Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Based on the laws governing nature and the universe, acupuncture is one of the oldest systems of healing known to man, with its origins dating back 4,000 year in China . Its theory, laws and methods of application to the human body appeared first in manuscript form around 400 BC in the Nei Ching or The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (T.C.A.) concerns itself with the individual and his or her whole being. During diagnosis and treatment, the concept of T.C.A. involves understanding the unity of body, mind and spirit and allows for recognizing that a symptom may have its cause in any level of being. Unlike Local Doctor Acupuncture or other forms of symptomatic acupuncture, traditional acupuncture attempts to treat the underlying malfunction. As this is done, the symptoms disappear of their own accord.

According to T.C.A., the vital force called qi energy controls the functioning of the main organs and systems of the body and its mental, emotional and spiritual processes. Qi energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathways, part of a system distinct from the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems. For physical, mental, emotional and spiritual processes to function properly, Qi energy must flow freely and in the correct quantity and quality.

Any disease, any symptom, whether it be physical, mental or spiritual, according to T.C.A., is a result of the qi energy going awry. Restoring health is dependent on the restoration of qi energy. The work of the practitioner is to assess the qi, to locate the “blocks” and areas of distress in the system and then to help restore balance and harmony.

What is Five Element Traditional Chinese Acupuncture?

Five Element T.C.A. focuses on five principal avenues of information. These are:

1. facial color,
2. sound qualities of the voice,
3. subtle body odors,
4. inappropriate emotions and
5. the pulses of each of the twelve major pathways of qi energy.

In addition, the individual’s medical history and information such as dreams, preferences for taste and certain seasons as well as body language—all aid the practitioner in defining the causes of the illness. Other forms of traditional acupuncture, such as those utilizing the Eight Guiding Principles, make use of tongue diagnosis as well as symptom patterns.

About the Acupuncture Treatments

Traditional acupuncture treatments are carried out by gently inserting very thin (no thicker than two or three strands of hair) flexible needles into specific points on the body which lie about one-fourth to one inch beneath the skin. A slight, momentary sensation accompanies contact with the point. Then the needles are manipulated and taken out, or left twenty to forty-minutes depending on the effect desired. Heat may be applied to acupuncture points with moxa, made from the herb Artemisia vulgaris latiflora.

How Often are Treatments Given?

Treatments may initially vary from twice a week to once a week, depending on the severity of the problem and the individual’s response. With improved health, they can be spaced out to once a month. With restored body-mind-spirit balance, only occasional treatment may be needed for maintenance.

Research studies suggest that traditional acupuncture can be applied to many conditions, including pain related problems, menstrual disorders, breathing disorders and addictions. The World Health Organization lists 32 conditions (neurological, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal and respiratory) that lend themselves to acupuncture treatment. Emotional disorders are also amenable to treatment. Acupuncture is not recommended in emergency situations resulting from accidents or for conditions when surgical intervention is necessary.