Acupuncture

The Chinese have conceptualized a dynamic system that exists within the human body, consisting of what is called “Qi” (Energy, Life Force).

Qi is the governing force of all transformation, transportation, metabolism, circulation, movement, elimination, detoxification, purging, and healing that occurs throughout the body. Simply, Qi relates to all activity. Every single biochemical reaction and process manifests through “Qi”.

Qi courses through the channels or meridians of our body. These pathways of Qi are comparable to complex networks of freeways, with intersections, various depths, and streams flowing together. All of these pathways of Qi flow through all organ systems in our bodies. Each organ system has a specific corresponding channel (i.e. Lungs, Heart, Liver, etc.)

Acupuncture adjusts the flow of Qi throughout these channels and networks. Essentially each organ has a gate, which Acupuncture can either “open” or “close” depending on the diagnosis, and therapeutic principle of the treatment.

Opening a gate of energy may allow vital energy and replenishment into a weakened organ, while closing a gate of energy may expel noxious substances from an organ which has been invaded by a pathogen.

These imbalances of yin and yang may cause the rivers of energy in our body to become uneven, leading to a breakdown in the functioning of our nervous, immune, hormonal, circulatory, and digestive systems, producing illness or disease.

The intention is to restore the harmony of yin and yang, allowing our bodies and spirits to function at their optimal level. Through this process, the etiology which is the causative factor behind the illness or disease occurring, can be adjusted, leading to restored health and balance.

Acupuncture encourages the body to promote healing, improve functioning, bringing about a state of radiant health.

THE ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

The treatment consists of an initial consultation, which includes an in-depth evaluation. After the evaluation, an architectural blueprint, or treatment plan, is created by the doctor, which will determine the acupuncture points & methods.

To support the individual patient’s specific needs, follow-up visits are usually reccomended.

Consistent acupuncture treatments given over a period of time provide a cumulative and prolonged healing to the body’s own fundamental essences and life force. This ultimately builds and regenerates an abundant storehouse of reserve of our most precious three treasures, shen (spirit), jing (essence), and qi (life force).

The intention is to support the “righteous qi” of the individual, and create a state of serenity and balance in the body. Disease simply cannot thrive in a state of bliss.

Very often, the process of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine serve as a catalyst, which can awaken the spirit, and lead to growth and fulfillment in all facets of one’s life.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL?

The process of inserting the Acupuncture needles goes completely unnoticed to some patients. And to others, it may feel like a mild pinch, sometimes followed by numbness, tingling, ache, warmth, and/or movement traveling adjacent to the area of the needle. This may endure throughout the treatment, or it may subside within seconds or minutes after the insertion of the needles.

The experience of Acupuncture varies from patient to patient, but the majority of patients look forward to their Acupuncture visits, and often feel a deep sense of relaxation and calmness throughout the treatment.

Sometimes the effect is immediate and instantaneous; the patient may feel a noticeable improvement in the condition being treated immediately after the needle is inserted. Sometimes, this positive improvement may be felt during and even after the treatment. The patient may feel subtle to noticeable changes occurring even days following the Acupuncture visit.

As Acupuncture provides a cumulative effect, follow-up treatments will accelerate the healing and overall improvement of the condition.

WHAT ACUPUNCTURE CAN TREAT?

In staying consistent with the nomenclature of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture can treat disorders related to the disharmony of yin and yang energy throughout the body. Imbalances related to either deficiencies or excess of the Major Organ Systems: Lung, Large Intestine, Heart, Small Intestine, Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Pericardium, San Jiao, Liver and Gall Bladder are treated through Acupuncture. Since this vocabulary is only clear within the context of Chinese Medicine, we shall try to relate it to more standard Western Medicine vocabulary.

Acupuncture can treat:

• Pain (Acute or Chronic)
• Chronic Fatigue
• Age-Related Conditions
• Degenerative Related Disorders
• Weakened Immune System related Illnesses
• Food Addiction (Sugar, Coffee)
• Drug Addiction (Cigarette, Alcohol, Cocaine, Marijuana)
• Stress-related conditions (Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression)
• Psychological & Mental Illness
• Post-Surgical Recovery

And most importantly, it can serve as a tool to strengthen the organism as a whole, leading to vital health, in body, spirit, and mind. This is most profound, as it can prevent illness from occurring in the first place. We emphasize this approach strongly.

According to the World Health Organization of the United States, here are some of the ailments that Acupuncture can successfully treat:

INFECTIONS
Colds & Flus
Hepatitis
HIV/AIDS

MUSCULO-SKELETAL & NEUROLOGICAL
Arthritis
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Back Pain
Bursitis
Tendonitis
Stiff neck
Bell’s Palsy
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Headache
Stroke
Cerebral palsy
Polio
Sprains

INTERNAL
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Hypoglycemia
Ulcers
Colitis
Indigestion
Crohn’s Disease
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diarrhea
Constipation
Hemmorrhoids
Diabetes

EYES-EARS-NOSE-THROAT
Deafness
Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
Earaches
Poor Eyesight
Dizziness
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Hay Fever
Allergies

DERMATOLOGICAL
Acne
Eczema
Psoriasis
Herpes
Rosacea

GENITO-URINARY & REPRODUCTIVE
Infertility
Impotence
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Vaginitis
Irregular Period
Cramps
Morning Sickness

MENTAL-EMOTIONAL

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Insomnia

Acupuncture is simply one modality used in Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is often combined with Chinese Herbal Medicine, Auriculotherapy, Qi-Gong, Tai-Qi, Meditation, and Dietary modification, to treat, but more importantly, prevent illness.

For more information and details about the entire process that occurs in our office during an “Office Visit”, please see the section “OFFICE PHILOSOPHY.”