Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is the Chinese medical practice of inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to promote health and combat disease, thereby balancing Qi (pronounced "Chee"), which is energy, or life-force.

Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of micro-fine, pre-sterilized needles at strategic points along the affected channels of the body. Each Acupuncture point has a specific purpose and function with a predictable result. Acupuncture points are selected and combined based on the pattern discrimination diagnosed. Acupuncturists are able to address imbalanced channels by using Acupuncture techniques to remove obstructions in the flow of Qi and supplement Qi insufficiency. In this way, Acupuncture utilizes the body’s innate healing abilities to promote and restore its own natural state of harmony and balance.

Acupuncture can be used to treat acute and chronic problems as well as provide preventative medical treatment. Acupuncture works with the body, increasing overall vitality and energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and completely. Other treatment modalities used in conjunction with the needles during an acupuncture treatment may include: heat packs with castor oil, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, Massage Therapy, electrical stimulation, CranioSacral Therapy, and Visceral or Neural Manipulation. Meditation techniques are also utilized during treatment.

What is Chinese Medicine?

Chinese Medicine is an umbrella term including Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, diet therapy, exercise counseling, and lifestyle counseling. Chinese Medicine is, in itself, a complete health care system that has prevented and treated illness for thousands of years.

Chinese Medicine is a distinct and separate system of medical thought and practice from modern biomedicine. Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continuously practiced, literate, professional medical system in the world. Chinese Medicine has taken the Chinese over 3,000 years to develop. As it is a complete, well-researched medical system, it is difficult to both explain and comprehend in Western scientific or medical terms.

In recent years, ever-growing numbers of medical doctors and patients in the United States have turned to Chinese Medicine not only as a means of strengthening the body, which can be weakened by modern-day stress, but also to treat serious conditions deemed “incurable” by Western medicine (an example of this is fibromyalgia). Chronic pain conditions can be difficult to treat. Long-term use of pain medications can do irreparable harm to the liver, so utilizing less harmful treatments such as Acupuncture to manage pain can be very beneficial.

Common Conditions Treated by Chinese Medicine

Allergies and asthma
Anxiety and depression
Arthritis and joint issues
Back pain and sciatica
Bladder and kidney problems
Colds and influenza
Constipation and diarrhea
Coughs and bronchitis
Dizziness and vision problems
Drug, alcohol, and smoking addictions
Fatigue and fatigue syndromes
Fibromyalgia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gynecological disorders

Headaches and migraines
High blood pressure
Immune system disorders
Infertility
Insomnia
Knee pain
Menopausal discomfort
Musculoskeletal disorders
Neck pain and stiffness
Sexual dysfunction
Sinusitis
Skin problems
Stress and tension
Tendonitis
Plus many more

Philosophy

According to Chinese medical philosophy and theory, there is an unceasing flow of Qi (pronounced "Chee") throughout the human body. This Qi originates from the organ systems, manifesting as pathways of energy, which are referred to as channels. When the Qi flow is smooth and in balance, a person is healthy. When a channel becomes obstructed, or there is a shortage of Qi, illness and pain result.

Chinese Medicine is able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of individual patients. Many patients experience sub-clinical complaints, such as fatigue, headaches, low sex drive, or weight gain. Western medicine often does not recognize the significance of these complaints. Chinese Medicine views any observable symptom or sign as related to internal organ function.

A careful patient interview and exam reveals to the Acupuncturist which systems in the body are strong and which are weak. This method allows not only treatment of the immediate condition, but also keeps the body/mind strong with preventative care. Chinese Medicine can ‘see’ structures and functions that are weakened before they physically manifest. This is perhaps the most significant aspect of Chinese Medicine.

Chinese Herbs

An integral component of traditional Chinese Medicine is the use of medicinal prescriptions. Chinese herbal prescriptions provide the acupuncturist with a powerful tool, which allows the benefits of the healing process to continue between patient visits.

There is a rich and carefully evidenced history of Chinese medicinals, dating back thousands of years. Made from organic substances such as plants, flowers and minerals, Chinese medicinals are the precursors of Western pharmaceuticals. Unlike their synthetic counterparts however, Chinese medicinals rarely elicit side effects and have been proven safe during thousands of years of use.

Medicinals are highly specific in their actions, temperature, flavor and direction, and are carefully combined to form balanced prescriptions aimed at the diagnosed pattern. Depending on the nature of your complaint you may be prescribed water-based decoctions, concentrated granular extracts, concentrated tinctures, capsules, tablets, or "teapills."