WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is the gentle
insertion of very fine needles specific points on the body.
This process stimulates movement of energy within the body,
allowing natural healing to take place. These points are
selected based on years of training acupuncturist receive,
which is based on over 3,000 years of experience in China.
Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the
overall functioning the body's immune and organ systems.
Acupuncture is helpful for:
•
Treating existing illnesses and injuries.
•
Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness.
• Improving overall health.
Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It is
part of the holistic system of healing known as Traditional
Chinese Medicine ("TCM").
How does Acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Theory
The Classical Chinese explanation is that energy (Qi)
flows in channels (meridians) throughout the body and over
its surfaces. These channels are rivers of energy, which are
referred to as meridians. The Chinese have identified 71
meridians in the human body, which is a basic energy map for
all people. The meridians are often compared to a series of
interconnected highways. Each of the major organs in the
body is associated with its own meridian. Through the
network of meridians the internal organs are connected to
certain areas and parts of the body including the muscles,
bones, joints, and also other organs.
The Chinese believe that health is a manifestation of
balance, both within the body itself and between the body
and the external environment. When the body is internally
balanced and in harmony with the external environment, Qi
flows smoothly through the meridians to nourish the organs
and tissues. If an obstruction occurs in one of the
meridians, the Qi is disrupted and cannot flow properly.
When the Qi cannot flow smoothly or is forced to flow in the
opposite direction, the body's innate balance is disrupted
and illness results.
Acupuncture points are the specific points on the meridians
where the Qi is both concentrated and accessible.
Acupuncture engages the Qi by inserting needles at these
specific points, the goal being to restore the proper flow
of Qi. As the body regains its natural balance, well-being
returns.
Acupuncture and Modern Science
To the human body,
acupuncture needles are a physical stimulus. In Western
science, a stimulus is defined as a detectable change in
either the external environment or within the body itself.
When the body detects change, it produces a response.
Although acupuncture is not yet fully understood by Western
science, with modern technology scientists can now actually
begin to "see" the body's response to acupuncture. For
example, using an MRI (a very sophisticated x-ray),
researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at
specific acupuncture points on the body, corresponding
changes occur in the brain.
In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability
to relieve pain so the majority of research thus far has
been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed
to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and
spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the
muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture may also
stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain,
including hormones that influence the self-regulating system
of the body.
The Eastern Medical Model
In Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) style acupuncture, diagnosis and treatment is
based on the Chinese concept of qi (energy) flowing through
specific pathways in the body. Any imbalance or disruption
in this flow can result in illness. An important point to
this concept is that body and mind are intimately connected.
Through a thorough intake, exam, pulse and tongue diagnosis,
the acupuncturist can determine the nature of the
disharmony. Very small disposable sterile needles are then
inserted at precise locations to help the body restore its
natural state of health.
The Western Medical
Model
TCM uses many terms that
those of us who grew up in a western society may not relate
to or understand. Here are a few examples of how the effects
of acupuncture can be explained in western terms:
Balances hormones
* Regulates the menstrual cycle
*
Increases follicle production
* Increases quality of
follicles
* Relaxes the uterus
* Increase in blood
supply to uterus
* Increase in overall immune system
Specific points on certain pathways have shown very
specific effects on bodily functions. When points on what is
known as the heart meridian are needled there is a calming
effect on our nervous system. When certain stomach points
are needled digestive fluids and peristalsis are affected.
Some points have a stimulating effect on our hormones. And
other points stimulate uterine contractions. A point named
guang ming (bright light) has been shown through brain
imaging to stimulate the same brain area as the optic nerve.
And some points have an immune boosting effect raising our
white blood cell count.
These examples help give us an idea of why acupuncture
can help restore health simply by the insertion of needles.
Here are some examples of the benefits of Chinese herbal
therapy:
Eastern description Western actions
Yin tonics Stimulate estrogen production
* Increase
cervical mucus
* Build uterine lining
* Strengthen
reproductive organs
* Lower FSH
* In Men, help liquefy overly viscous seminal fluid
Blood and Qi tonics
* Increase hemoglobin production
* Lower FSH
* In men, increase sperm count
Yang and Qi tonics
* Stimulate production of
progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones
* In
men, increase sperm count and motility
Blood invigorators
* Inhibit endometriosis and
fibroids
* In men, improve sperm morphology
Blood coolers
* Restrain inflammatory processes
Qi regulators
* Lower elevated prolactin levels
* Metabolize excess
hormones
Dampness drainers
* Lower cholesterol
* Control
yeast, bacteria, and other pathogens
Summary
Chinese
Oriental medicine has been around for thousands of years,
and has provided us with a unique and holistic approach to
help prevent and treat disease. Western science and
Traditional Chinese Medicine ultimately rely on the body's
natural healing ability to maintain health and protect
against disease. Both have the same goal of helping a person
stay healthy. Western science tends to use drugs and surgery
as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling and
herbs. A combination of both systems creates an ideal
environment of health and healing.
