FAQ about Acupuncture & Herbal medicine

 

Q:  WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

A:  Acupuncture is a complex branch of ancient Chinese medicine, but its principles and methods are easily understood.

 

        #1 - Fourteen major energy channels called meridians course through the human body including the head, arms, legs, feet, torso, and internal organs.

       

        #2 - A subtle energy called Qi (pronounced chee) circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body, even the remote cells.

 

        #3 - Qi is the vital force, the presence of which separates the living from the dead.  Its balanced unimpeded flow is critical to sound health.

 

        #4 - Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the amount, flow, or balance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction, and ill health.

 

        #5 - With acupuncture needles, or other means, the acupuncturist stimulates certain points (acupoints) along the course of the meridians.  Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and flow of Qi so organs and bodily systems can work together in harmony as intended.  This sets the stage for the body to repair itself and maintain its own health.

 

 

Q:  MERIDIANS?  WHAT ARE THEY?

A:  Several thousand years ago Chinese physicians discovered that Qi, the vital force, circulates throughout the body along fourteen major channels, twelve of which are duplicated on the left and right sides of the body.  The two other major channels are located in the center of the body, one in the front, the other in the back.  And there are a number of so-called Extra Channels and Miscellaneous Channels throughout the body.  Today, English-speaking acupuncturists usually call the channels “meridians.”

 

 Meridians form a highly-complex invisible network transporting and directing Qi to every part of the body including the head, arms, legs, torso, organs and systems.  Good health, Chinese sages of old discovered, depends on a balanced circulation of Qi throughout the meridians.

 

 Over centuries of trial and error and meticulous observation, the Chinese accurately mapped the locations of the meridians and identified hundreds of specific points in the meridians where Qi can be accessed and stimulated where there is an aberration of flow.  Those points are commonly called “acupoints.”  Over time, many more points have been discovered.

 

 

Q:  QI? WHAT IS IT?  WHAT DOES IT DO?

A:  One English translation of the word Qi means energy, and though Qi is invisible, its presence becomes especially apparent in the workings of bodily organs and systems which require prodigious amounts of energy.  Yet the Chinese view Qi not only as powering a function, they see it as inseperable from function as though there’s no Qi without function and no function without Qi.

 

 Qi is also known as the life force, and since the total absence of Qi is death, obviously one’s good health depends on a balanced distribution of Qi throughout the meridian network that influences the organs as well as the bodily systems:  skeletal, musclular, endocrine (glands), circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, and nervous.  When Qi flows smoothly and harmoniously throughout the meridians, each bodily system and organs, which in turn are independent, interrelated, and integrated.  Everything works together to make us feel whole and healthy, thanks to Qi.

 

 

Q:  WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATABLE BY ACUPUNCTURE?

A:  In Chinese medicine’s terms, acupuncturists treat an imbalance of Qi, but in Western terms they are treat hundereds of symptoms and conditions with positive results.  Among conditions most frequently treated are found HERE.

 

 

Q:  WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?    

A:  The main objectives are three:

        #1 - Relieve pain and other symptoms.

        #2 - Strengthen the immune system.

        #3 - Balance, harmonize, and integrate functions of the organs with eachother, making for a unified, healthy person, rather than a collection of fragmented, disharmonious parts.

 

 

Q:  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FLOW OF QI BECOMES BLOCKED?

A:  Qi is meant to flow freely throughout the meridian network carrying its balanced vital force to all the body’s parts, organs, and systems, thereby encouraging them to function with each other in a natural, harmonious way.  That leads to sound health.  But any sustained blockage or other disruption of a balanced flow or distribution of Qi may bring on pain, a weakened immune system, and ill health.

It’s important to realize that while such blockage caused diminished Qi on one organ or part, it may also cause excessive build-up of Qi in another area.  That phenomenon can be understood by visualizing a meridian carrying Qi as like a freeway carrying cars.  On a freeway we know what happens when one or more lanes become blocked.  It’s a similar idea on a meridian.  A blockage may cause a deficiency of Qi beyond the blockage and a buildup of Qi behind the blockage, which may mean diminished activity of some organs and accelerated activity of others.  Either way, Qi is unbalanced, so its flow must be normalized through an acupumcturist’s skilled expert care.

 

 

Q:  WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT BLOCKED, UNBALANCED QI?

