Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 6,000 years ago and is just one form of therapy used within the coherent system of healing known as Oriental Medicine. Oriental Medicine includes herbology, physical therapy, dietetics and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong), and is a complete medical system unto itself – it is not another branch of modern Western medicine. Traditionally, it is used to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, promote health and alleviate pain and suffering, as well as to improve well-being.
The methodology of Chinese medicine is based on bringing the person back to a state of healthy, dynamic balance. Symptoms of disease are indications of imbalance. Over 2,500 years, professional practitioners of Chinese medicine have identified approximately 300 different patterns of imbalance humans may manifest. Since these patterns often combine to form even more complex patterns, the possible patterns of imbalance humans can manifest is almost unlimited. Therefore, in Chinese medicine, every patient receives his or her own individualized treatment. Because that treatment is meant to bring all elements of the patient’s being back into balance, Chinese medicine heals without any intended or acceptable side-effects. Side-effects, whether short- or long-term, are like robbing Peter to pay Paul. You cannot achieve true health by throwing one part of the body out of balance while trying to heal another.
The perspective from which an Acupuncturist views health and sickness centers on concepts of Qi or vital energy. Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the transmission of the nervous system, the Acupuncturist evaluates the flow and distribution of this “vital energy” within its pathways, known as “meridians and channels”.
The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today. Modern research has demonstrated various physiological changes following Acupuncture, such as beneficial changes in the body’s own natural painkillers, anti-inflammatory agents, immune system functions and hormonal activity. Despite the powerful technology available today, even the modern researchers cannot explain exactly how this ancient healing therapy works. Perhaps in the near future, the actual chemical and electromagnetic events that occur during Acupuncture will be described.
The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along the body. These areas, or “acupoints”, are stimulated by fine, slender needles. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same – adjust the “vital energy” so that the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps your body heal itself. Many are afraid of coming to an Acupuncturist thinking that the needles cause pain and are like those in a doctor’s office. Please know that the needles do not cause pain and that receiving Acupuncture is a pleasant experience.
An Acupuncturist is a Primary Care Physician of Natural Healing. The following is a sampling of the many pathologies that have been successfully treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Neurological – Headache, Migraine, Postoperative Pain, Stroke Residuals, Parkinson’s Disease, Facial Pain, Musculo- Skeletal Pain and Weakness- Neck, Shoulder, Arms, Hands, Fingers, Knees, Legs, & Feet, Backache, Cramping, Trauma, Sprains, Strains, Sports Injuries, Arthritis and Sciatica pain.
Digestive disorders such as abdominal pain, hyperacidity, chronic diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation
Respiratory – Sinusitis, Common Cold, Bronchitis, Allergy, Asthma, Gynecological, Impotence PMS/Cramps, Menopause, Emotional Traumas, Hypertension, Insomnia Depression/Anxiety, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat, Poor Vision, Tinnitus, Toothache, Gum Problems
Other Benefits – Increased vitality and energy, Stress reduction, Skin rejuvenation, enhanced athletic & physical function, Pain control, Regulates heart rate, Blood pressure & Chemistry, Stabilizes the Immune System and aids in dependencies such as smoking cessation and weight loss. There are many patients who have discovered that Acupuncture is effective as a preventative approach for the maintenance of good health. It is far better to stay healthy and prevent disease rather than cure it. Coming in for regular strengthening of the body’s balance is rewarded with better energy and digestion, stronger immune systems, and an enhanced ability to cope with daily stress. Many patients also discover that chronic conditions which were virtually incurable or those that “they learned to live with” with constant medication were resolved by a series of Acupuncture treatments. These patients rediscovered a better quality of life: one which they could not find with medicinal or physical therapy. Unlike western medical practitioners who treat symptoms only, Acupuncturists view the symptom as part of an imbalance and work to restore the abodes ability to heal itself.
Acupuncture is effective as a preventative approach for the maintenance of good health. It is far better to stay healthy and prevent disease rather than cure it. Coming in for regular strengthening of the body’s balance is rewarded with better energy and digestion, stronger immune systems, and an enhanced ability to cope with daily stress. Many patients also discover that chronic conditions which were virtually incurable or those that “they learned to live with” with constant medication were resolved by a series of Acupuncture treatments. Remember that nothing is “normal” or a problem that you have to “live with.” Most things that are considered normal or the result of aging in western medicine can be resolved by using Oriental Medicine. Most of my patients have rediscovered a better quality of life: one which they could not find with medicinal or physical therapy.
Unlike western medical practitioners who treat symptoms only, Acupuncturists view the symptom as part of an imbalance and work to restore the body’s ability to heal itself. *One must keep in mind that herbs are medicine that works in your body to achieve a physical result and should not be taken unless prescribed by a licensed Acupuncturist.
“Most over-the-counter and almost all prescribed drug treatments merely mask symptoms or control health problems or in some way alter the way organs or systems such as the circulatory system work. Drugs almost never deal with the reasons why these problems exist, while they frequently create new health problems as side effects of their activities.” John R. Lee, MD