Acupuncture
Overview of
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Balance is key
Very simply but profoundly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the attempt to balance the opposite Yin and Yang energies that govern your body. When Yin and Yang are balanced there is health and harmony. Conversely, by continually deviating from natural cycles and laws, over-taxing and/or stagnating your energy will result in health problems. As humans we inherently know this and that’s why this medicine is so relatable. We all seek balance; however, our bodies are constantly being buffeted by climate, emotions, events, food, and poor lifestyle choices. It’s a daily challenge to stay balanced. Acupuncture will help you gain a reference point for balance and harmony.
You are more than your biology
Chinese Medicine is another refreshing and holistic way to view the body. In original Chinese theory, humans are energetic beings, orbs of energy (Qi) in addition to cells. This approach works nicely for symptoms that are not visible under a microscope or a lab test. If you are experiencing symptoms without a diagnosis, it is the ideal time to receive treatment.
What does acupuncture treatment look like?
I was trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) style acupuncture. This style seeks to uncover imbalances using Chinese diagnostics such as the interview, looking at your complexion, vibrancy, listening to your speech and general presentation, taking your pulse and looking at your tongue. We then make a “pattern differentiation” diagnosis based on our findings that may sound strange to your ears – like “spleen deficiency”, “liver qi stagnation” or “liver and kidney yin deficiency”. We want to know where Yin and Yang are imbalanced, whether you are in excess or deficient, hot or cold, dry or moist, or some of each. Which organs are involved? Which channels or meridians shall we focus on? Then I create a treatment plan to rectify the imbalance.
Safety of acupuncture
Acupuncture treatment is gentle and very safe. (see article in research section about its safety). The patient rests comfortably on a table in my private office. The patient is always clothed; the areas to be treated are uncovered. Very fine, sterile needles are placed in specific points along the “meridians” or channels of energy determined to treat your complaint. Most people find it very relaxing and painless, and falling asleep is not uncommon. My patients often report improved sleep after acupuncture.
How much treatment do I need?
That, of course depends, and is variable. The number of acupuncture treatments is determined by the simplicity or complexity of your complaints. The more complex and chronic your situation is, the more treatments may be needed. If your chief complaint (CC) is musculoskeletal pain, I do focus immediately on the symptoms to give some relief; I treat your back, neck, elbow, etc. The idea is to unblock the stagnations that have developed and this could take 3-6 treatments to see results.
The basic Chinese Medicine tenet holds true here:
If there is free flow, there is no pain (Tong Zhi Bu Tong)
If there is pain, there is no free flow (Bu Tong Zhi Tong)
If, however, your complaints include years of accumulated stress, illness or pain, or any vague or more complicated issue, from digestive difficulties to cancer, I go deeper into a discussion with you about how you arrived in this situation. I’ll be asking more detailed questions to establish the fundamental imbalances. I will propose several strategies to think about in order to bring you back to health. Lifestyle changes may be on your horizon.
In addition to the acupuncture, I may incorporate some specific massage techniques, cupping, heat, or gentle electro-stimulation to the area in order to stimulate circulation.
If we decide that your health concern involves a strong dietary/nutrition component, I would recommend adding a nutrition consultation into your treatment plan.
Here is a good link for some acupuncture basics: https://www.medicinenet.com/slideshow_pictures_acupuncture/article.htm