A:  After the initial consultation and examination, the acupuncturist completes the diagnosis and begins carrying out the treatment plan.  The objective is to normalize the flow and distribution of Qi and balance its circulation by stimulating the selected acupoints via needles or other means.  The treatment plan will most likely call for treating one to twelve or more points on each visit.  At the practitioner’s discretion, herbal therapies may be prescribed.

 

 

Q:  WHAT ARE THE NEEDLE TREATMENTS LIKE?  ARE THEY PAINFUL?

A:  Patients who have received inoculations or other medical injections from a hypodermic needle are sometimes fearful that acupuncture treatments will be as painful.  But such is not the case.  Medical hypodermic needles are still, hallow, and thick for forcing liquid into the patients flesh, usually an uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure.

 

Typical, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread.  Deftly insert into an acupoint by a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little or no sensation at all.  When the needle makes contact with Qi, the energy, most patients experience a tingling sensation.  First time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable the are during treatment.

 

 

Q:  BESIDES NEEDLES, WHAT ARE OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS?

A:  While needle treatment is traditional, other effective means of bringing about the desired physiological response include acupressure (finger pressure), blunt probes, pressure massage, electronic stimulation, laser, heat, cold, ultra sound, moxibustion, herbal therapy, to name a few.

 

        In selecting a treatment method, the acupuncturist considers the following:

        #1 - Patient’s age and physical condition.

        #2 - Location of acupoints to be treated.

        #3 - Desired effect.

        #4 - Preference of the acupuncturist.

 

 

Q:  HOW DOES THE FLOW OF QI BECOME BLOCKED OR UNBALANCED?

A:  The desired balance in the flow of Qi can be affected by any noxious substance, both eternal and internal, including poor nutrition, alterated food, toxic air or water, infections or contagious diseases, malfunction of an organ, ergonomic or overuse injuries, as well as home, work, sport, and auto injuries.  Excessive dampness, wind, cold, heat, even emotional responses to life such as worry, anxiety, stress may affect Qi’s flow through the meridians.

 

 

Q:  WHAT IS INVOLVED IN ACUPUNCTURE DIAGNOSIS?

A:  From its ancient beginnings to this day, acupuncture diagnostic procedures center on finding blockages or imbalances of Qi.  In the examining meridians, today’s acupuncturist may utilize electronic evaluation called Ryodoraku, or other electronic means, but many utilize traditional diagnostic methods.  The following outline gives a glimpse into some ancient diagnostic precedures which, at first, may seem strange to Western patients, although for  untold centuries these procedures have proved reliable for Eastern patients.

• Pulse Diagnosis - An intricate expert evaluation of the pulses reveals excesses, deficiencies, disharmonies of Qi and what organs are involved.

• Observation of the Patient - Noting colour and condition of the tongue, texture and condition of the skin, of the hair, of the voice - its strength or weakness - high or low pitch- hoarse - throaty.  Answers here confirm many health issues.

• Interviewing the Patient - Seeking history of the illness, the patient’s feelings, lifestyle, diet.  All of those, as well as emotional problems may contribute to Qi’s imbalance.

• Physical Examination -  Feeling for tender acupoints is a reliable diagnostic tool because certain acupoints are related to specific areas and functions of the body, and tenderness may relate to a specific problem.

 

 

Q:  HOW TO KNOW WHICH ACUPOINTS TO TREAT?

A:  Since the primary treatment goal is to unblock chi and also achieve it’s equilibrium within and between the meridians, so the body can heal itself, the crux of the matter is this:  where to access and stimulate the meridians in relation to a given health problem?

Repeated experience in similar cases provides the acupuncturist with many tried and proven formulas.  In addition, traditional formulas fitting each diagnosis are readily available in charts and books - formulas which have worked for billions of sick men, women, and children.  Those formulas confirm which acupoints to treat.

 

 

Q:  HOW LONG DO TREATMENTS TAKE?

A:  Depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment plan, each treatment averages thirty minutes.

 

 

Q:  HOW MANY TREATMENTS AND HOW OFTEN?

A:  Because each patient’s health problems and response to treatment are unique, the number and frequency of treatments vary.  Typically, the recommendation is two to four treatments per week for eight to sixteen treatments, although some patients respond favourably after only one or two treatments.  Some may not improve until the eight or ninth visit.  Others may require two or three treatments per week for several months for maximum results.  And sometimes, despite the acupuncturist’s best effort and skill, the patient does not respond to treatment.  In general, acute condition require less treatment than chronic conditions.

