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ACUPUNCTURE AND NATURAL HEALING
The practice of acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese Medicine and dates back to over 3,000 years. Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body in much the same way as the nerves and blood vessels. Each pathway, in turn, is associated with a specific physiological system and internal organ. Where each pathway of energy communicates with the surface of the body, these locations are called acupuncture points. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it's deficient and away from where it's in excess. In this way, acupuncture stimulates the immune system by regulating and restoring the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow." Treatment is directed to the cause of disease, rather than in relieving only the symptom.
BASIC ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS
Acupuncture: In acupuncture, special factory-sterilized needles are gently inserted at the acupuncture points to stimulate the healing flow of Qi. The needles are disposed of immediately after use. The needles themselves, are remarkably thin, about the width of a human hair (or smaller) and may produce a mild initial sensation upon entering, followed by tingling, numbness, ache or moving warmth. Patients may find the treatments extremely relaxing and often fall to sleep.
Electric Acupuncture: Electric acupuncture uses electrical impulses in combination with acupuncture needles. The amount of electrical power used is only a few microamperes, but, depending on the patient's physical condition, the frequency of currents can vary from 5 to 2000 HZ . Most patients find the procedure painless.
Moxibustion: Moxibustion combines mild heat with acupuncture points. The herb mugwort (pressed into the form of a cone or stick) is burned directly above the skin. Moxa is able to produce heat that can penetrate deeply into the muscles and acupoints. This heat enters the channels or meridians to influence both qui and blood flow. Moxibustion is one of the most relaxing forms of acupuncture treatments.
Cupping: Cupping is a therapy that is useful in the treatment of blood stagnation in the channels or local qi. Cupping involves creating a slight vacuum that attaches a metal, wood, or glass jar to the skin surface. This vacuum produces pressure that encourages the flow of qui and blood in the area and stimulates your body's healing processes.
Heat TDP Lamp: A heat TDP lamp is a heat lamp that features a round metal plate coated with minerals. These minerals consist of 33 elements that are essential to the human body. When the mineral plate is heated, it emits a special band of electromagnetic waves that are absorbed by the human body. This electromagnetic energy has been found to yield many therapeutic effects on the human body such as:
- Helping to generate beneficial biochemical stimuli that the body may lack due to illness or injury.
- Accelerating the decomposition of injured structures, such as bad cells.
- Enhancing the body's immunity and adjustment functions.
In addtion, the TDP lamp is very effective for temporary relief of minor muscular and joint pain and the improvement of local, superficial blood circulation.
Tui Na: Tui Na is a type of massage performed with the hands, fingers and an instrument specifically designed for Tui Na. Tui Na massage also reinforces the channels or acupuncture points.
Herbal Remedies: Chinese herbal medicine is one of the largest and most organized herbal systems known. It is based on reversing unhealthy imbalances and patterns within the body. Once body harmony has been achieved, the body is able to heal itself.
While taking Chinese herbs, you should expect changes to occur in your body. It is important to be aware and to note these changes, so we can assess whether the prescription and diagnosis are right for you.
Patent Medicines are Chinese herbal formulas prepared in pill, syrup, plaster, and lozenge form. Pills are considered to have 60% of the potency of raw herbal formulas, are inexpensive and very convenient. They are taken in large doses, such as 8-16 small pills per dose. Patent formulas are very standard, traditional medicines that are formulated in an extensive array, so accurate formulas are widely available. They are appropriate for acute or chronic, but not serious conditions.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's ability to treat over 200 commonly encountered clinical disorders. Among these are:
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders: Sinusitis, Sore throat, Hay fever, Earache, Nerve deafness, Ringing in the ears, Dizziness, Poor eyesight
Circulatory Disorders: High blood pressure, Angina pectoris, Arteriosclerosis, Anemia
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Food allergies, Irritable bowel syndrome. Spastic colon, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea, Ulcers, Gastritis, Abdominal bloating, Hemorrhoids
Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, Endometriosis, Menopause, Fibroids, Chronic bladder infection, Complications in pregnancy, Morning sickness, Kidney stones, Impotence, Infertility in men and women, Sexual dysfunction
Immune Disorders: Candida, Chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDs, Epstein Barr virus, Allergies, Lupus, MS, Hepatitis
Addiction: Smoking cessation, Drugs, Alcohol
Emotional and Psychological Disorders Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression, Stress
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders Headaches and Migraines, Arthritis, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Back pain, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Stiff neck, Bell's palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia, Stroke, Cerebral palsy, Polio, Sprains, Muscle spasms, Shingles
Respiratory Disorders Colds and flus, Asthma, Emphysema, Bronchitis
Miscellaneous Chemotherapy/radiation side effects, Diabetes, Dermatological disorders, Weight control
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