Thirty years ago, for most Americans, it seemed weird and strange to pierce fine needles into body to relieve pain. Today, it is a well known fact that acupuncture helps to manage pain. It is American's fastest growing form of health care.
What is Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture procedure typically involves inserting very fine, solid pre-sterilized needles to selected body points (acupuncture points) along acupuncture meridians ( pathways of energy) of the body. There are a variety of manipulation techniques by the hands or by electrical stimulation. To achieve the best possible results, the method of treatment and the selection of body points must be based on proper diagnosis and treatment principles according to the theory of TCM. Classic theory recognizes about 365 acupuncture points on the surface meridians of the body. With the inclusion of miscellaneous points and new points used in ear acupuncture and other recent methods, the total universe has risen to at least 2,000 points for possible use. An acupuncturist must process a finely calibrated skill to read a patient’s body. She or he has cultivated sensitivity to the touch of different energy levels along the surface of body.
What is "Acupuncture Meridian"?
- Acupuncture meridian is a translation of the Chinese term jing-luo. Jing means " to go through" or " a thread in a fabric"; luo means " something that connects or attaches," or " a net". The Meridian system is made up of twelve main meridians that correspond to internal Organs. There are also eight Extra meridians and many small, finer, netlike minor meridians. Transversely and longitudinally, they cross with each other in both the interior and exterior of the body. They are the channels or pathways that carry Qi and Blood through the body. They are not blood vessels . Rather, they comprise an invisible lattice that links together all the fundamental textures and Organs. They embody a kind of informational network - Qi and Blood move along them. Qi is an important concept of TCM , which refers to the invisible life force or energy that is present in all living things. The free flowing of Qi provides vitality to the human body. There is a old saying: "where there is free flow, there is no pain; where there is no free flow, there is pain". Acupuncture meridians play an important role in human physiology, pathology , prevention and treatment of disease.
- The acupuncture meridians have been measured and mapped by modern technological methods: electronically, thematically and radioactively. Along the meridians, acupuncture points have unique electrical characteristics differing from surrounding skin. These points are electro-magnetic and consist of small palpable spots, which can be located by hand, with micro-electrical voltage meters and with muscle testing, when they are functioning abnormally. Modern research also finds parallels between the ancient concepts and modern anatomy. Many of the 365 acupuncture points correspond to nerve bundles or muscle trigger points. Several meridians track major arteries and nerves. "If people have a heart attack, the pain will radiate up across the chest and down the left arm. That's where the heart meridian goes," says Peter Dorsher, a specialist in pain management and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. "Gallbladder pain will radiate to the right upper shoulder, just where the gallbladder meridian goes."
How does Acupuncture work?
- The effectiveness of acupuncture is based on the functions of the Meridian system. Under normal conditions, the meridian system transports qi and blood and regulates the balance of the whole body. A relative equilibrium of normal life activities is maintained. Under pathological conditions, the meridian system performs its function of combating pathogens and reflecting systemic or local symptoms and signs. Various symptoms and signs of disease of the internal organs may find their way to the particular location where the corresponding meridians traverse. Besides, when the body defense system is weak and pathogenic factors are predominant, the meridian system may serve as a passage for pathogen transmission. Disorders of meridians developing from the exterior may traverse inward to impair the internal organs in the interior. Conversely, disease of the internal organs may affect the meridian system.
- In treatment and prevention of diseases , the meridian system assumes the responsibility of transmitting needling sensations and regulating conditions of deficiency or excess. When acupuncture therapy is applied, stimulation of the acupuncture points is transmitted to the relevant internal organs. Consequently, normal free flow of qi and blood is restored, the function of internal organs regulated, and diseases cured. The acupuncture points themselves can be viewed as the vehicles for adjusting the meridian system, functioning like the holes of a flute that could be opened or closed to alter the "tone" of the meridian flow. The crux of acupuncture treatment is to restore the meridians to their proper state .
- Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the electromagnetic fields in the body and the channels or meridians. So, this electrical theory of acupuncture suggests that acupuncture works by influencing the body’s electromagnetic fields.