 

 

Q:  ARE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES STERILE AND SAFE?

A:  Yes.  The government requires acupuncturists to follow very strict sterilization procedures.  In addition, presterilized acupuncture needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure compliance with the law.

 

 

Q:  DO ALL ACUPUNCTURISTS WORK THE SAME WAY?

A:  Through the years the various Oriental nationalities and the various acupuncture schools in America have created some variations in diagnostic methods, selection of acupoints to be treated, and needling techniques.  Also, technology has brought new diagnostic and treatment methods unavailable just a few years ago.  Yet acupuncture’s basic objective remains constant with all practitioners: achieve equilibrium of Qi within and among the meridians so the body can heal itself.

 

 

Q:  IS ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICED IN AMERICAN MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS?

A:  Acupuncture has become universally accepted.  It’s being utilized in more and more hospitals, wellness centers, pain management centers, doctor’s offices (chiropractic, dental, medical, veterinary), and rehabilitation centers, where acupuncturists are a welcome and valuable part of the team.

 

 

Q:  ARE ACUPUNCTURE’S RESULTS DUE TO HYPNOTIC SUGGESTION?

A:  Any form of therapy carries the potential of a positive psychosomatic (mind-body) response.  However, the highly successful use of acupuncture in veterinary medicine demonstrates that hypnotic suggestion plays no role in acupuncture healing.  It’s important to keep in mind, though, that Chinese medicine is guided by fundamental belief in the while body concept of health which involves inseparable relationships of the body, spirit, emotions, and mind.

 

 

Q:  WHAT ARE EAR AND HAND AUPUNCTURE?

A:  Strange as it may seem, the surface of the ear contains an invisible upside-down representation of a fetus and points on the ear correspond to bodily parts and organs.  Stimulating appropriate ear points often effectively treats pain and disease in the corresponding parts or organs.  Alcohol and drug addiction can be treated in that way as well. 

Stimulating certain points on the hand is often the treatment of choice for many conditions.

 

 

Q:  HOW OLD IS ACUPUNCTURE?

A:  The first formal record of acupuncture was compiled in China between 300 B.C. and 100 B.C., but that compilation is so extensive and complete it’s obvious acupuncture had been practiced long before that time.

Based on recent archaeological discoveries, scholars now believe acupuncture in a rudimentary form may date back 5000, even 7000 years.  It’s probably safe to say that acupuncture has been a healing method to some degree at least that long.

 

 

Q:  WHAT ARE OTHER ASPECTS OF CHINESE MEDICINE?

A:  Acupuncture is one of three branches of traditional Chinese medicine.  The other two are Herbal Medicine and the practice of a physical and mental discipline call Qi Gong.  The main objective of each is to bring about harmonious flow of Qi.  Therefore, depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment plan may call for any or all of the available methods. 

 

 

Q:  ARE ANCIENT HARBAL FORMULAS STILL VALID?

A:  The vast amount of Chinese herbal knowledge available today has accumulated in writing for thousands of years.  That means today’s herbalist draws on ancient herbal formulas that have been getting sick people well for a very long time.  Those formulas work as well in America today as they did in China ages ago.

 

Even so, today’s herbalists often adjusts a traditional formula, the adjustment based on new knowledge and experience in similar cases.  From the new patient’s point of view, that’s getting the best of two worlds, the ancient and the modern.

 

 

Q:  WHAT IS QI GONG?

A:  Qi Gong is a time-honored exercise method of addressing many health issues while enhancing one’s physical and mental vitality.  Through a process centered on pleasant, flowing movements, one gathers Qi-the life force-and directs that energy to specific organs and meridians.

 

 

Q:  WHAT ARE YIN AND YANG?

A:  The give-and-take of yin and yang in the human body is a concept foreign to Western experience, but is a cornerstone of Oriental acupuncture thought.  Fortunately, understanding yin and yang is not essential to benefit from acupuncture treatment, but getting comfortable can be very enlightening.

In Chinese philosophy and culture every entity in the universe carries both negative and positive influences.  The negative influence is called yin, the positive influence is called yang.  Yin dark, yang light; yin night, yang day, etc. The shady (yin) side of a hill balanced by sunny (yang) side is a classic example. Yin and yang are indivisible, never static, always fluctuating.  They are the opposing balancing influences of every entity, and with yet another interesting factor:  there is always a little yin in yang and a little yang in yin.

