworthy addictions Acupuncture helps is smoking. The average patient will reduce their intake by at least on half within twenty four hours of the first treatment. Several additional treatments generally allow the patient to stop without experiencing the negative side effects of quitting. Acupuncture also has a favorable effect in weight control. Currently there are several clinics in the US devoted solely to drug and alcohol rehabilitation. Top of Page |
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Acupuncture Examination Perhaps the cornerstone of Acupuncture examination is pulse diagnosis whereby the trained practitioner, by feeling the pulse, is able to determine the balance of the twelve (12) meridians. This ancient method of diagnosis is giving way to modern electronic evaluation referred to as "ryodoraku" or "electro meridian imaging" (EMI). The practitioner places a small painless electronic pen on the skin over specific Acupoints. By way of a sensitive metering device, the electro potential of the point is measured. This examination is extremely reliable and is quickly becoming the standard method of diagnosis internationally. Many physicians utilize applied kinesiology, which is an examination involving testing certain muscles and correlating them to the associated meridian. Case history and consultation play a vital role in determining what is abnormal as does simple palpation over specific body parts. Top of Page |
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Herbs Asian physicians have historically recognized the importance of herbs in healing for centuries. Herbs are utilized either alone, or in combination for specific maladies, with astounding success. Many, if not most, drugs used in the West are derived from actions observed from specific herbs used for generations.
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