| Acupuncture |
 |
Traditional Chinese Medicine practiced in China and other Asian countries, originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and acupuncture is just one of the key components of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: HYin and Yang. The concept of two opposing yet complementary forces described in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while Yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing Yin and Yang and disease is caused by an imbalance in these energies, leading to a blockage in the flow of Qi.H Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while Yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. According to TCM, health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state"; disease is due to an internal imbalance of Yin and Yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of HQi. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of Yin and Yang.H (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. Qi can be unblocked, according to TCM, by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that connect with these meridians. Sources vary on the number of meridians, with numbers ranging from 14 to 20. One commonly cited source describes meridians as 14 main channels "connecting the body in a weblike interconnecting matrix" of at least 2,000 acupuncture points. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries.
Benefits of Acupuncture [PDF]
Herbs - Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat many conditions of the body. Most of today's illnesses can be treated with Chinese herbs. The affects usually takes a little longer to get an effect but they are more natural and do not use any other hash chemicals. Many of today's Western medicine have been developed from many of these herbs.
Cupping - Cups are round vessels 1" to 3" in diameter that are applied to the body. These cups stay on the skin with the help of a vacuum suction created by means of heating the air inside the cup or by a mechanical pump. An area of low pressure is created by the cup which causes blood to gather near the surface of the body. Circulation is dramatically increased around and below the surface of the skin where the cups are applied.
Traditionally, cupping has been used to improve blood circulation in the underlying tissues and to stimulate the internal organs. As a result, cupping is indicated for a wide range of digestive, respiratory or gynecological problems where stagnation of "Qi" energy or blood is indicated and in areas of old and acute trauma. During a cupping treatment, the patient experiences a mild pulling sensation which calms the sympathetic nerves and allows a deep relaxation to move through the whole body. After the session is done there will be marks on the body that look like bruises. This indicates places where blood as accumulated near the skin and are painless.
Moxibustion - Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb "Mugwort" is burned near the surface of the skin or on acupuncture needles in order to trigger natural healing responses in the body. In Japan, scientists have found that the infrared radiation from burning Mugwort is very similar to the natural infrared radiation in the human body. The result is that the heat from Moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, giving a warming effect which lasts for several days after the treatment. This kind of stimulation at specific points on the body can dramatically boost the immune system, and trigger other profound effects including a reduction in blood coagulation time and an increase in adrenal activity.
Electro-acupuncture - Using the same needles, electrodes are placed on the needles and using safe, gentle electric current to stimulate the acupuncture points.
What To Expect from Acupuncture Visits
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your health status and lifestyle so they can asses what is contributing to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have. Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal "pain" as the needles are inserted. Some people may feel a pinch, pressure, tingly, or itchy feeling while the needles are in the points. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. You may experience soreness and pain during treatment if you have just had an injury, surgery or trauma to the area or if the area has been in chronic pain. If the area is in chronic pain the soreness from the needles may be due to Qi stagnation and if it an acute issues it may be due to blood stagnation in the area. This is why it is important to inform you practitioner of any condition you may have and let them know if you are experiencing any pain or are uncomfortable at any time during the treatment. Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.