Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a primary health care modality that has flourished in China for over 2,500 years. Its use is widespread throughout Asia and Europe. Ironically, considering its longevity, it is considered one of the newest health care techniques in America. The use of acupuncture has spread as medical practitioners from all backgrounds and training have tried it, discovered its efficacy, and integrated it into their health care delivery systems.

Far more than a technique of inserting tiny threadlike needles along meridian lines of the body, acupuncture’s complex system of diagnostic corollaries take into consideration the person as a whole, not just isolated symptoms. Acupuncture is practiced based on discerning a “pattern of disharmony” and treating accordingly. Modern acupuncturists may employ a range of modalities to treat patients: physical therapy and equipment, herbal medicine, moxibustion and nutrition.

Acupuncture treats to strengthen the physical body, prevent disease, control pain, and achieve longevity. You will find the aim practiced in oriental medicine, generally is not limited to eliminating or alleviating symptoms. The larger picture, rather, is to increase both the ability to function and the quality of life.

In California, the practice of Acupuncture is regulated by State Agencies. All acupuncturists are licensed by the state after meeting strict training and examination requirements.

Acupuncture is a therapy which uses natural laws and energetics with the application of needles and pressure to specific “points” on the body. These points are grouped along specific pathways or meridians that cross the body. As long as the energy flows freely through these pathways, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is either absent, deficient, interrupted, excessive or blocked in an area, health is disrupted, resulting in illness or pain. By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along these meridians, the energy is released and regulated, and health is restored.

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system. Acupuncture works with the body, harmonizing and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.

After diagnosing a pattern of disharmony and giving acupuncture treatment, a doctor of TCM often chooses a prescription from over a thousand common herbal formulas or from more effective traditional family prescriptions. Herbal medicine has a long history in the Orient. The first Chinese Materia Medica, the Shen-Nung Herbal Classic, was begun during the Stone Age and completed in the late part of the 5th century B.C., from which some important prescriptions originated.

In this herbal classic, herbs were categorized into three groups. The first group was called “food herbs” which were eaten as part of one’s diet for general fortification, prevention and maintenance. The other two groups were called “medicinal herbs” which are dispensed to each patient in an individual formula based on one’s constitution, environment and medical condition.

These herbal formulas work to unblock the energy and to nourish and repair the organs in order to eliminate the root cause of the illness. They also work to straighten the immune system and help fortify and balance the whole body.

Most patients find the treatment very relaxing, which brings on a feeling of well-being. Most are surprised at how comfortable they are during treatment and how easily the needles are placed. Some people even go to sleep during treatment. A patient may feel a slight sensation upon entry and then pressure or a “dull” or “surging” reaction when the needle reaches the “chi” or correct point. The tiny thin needles are specifically designed to be virtually painless. Rest assured, the needles are far different from the hypodermic needles given in injections.

TCM nutrition is a complete system of dietary principles based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its emphasis is on maintaining a balanced, flexible diet rather than following rigid dietary rules. For the past five thousand years, food and eating habits have provided the basis for maintaining health and treating disease in the day to day life of the Chinese people, and dietary therapy has proven to be the least expensive and technologically demanding method for dealing with many chronic and disabling ailments.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, in its long history, has always offered energy enhancement exercises such as T’ai Chi Movement, Chi Gong (Chi Kung), and meditation. These are mild exercises which take little time and can be practiced daily as a balancing or preventative health measure. Their goal is to integrate the physical and spiritual aspects of the individual. When the body’s energy is balanced, the body can begin to heal itself. That is why TCM is called a natural healing method: it facilitates the body’s own self healing process.

Qigong is the study and practice of cultivating vital life-force through carious techniques, including:

• Breathing
• Postures
• Meditations
• Guided Imagery

Qi means “breath” or “air” and is considered the “vital-life-force” or “life-force energy.” Qigong practitioners believe that this vital-life-force penetrates and permeates everything in the universe. It corresponds to the Greek “pneuma,” the Sanskrit “prana,” or the Western medical conception of “bioelectricity.” Gong means “work” or “effort” and is the commitment an individual puts into any practice or skill that requires time, patience, and repetition to perfect.

Qigong for Health and Healing:

What are the types of Qigong?
There are many forms and styles of Qigong, but they all fit into one of three main categories:

• Medical Qigong to heal self and others
• Martial Qigong for physical prowess
• Spiritual Qigong for enlightenment

Generally, all Qigong practitioners incorporate exercises and techniques from all three categories–the only difference is their focus.

How might Qigong benefit your health and wellbeing?
All living organisms give off a bioelectric field. It is believed that a Qigong healer can detect these fields, as well as their imbalances. The goal of Qigong is to correct the imbalances that have accumulated throughout a person’s lifetime. Imbalances occur from deep-seated emotions (stress, anger, anxiety, depression, grief, etc.), trauma or injury, improper diet, excessive sexual activity, lack of exercise, etc. Imbalances may also be acquired from our parents (both constitutional and emotional).Qigong practitioners believe the Qi that course through our entire being must flow properly, like a river. If there is a block, Qi becomes stagnant and prevents other parts of the body from being nourished. If the Qi flows too rapidly, it causes degeneration or exhaustion of the internal organs. The practice of Qigong helps to balance these energies: filling deficiencies and removing excess. Practicing Qigong and receiving Qigong healing activates acupuncture points, meridians, and organ systems, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Therefore, practicing and receiving Qigong is similar to a powerful acupuncture treatment. Qigong also likely works in the same manner as other physical exercise to relieve emotional stress.

One of the great advantages to acupuncture is the absence of serious side effects. Needles generally cause no bleeding on entry or removal, and are one time disposable kind. There is minimal risk of organ or blood vessel penetration.

We will use one of several other methods that do not require use of needles, especially in the treatment of children.

Each person is unique with an individualized treatment plan. No two conditions or people respond exactly the same. The length of treatment depends on the type, severity and duration of the condition, and the physical state at the time of treatment. Both examination and your response can give us an idea. In short or lengthy cases, I do an evaluation with you to assess your progress. In order to get the best therapeutic results, it is important to follow the treatment plan and recommendations carefully. It is also vital to complete the course of therapy to restore health.

Our further programs for health maintenance are designed and aimed to prevent and promote health, longevity, as well as vitality to the body.