Although Traditional Chinese Medicine has its cultural roots firmly entrenched in fifty centuries of development, it is still a new concept to Western Society.
Our culture has been attempting to understand this mystical medicine that refers to such things as Wind Invasion
(common cold), Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome (Diabetes Mellitus), and to include the pin yin name Lóng Bí (Urinary Retention/Benign Prostate Hypertrophy).
As you scroll this section, you may find the answer to your question, or you can contact me
by email here. Good questions release wisdom, and the only poor question is the one that isn’t asked.
- What is Acupuncture?
- How does Acupuncture Work?
- What if I don’t believe in it?
- How big are the needles?
- What is Moxabustion?
- What are the causes of dis-ease in Chinese Medicine?
- How is a diagnosis made?
- What is Tuina?
Acupuncture is one of the five pillars of TCM. Acupuncture refers to the
insertion of very fine, solid needles at selected points along the 14 main
meridians to stimulate the flow of energy, or Qi (Chee). There is minimal
discomfort. It is intended to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities,
relieve pain and restore internal regulation systems. By legal definition,
it is “an act of stimulation, by means of needles, of specific sites on
the skin, mucous membranes of subcutaneous tissues of the human body to improve health or alleviate pain.”
There are many theories and widespread scientific opinions about the effect
and efficacy of acupuncture. TCM expresses good health as a harmonious
landscape, and acupuncture is very effective at creating a harmonious balance
within the body in a natural and drug free way. I often use the metaphor
with my patient that inserting an acupuncture needle into the body is akin
to dropping a pebble into a still pond. It creates a ripple effect throughout
the metabolism that affects our body, mind and spirit. As reported in Alternative
Health Care – The Canadian Directory, authors Peter Firebrace and Sandra
Hill express in A Guide to Acupuncture that the close relationship between
matter and energy, at the heart of traditional Chinese Medicine, is reflected
in Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. “Matter is just vibrating energy, according to Einstein’s
formula (E = mc2); by affecting that vibrating energy at key points (acupuncture points) you will affect the matter.”
What if I don’t believe in it?
The human mind is a powerful instrument and it is able to either support
or reject almost any stimulation. I do not agree with animal testing, but
tests have shown that animals will respond in a positive way to treatment
by acupuncture. I suggest that if you decide to have acupuncture,
do so with an open mind. I have seen some strong skeptics become true believers
when their results were beyond all expectations. It is difficult to not
recognize the effect of acupuncture when a pain melts away within seconds
of needle insertion.
All of the needles used by Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.) in this province
are pre-sterilized and disposable to reduce any risk of infectious disease
transmission. The needles come in a variety of lengths and gauges of course,
but the most common size used is a 0.20 gauge that is 25 mm in length,
or about as thick as a human hair and one inch long. They are solid, made
from select surgical stainless steel and have a ballpoint to reduce the
risk of any bruising or nerve fibre damage. About six acupuncture needles
will fit into the opening on a hypodermic syringe.
In appropriate cases, moxabustion is used to apply heat on or over an
acupuncture point or area of the body. It is a TCM technique that is achieved
by burning dry moxa leaves (Artemisia Vulgaris) in a variety of forms and
methods. The purpose is to dispel pathogenic Cold and encourage blood circulation.
Studies have found that people who are experiencing MS (Multiple Sclerosis
can obtain relief by using moxa on a regular basis. Moxa treatment
can also be used to correct a malpositioned fetus, thus allowing the expectant
mother to avoid the risk of surgery during delivery.
What are the causes of dis-ease in Chinese Medicine?
Many things can upset the balance of the body and disturb the flow of Qi,
resulting in disharmony:
- emotional status such as stress, worry, anger, fear, grief, etc., each one of which
has a particular effect on the energy
balance of the body; - diet per malnutrition, overeating, too much salt or greasy foods, eating erratically
or in a state of tension; - drugs such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, wrongly prescribed medicines
or medicines with side effects, even tea and
coffee can over stimulate the body; - weather conditions such as cold, damp, wind, heat, etc., and particularly
sudden changes in weather; - exercise & rest – too much or too little of either;
- trauma, hereditary factors, poisons, epidemics.
In determining the pattern of disharmony, the practitioner needs a detailed
understanding of the patient’s lifestyle, diet, work, medical history, emotional
state, etc. The TCM diagnosis includes questioning, observation, and examination
of the pulse and tongue. What we are looking for are not symptoms in isolation,
but rather a pattern or syndrome, which gives insight into a total picture
of the patient’s condition. The pulse is assessed on its strength, rhythm
and quality to indicate the balance of energy and the state of the dis-ease.
The tongue, through its shape, color, movement and coating can also indicate
the progression and degree of the illness.
Tuina is the application of pressure at acupuncture points and gentle manipulation,
which can promote blood circulation and influence internal organs for the
purpose of healing. I often teach my patients how to do basic Tuina on specific
areas to enhance the efficacy of their treatment between sessions.
