Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient medical system dating back thousands of years. The practical principles and methods are easily understood: 14 major channels called meridians traverse the entire body, carrying the energy known as Qi (pronounced "chee"). It is the vital life-force which separates the living from the dead.
Sound health depends on the balanced, unimpeded flow of Qi . Misdirection, blockage, or other disruption of the amount, flow, or balance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction, or ill health.
Acupuncturists stimulate acupoints along the meridians with acupuncture needles, pressure, or other means to help restore balanced flow of Qi to tissues, organs, and other body systems. This helps prepare the body to repair itself and maintain its own health.
The Objectives
There are three main objectives in each acupuncture treatment session.
- Relieve pain
- Strengthen the immune system
- Balance, harmonize, and integrate functions of the organs with each other, making for a unified, healthy person
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an ailment involves several sources of information.
-
Pulse diagnosis
reveals excesses, deficiencies, and disharmonies of Qi and organ systems involved. -
Observation of the patient:
noting the color and condition of the tongue, texture and condition of the skin and hair, strength and pitch of the voice, and body carriage among other things. -
Listening to and questioning the patient
history of the illness, patient’s feelings, lifestyle, diet, and emotional and spiritual difficulties contributing to Qi imbalance. -
Physical examination
palpating for tender acupoints related to specific areas and functions of the body that may relate to a specific problem.
The Experience
When we think of "needle" in the medical sense, we think of hypodermic needles, which are hollow, stiff, and thick for forcing liquids into the flesh. Acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no thicker than a human hair or piece of thread. When inserted quickly by an acupuncturist, the needle produces little to no sensation. When the needle contacts the Qi , or vital energy, there is a slight tingling sensation. Most patients are amazed at how comfortable they are during treatment.
The Course of Treatment
The course of treatment is different for everyone. A standard course might be 1-2 treatments each week for 6 to 10 weeks. Acute conditions will heal faster than chronic ones.
Scope of Practice
Acupuncture is, specifically, an Oriental health care practice used to promote and to treat organic, functional, or neurological disorders by the stimulation of specific points on the surface of the body by the insertion of needles.
Acupuncture includes the treatment method of moxabustion as well as the use of thermal, mechanical, electrical, or magnetic devices, with or without needles, to stimulate acupuncture points and acupuncture meridians and to induce acupuncture anesthesia or analgesia.
The practice of acupuncture also includes: traditional and modern techniques of diagnosis and evaluation; Oriental massage, exercise and related therapeutic methods; and the use of Oriental Pharmacopoeia, vitamins, minerals, and dietary advice.