This concept flows into the Chinese medicine where the symbol for yin and yang helps us visualize the balancing act that goes on constantly in every entity of the human body, from the organs and bodily systems to the smallest cell, as well as the vital force itself.

If one is to enjoy good health, Chinese medicine teaches that a harmonious balance between yin and yang influences must already exist in organs and meridians, or it must be attained.  The attainment of such harmony is the goal of acupuncture treatment.

 

SYMBOL OF YIN AND YANG

Dark represents Yin, white represents Yang. The curved line separating the two, speaks of their fluctuating interplay and ever-changing influence on each other.  The small dark and white dots tell us there is some Yin in Yang and some Yang in Yin.

 

 

Q:  CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP RELIEVE PAIN?

A:  Chronic pain, more than any other complaint, brings people to acupuncture.  Patient complaints may include pain anywhere in the body as well as headache, pain in the back, neck, arm, shoulder, leg… all persistent reminders that something is wrong. 

Many people suffer with chronic pain have been taking pain medication  - sometimes for years – but have never gained permanent relief.  Also most health care professionals agree that pain medications, even when they relieve pain, seldom address the underlying cause.

Much of acupuncture’s reputation, however, stands on it’s potency for relieving pain while addressing the underlying cause.

 

 

Q:  CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP THAT “STRESSED-OUT” FEELING?

A:  Most people already know that the demands of modern life leave many people feeling anxious because, it seems, there is always more and more to do and less and less time to do it.

But there’s often far more to daily stress than just negative feelings.  Acupuncturists see that such pressure cooker living contributes to a host of chronic illnesses and conditions.  Here’s why:  Too much stress tends to affect the balance of Qi in the body which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches, depression and many other stress-related conditions.

So many acupuncturists sometimes recommend periodic acupuncture care to bring Qi into balance and keep it that way.  This often helps replace feelings of stress with a sense of wellbeing, something everyone desires.

 

 

Q:  WHAT ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE FOR SENIORS?

A:  More and more seniors depend on acupuncture for much of their health care.  Some seek an alternative method for chronic conditions, while others have already “tried everything else” for their problems.

Also, some seniors have residual problems from a long forgotten accident or other trauma which stayed more or less quiet for years, only to flare up unexpectedly in the form of pain, soreness, and reduce mobility.  When that happens some older persons tend to give up, saying, “I’m getting old and I’ll just have to learn to live with this.”

But sometimes it’s too early for that response.  In many cases, it’s not too late for acupuncture to help. Countless older persons have discovered that acupuncture care often helps keep them feeling younger longer and still enjoying life.

 

 

Q:  I WANT TO TELL MY FRIENDS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE, BUT I DON’T KNOW HOW TO EXPLAIN IT.  ANY SUGGESTIONS?

A:  Many people still don’t know that an imbalance of Qi can bring on many health problems.  What’s worse, they don’t know what acupuncture is often the very treatment they need.  Worse still, it may be a long time before they discover acupuncture unless someone tells them about it.

That’s why people who have personally experienced the benefits of acupuncture tell their friends their own acupuncture story.

 

TELLING YOUR STORY

No need to get technical.  Keep it simple.

Just speak from your heart, realizing that your friend has not tried everything without trying acupuncture.

#1 – Tell your friend how your health used to be, before acupuncture care.

#2 – Tell your friend what acupuncture has done for you.

#3 – Then pass this book along to your friend.

 

 

Q:  WHAT BROUGHT ACUPUNCTURE TO THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA?

A:  In the early 1970s American newspaper reporters covering President Richard Nixon’s visit to China wrote about a “miraculous” healing art virtually unknown in the United States.  The method immediately caught the American imagination, and suddenly a new word was on millions of American lips:  acupuncture.

According to news reports, instead of using chemical anesthetics, Chinese acupuncturists were able to block the pain of surgery by deftly inserting needles into the patient at specic points.  Even more astonishing, it was said that acupuncture relieved a variety of human illnesses, and had worked reliably for people through thousands of years.  That publicity brought acupuncture into great demand by many Americans, some of them seeking a last resort remedy for serious afflictions.

It is estimated that 15 million persons each year try acupuncture for the first time and more would avail themselves of this ancient healing method if only they knew more about it.

That’s why we’re reviewing acupuncture here.  By answering a collection of relevant questions, we are translating the last great Eastern mystery into an understandable message for today’s Western patients seeking potent alternative health care.

 

 

 

 

(Source: The Acupuncture Answer Book)