OVERVIEW
Chinese
medicine is a complex and sophisticated approach to healing. It has been
developed over a period of at least 3,000 years and is based on ancient
Chinese medical texts, clinical observation, as well as modern empirical
research. Principles of Chinese medicine are based on the fundamental
concept that the physical, spiritual and emotional body are connected in
their function, and that a network of energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”)
flows thru all aspects of the body. Chinese medicine is, thus, holistic in
its nature and focuses on the individual, instead of the disease.
Because of its
holistic nature, Chinese medicine focuses on a patient’s entire bodily
pattern and the presence or absence of harmony between systems and energies
in the body. It also focuses on the harmony between the body and the outside
environment. When a person is ill, the symptoms experienced are only one
part of a complete bodily imbalance. Chinese medicine considers concepts of
deficiency and excess, seeking to balance heat and cold, dry and damp, and
ultimately, Yin and Yang within the body.
Energy called
Qi flows through the body in channels called “meridians”. Most of these
channels are named for a physical organ (lung, liver, stomach, etc.) to
which it is correlated, though some are named for more abstract concepts or
systems in the body. The energy or Qi in each of these channels is
associated with specific tissues, areas, and functions of the body, as well
as with certain emotions, colors, tastes and smells.
Acupuncture is
only one branch of Chinese medicine, which is a complete medical system.
Chinese medicine includes diet and lifestyle counseling, herbal therapies,
physical medicine (similar to massage and physical therapy), acupuncture and
therapeutic exercise. Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile, stainless
steel needles to stimulate specific points along meridians. This
stimulation can be directed to unblock energy that is “stuck” or to bring
energy into areas that are lacking energy, thus assisting the body to move
back into balance. In addition to needles, various other methods used
to stimulate acupuncture points include electricity, heat, massage and
suction created by special cups.
WHAT
TO EXPECT
Practitioners
of Chinese medicine will begin by asking many questions about a patient’s
general constitution, body function, as well as details about their current
symptoms. They will also look at the tone and health of the skin,
hair, teeth and nails. The practitioner will feel the pulse in three
spots on each wrist to feel the energy of each of the meridians that is
represented there. They will also look closely at the tongue, as its
color and quality reflect many things about the balance of energy in the
body. After collecting information by questions and observation, the
practitioner will choose a treatment that is specific for the patient at
that time.
If
the patient is receiving an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner will
clean the acupuncture points to be treated and then will insert the needles.
Once the needles are inserted, the patient will rest quietly with the
needles in for 15-30 minutes. If a patient receives an herbal
treatment, the practitioner will assemble a specific combination of herbs
for their current condition and constitution. The herbs will either be
in a whole herb form, like a bulk tea that the patient prepares, “granules”
that just need to be added to water, or in prepared pill form.
Is
Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered very safe.
While it is a medical procedure that punctures the skin and underlying
tissues, injuries and side effects are very rare and when they do occur,
they are usually minor. All acupuncture needles are, by law, sterile.
Our clinic uses sterile, one-use, disposable needles. These needles
come prepackaged and sterilized and are disposed of after one use.
What Will
I Feel?
Acupuncture is considered to be relatively painless,
however, with correct stimulation the movement of Qi may be felt by the
patient. Qi sensations vary widely and may be described as heaviness,
distention, tingling or electric. These sensations may be only at the
location of the needle or they may travel up or down the meridian (energy
pathway). These sensations are a sign that the patient’s Qi is
adjusting towards balance.
Resources
Web:
AOM Alliance
NCCAOM
Books:
-
Connelly,
Dianne M. Traditional Acupuncture: The Law of the Five Elements,
2nd Edition. Traditional Acupuncture Institute. 1994.
-
Kaptchuk,
Ted J. The Web That Has No Weaver. 1983. Congden & Weed.
-
Beinfield,
H. and Korngold, E. Between Heaven and Earth. 1991. Ballantine
Books.