- Many studies have been carried out aiming to understand the mechanism of acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to have positive effects on the immune system, the circulation, blood pressure, rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, the secretion of gastric acid, and the production of blood cells. It also stimulates or alters the release of a variety of hormones, chemicals, and neurotransmitters that help the body to cope with injury and stress.
What conditions can be successfully treated with Acupuncture?
- While Acupuncture is mainly known for its ability to reduce pain, it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as an adjunct to other medical treatment in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed over 40 conditions that Acupuncture can treat successfully, including:Addiction, Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back pain Constipation, Diarrhea, Depression, Food cravings, Gastrointestinal disorders, Headaches, Insomnia, Knee pain, Migraines, Menopausal symptoms, Neck pain, Pre-menstrual symptoms, Skin conditions, Smoking cessation, Sports injuries, Stress, Weight management.
- It is said that about 90% of population responds well to acupuncture treatment. When it fails, it is most likely that failure occurred because not enough time was allowed to complete a course of treatment, or patients may have taken drugs that have a cumulative blocking effect on acupuncture
How safe is Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture has a proven track record of being incredibly safe and effective for many different illnesses. The 1997 National Institute of Health Consensus Conference on Acupuncture stated,
- “The data in support of acupuncture is as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies. One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.”
- As far as hygiene of acupuncture is concerned, the most common practice in America is the use of disposable needles-manufactured and packed under sterile conditions in foil-backed blister packs or in packs with guide tubes These needles are used once and then discarded. The skin is cleaned with 70% alcohol before they are inserted. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996.There are virtually no side-effects when delivered properly by a qualified practitioner. A licensed acupuncturist is required to practice by a strict code of hygienic principles known as “Clean Needle Technique,” which helps to negate the risk of infection.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
- This is one of the most common fears of first time acupuncture recipients. Typically people assume that the needles used in acupuncture are the same type used to draw blood or to give injections. This is not the case. The needle used to draw blood or to administer injections has to be a hypodermic needle which is larger and hollow so that fluid can either be removed or inserted through its center. Acupuncture uses much smaller threadlike needles, which are solid. These smaller needles can be inserted most times without any discomfort. When people try acupuncture for the first time, they are typically surprised by how much it doesn’t hurt. A majority of acupuncture recipients report that the initial needle insertion into skin causes a sensation like a mosquito bite or mild pricking sensation, which lasts a few seconds. Once the needles are inserted in place, most users don’t feel any pain. The vast majority of patients experience a deep peaceful and relaxed feeling during and after their acupuncture treatment. Some people are energized by treatment. Occasionally, a slight increase in symptoms can occur but these are generally moderate and very temporary.
- In some cases, based on professional judgments , the acupuncturist may choose to "manipulate" the needles which involves twisting or tapping the needle for a few seconds until " The arrival of qi" is achieved. This feeling can vary from a dull, aching pain to a tingling “shock.” The local area needled may begin to feel heavy, and the sensation of the needling may travel along the line of the meridian. The effect can thus spread beyond the local area. The needle sensation is under control , temporary and brings long term therapeutic effects.
How many acupuncture treatments will it take?
- The number of treatment needed is different person to person. Each individual will be evaluated and a tailored treatment plan will be recommended depending on symptoms ,history and the severity of condition. Some people may only need a very small number of treatments because their condition is mild and they have only had the problem for a very short period of time. On the other hand, someone who has had a more severe condition for a number of years may require more treatments to have a significant improvement in their state of well being. Generally speaking, a patient begins to feel the beneficial effects of acupuncture after one to five treatments. For most acute aches or pain (such as back/neck pain) acupuncture has shown amazingly quick results, and patients will feel much better after first or second treatment.
- Other factors that will contribute to the number of treatment will be your willingness to adhere to different recommendations given by the clinician, such as: dietary changes, herbal therapies, self applied acupressure and meridian style exercise. Clinically it is proven that the more the patient complies with the program given the better and longer lasting the results will be. So depending on the willingness of the patient to adhere to recommended treatment plan makes a world of difference to the number of treatments needed to see the results. Compliance and persistence many times are the hallmark of success.
Acupuncture is the core of Hui's treatment. Based on an initial comprehensive and accurate assessment of the patient, the individualized treatment plan is developed focusing on healing the body as a whole while taking care of symptoms immediately. To achieve the best result, Hui also employs: