Q: WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

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

0. Fourteen major energy channels called meridians course through the human body including the head, arms, hands, legs, feet, torso, and internal organs.
0. A subtle energy called Chi (pronounced chee) circulates via the meridians to all parts of the body, even the most remote cells.
0. Chi is the vital force, the presence of which separates the living from the dead. Its balanced, unimpeded flow is critical to sound health.
0. Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the amount, flow, or balance of Chi may result in pain, dysfunction, and ill health.
0. 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 Chi 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 Chi, 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 Chi 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 Chi 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 Chi can be accessed and stimulated when there is an aberration of flow. Those points are commonly called “acupoints.” Over time, many more points have been discovered.

Q: CHI? WHAT IS IT? WHAT DOES IT DO?

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

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

Q: WHAT CONDITIONS ARE TREATABLE BY ACUPUNCTURE?

A: In Chinese medicine’s terms, acupuncturists treat an imbalance of Chi, but in Western terms they treat hundreds of symptoms and conditions with positive results. Among conditions most frequently treated are the following:

• Addictions
• Allergies
• Ankle Swelling
• Arm and Shoulder Pain
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Back Pain—Backache—Low Back Pain Diarrhea
• Bed Wetting (Enuresis)
• Blood Pressure— High or Low
• Bronchial Conditions
• Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Circulation, Poor
• Colds
• Colitis
• Colon, Spastic
• Constipation
• Cough, Chronic
• Depression
• Detox for Chemical Dependency
• Disc Problems
• Diverticuhtis
• Dizziness (Vertigo)
• Emphysema
• Fatigue, Chronic
• Feet, Cold
• Fibromyalgia
• Flu
• Gall Bladder Disorders
• Gas
• Gynecological Neuralgia Dysfunctions
• Hay Fever
• Headache
• Heart Problems
• Hemorrhoids
• Hiccoughs
• Hip Pain Shingles
• Immune System Deficiency
• Indigestion
• Infertility
• Injuries—Auto, Home, Sports, Work
• Insomnia
• Joint Pain
• Kidney Problems
• Knee Pain
• Leg Pain, Cramps, Tingling, Numbness
• Liver Problems
• Neck, Stiff, Painful
• Nervousness
• Pain
• Pleurisy
• Pre Menstrual Syndrome
• Prostate Problems
• Rheumatism
• Sciatica
• Shoulder Pain
• Sinus Trouble
• Skin Problems
• Sports Injuries
• Stomach Problems
• Throat, Sore
• Thyroid Conditions
• Ulcers, Stomach
• Urinary Problems
• Whiplash

Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

A: The main objectives are three:

0. Relieve pain and other symptoms.
0. Strengthen the immune system.
0. Balance, harmonize, and integrate functions of the organs with each other, making for a unified, healthy person, rather than a collection of fragmented, disharmonious parts.

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

A: Chi 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 Chi may bring on pain, a weakened immune system, and ill health.

It’s important to realize that while such blockage causes diminished Chi in one organ or part, it may also cause excessive buildup of Chi in another area. That phenomenon can be understood by visualizing a meridian carrying Chi 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 Chi beyond the blockage and a buildup of Chi behind the blockage, which may mean diminished activity of some organs and accelerated activity of others. Either way, Chi is unbalanced, so its flow must be normalized through an acupuncturist’s skilled and expert care.

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

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 Chi and balance its circulation by stimulating the selected acupoint 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 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 stiff, hollow, and thick for forcing liquid into the patient’s flesh, usually uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure.

Typically, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread. Deftly inserted into an acupoint by a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little or no sensation at all. When the needle makes contact with Chi, the energy, most patients experience a slight tingling sensation. First-time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable they 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, ultrasound, moxibustion, herbal therapy, to name a few.

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

0. Patient’s age and physical condition.
0. Location of acupoints to be treated.
0. Desired effect.
0. Preference of the acupuncturist.

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

A: The desired balance in the flow of Chi can be affected by any noxious substance, both external and internal, including poor nutrition, adulterated food, toxic air or water, infectious or contagious diseases, malfunction of an organ, ergonomic or overuse injuries, as well as home, work, sports, and auto injuries. Excessive dampness, wind, cold, heat, even emotional responses to life such as worry, anxiety, stress may affect Chi’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 and imbalances of Chi. In 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 only a glimpse into some ancient diagnostic procedures 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 Chi and what organs are involved.

Observation of the Patient—Noting color 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.

Interrogation of the Patient—Seeking a history of the illness, the patient’s feelings, lifestyle, diet. All of those, as well as emotional problems may contribute to Chi’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 its 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 through the ages 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 favorably after only one or two treatments. Some may not improve until the eighth 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 conditions 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 needle 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 Chi 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 (mindbody) 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, of health though, that Chinese medicine is guided by a fundamental belief in the whole body concept of health which involves the inseparable relationships of the body, spirit, emotions, mind.

Q: WHAT ARE EAR AND HAND ACUPUNCTURE?

A: Strange as it may seem, the surface of the ear i 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 called Chi Gong. The main objective of each branch is to bring about a harmonious flow of Chi. Therefore, depending on the patient’s needs, the treatment plan may call for any or all of the available methods.

Q: ARE ANCIENT HERBAL 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 herbalist often adjusts a traditional formula, the adjustment based on new knowledge and experience in similar cases. From the patient’s viewpoint, that’s getting the best of two worlds, the ancient and the modem.

Q: WHAT IS CHI GONG?

A: Chi 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 Chi—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 with the concept 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 yang. Yin dark, yang light; yin cold, yang warm; yin passive, yang active; yin night, yang day, etc. The shady (yin) side of a hill balanced by the 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 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, an 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: WHAT BROUGHT ACUPUNCTURE TO THE UNITED STATES?

A: In the early 1 970s 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 specific points. Even more astonishing, it was said that acupuncture relieved a wide variety of human ills, 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.

But how to meet such demand? Although acupuncture was already somewhat known in Europe, there were only a few acupuncturists in the United States, most of them sprinkled in California and New York, so it took several years for acupuncture colleges to establish themselves in the United States and train American acupuncturists.

Today, more than 60 colleges throughout North America graduate some 1000 new acupuncturists each year as the demand for acupuncture increases. 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, this book translates the last great Eastern mystery into an understandable message for today’s Western patients seeking potent alternative health care.