Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most
commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than
2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States
in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in
China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.
Q:What is Acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is the practice of inserting ultra fine needles into specific points of energy that are located along 14 Meridians or Channels that cover the entire body. There are 365 classical Acupuncture points associated with the 14 Meridians and 40 'extra' points that are not associated with any particular meridians. These points and meridians , mapped out millennia ago and confirmed by consistent practice have show that skillful insertion and manipulation of specific points will produce predictable results in the body.
Q: I know Acupuncture involves needles. Does it hurt?
Generally speaking, Acupuncture should not be painful. When
your practitioner inserts a needle, he looks for signs that Qi has arrived by
any one of a number of signs. You may feel a dull ache, perhaps a feeling of
electricity or tingling, a sensation of heat or cold, or it may just feel
strange. Sometimes you can feel Qi running up or down the body or a limb. It is
important that the sensation of Qi be felt. Occasionally you may like you've
been stung by a bee. This can be somewhat uncomfortable, but should pass almost
immediately. If it doesn't, tell your practitioner right away so he can adjust
or remove the needle. Occasionally you may feel a throbbing ache, which may also
be somewhat uncomfortable, especially if you are being treated for a chronic
condition. At no time, though, should you have any sensation that is beyond your
tolerance level. If you do, let your practitioner know right away. The fact is
that the vast majority of clients report that, after a while, they begin to feel
a real sense of well-being, almost euphoria.
A: In the hands of skilled practitioner, Acupuncture is perfectly safe. However, there are some things to be aware of. Since needles are being inserted into the body, cautions are recommended when working around major organs or around the face. It is possible to puncture a Lung (Pneumothorax), if one is not careful. The practitioner inserts needles in this area at an angle, uses shorter needles and avoids deep penetration especially in elderly and slender clients.
Needling particularly sensitive parts of the body such as the scrotum, vulva, anus, the navel, nipples, and eyeballs is strictly forbidden.
As well it is forbidden to needle into scar tissue, open wounds or open sores. Once needles are inserted, you should try to lie still and not make any large movements, especially if you have needles in your back or chest.
At Compassionate Dragon Healing we have specific protocols to deal with any possible situation.
Q: I have heard that Acupuncture is good for pain. Is it good for anything else?
A: The list of diseases and conditions for which Acupuncture would be an appropriate treatment is extensive. Acupuncture is a complete medical system in itself, and is also an excellent compliment to almost any other treatment, including Western pharmaceuticals & surgery, herbal therapies, massage or Chiropractic.
Acupuncture is not strictly speaking a miracle cure. It cannot, by itself, cure cancer, for example. It does not cure Autoimmune diseases such as Diabetes or Addison's Disease, or Lupus. If you break a leg, or are in a car accident, I would recommend you go to the local Emergency Room first, but come for Acupuncture treatments afterward for pain and to speed healing.
Acupuncture is, on the other hand, extremely effective, drug free, non-surgical treatment for the serious side effects of Cancer treatments and hormone replacement therapies for Autoimmune Diseases, post-operative pain, PMS and Menopause symptoms.. It should be noted that Acupuncture is not only good if you are sick or damaged. Even if you are not so sick, Acupuncture is good for balancing the body's systems and promoting good health and well-being. It is particularly effective at treating emotional disorders such as Phobias, Grief and Anger.
Q: I've Heard that Acupuncture is Wholistic. What's that all about?
A: Holistic Medicine is a rather large area of study. Basically, it means treating a client, not as a collection of symptoms and body parts, but the whole person, body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Of these, only the body exists on the physical plane. It is said that the other aspects of a person exists at higher energetic planes.
In TCM, one of the important aspects of diagnosis is to evaluate a client's Shen or spirit. There are a few guidelines for evaluating 'Shen', but mainly it is an intuitive insight into how a particular client will respond to treatment. One may be said to have a strong Shen, and prognosis will be good. A weak 'Shen', means a poor prognosis.
Emotions have long thought to be at the root of many diseases and conditions. In Chinese Medicine, the 5 cardinal emotions of Joy, Anger, Worry, Grief, and Fear are thought to be primary causes of diseases. Strengthening the Liver for example has the effect of reducing Anger, the Liver's associated emotion.
There are also Acupuncture points for 'calming the mind' and 'strengthening the spirit.'
In Holistic thinking,disease and disharmony that take up residence in the body are symptomatic of much deeper emotional, mental and spiritual disharmonies. These energetic disharmonies may be treated rather easily in many cases, if it is thought to do so. Often, with early detection there is no need to wait for the disease to enter the body.
A part of Chinese Medicine is devoted to promoting wellness and longevity. Reinforcing the body's immune system and treating disharmonies while they are still energetic in nature by various methods is a basic tenet of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Q: Will Acupuncture interfere with my medication?
A: The short answer is no. A word of caution though. You may find your medication working more efficiently since Acupuncture has a tendency to remove blockages and balance the energetic pathways. If your medication is dosage sensitive, make sure you see your Doctor to monitor your dosages. Make sure you know what the signs of overdosing are, if any. It is never a good idea to stop taking medication without your Doctor's guidance. Western pharmaceuticals are potent. In many cases you need to reduce dosages gradually to avoid unpleasant reactions.
( Courtesy: http://www.compassionatedragon.com/acupuncture.html )