Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles specific points on the body. This process stimulates movement of energy within the body, allowing natural healing to take place. These points are selected based on years of training acupuncturist receive, which is based on over 3,000 years of experience in China. 

Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the overall functioning the body's immune and organ systems. Acupuncture is helpful for:

• Treating existing illnesses and injuries. 
• Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness. 
• Improving overall health.

Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It is part of the holistic system of healing known as Traditional Chinese Medicine ("TCM").

How does Acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
The Classical Chinese explanation is that energy (Qi) flows in channels (meridians) throughout the body and over its surfaces. These channels are rivers of energy, which are referred to as meridians. The Chinese have identified 71 meridians in the human body, which is a basic energy map for all people. The meridians are often compared to a series of interconnected highways. Each of the major organs in the body is associated with its own meridian. Through the network of meridians the internal organs are connected to certain areas and parts of the body including the muscles, bones, joints, and also other organs. 

The Chinese believe that health is a manifestation of balance, both within the body itself and between the body and the external environment. When the body is internally balanced and in harmony with the external environment, Qi flows smoothly through the meridians to nourish the organs and tissues. If an obstruction occurs in one of the meridians, the Qi is disrupted and cannot flow properly. When the Qi cannot flow smoothly or is forced to flow in the opposite direction, the body's innate balance is disrupted and illness results. 

Acupuncture points are the specific points on the meridians where the Qi is both concentrated and accessible. Acupuncture engages the Qi by inserting needles at these specific points, the goal being to restore the proper flow of Qi. As the body regains its natural balance, well-being returns.

Acupuncture and Modern Science 
To the human body, acupuncture needles are a physical stimulus. In Western science, a stimulus is defined as a detectable change in either the external environment or within the body itself. When the body detects change, it produces a response. Although acupuncture is not yet fully understood by Western science, with modern technology scientists can now actually begin to "see" the body's response to acupuncture. For example, using an MRI (a very sophisticated x-ray), researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body, corresponding changes occur in the brain. 

In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain so the majority of research thus far has been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.

The Eastern Medical Model
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) style acupuncture, diagnosis and treatment is based on the Chinese concept of qi (energy) flowing through specific pathways in the body. Any imbalance or disruption in this flow can result in illness. An important point to this concept is that body and mind are intimately connected. Through a thorough intake, exam, pulse and tongue diagnosis, the acupuncturist can determine the nature of the disharmony. Very small disposable sterile needles are then inserted at precise locations to help the body restore its natural state of health.

The Western Medical Model
TCM uses many terms that those of us who grew up in a western society may not relate to or understand. Here are a few examples of how the effects of acupuncture can be explained in western terms:

Balances hormones
* Regulates the menstrual cycle
* Increases follicle production
* Increases quality of follicles
* Relaxes the uterus
* Increase in blood supply to uterus
* Increase in overall immune system

Specific points on certain pathways have shown very specific effects on bodily functions. When points on what is known as the heart meridian are needled there is a calming effect on our nervous system. When certain stomach points are needled digestive fluids and peristalsis are affected. Some points have a stimulating effect on our hormones. And other points stimulate uterine contractions. A point named guang ming (bright light) has been shown through brain imaging to stimulate the same brain area as the optic nerve. And some points have an immune boosting effect raising our white blood cell count.

These examples help give us an idea of why acupuncture can help restore health simply by the insertion of needles.

Here are some examples of the benefits of Chinese herbal therapy:

Eastern description Western actions

Yin tonics Stimulate estrogen production
* Increase cervical mucus
* Build uterine lining
* Strengthen reproductive organs
* Lower FSH 
* In Men, help liquefy overly viscous seminal fluid

Blood and Qi tonics 
* Increase hemoglobin production
* Lower FSH
* In men, increase sperm count

Yang and Qi tonics
* Stimulate production of progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones
* In men, increase sperm count and motility

Blood invigorators 
* Inhibit endometriosis and fibroids
* In men, improve sperm morphology

Blood coolers 
* Restrain inflammatory processes

Qi regulators 
* Lower elevated prolactin levels
* Metabolize excess hormones

Dampness drainers
* Lower cholesterol
* Control yeast, bacteria, and other pathogens

Summary
Chinese Oriental medicine has been around for thousands of years, and has provided us with a unique and holistic approach to help prevent and treat disease. Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine ultimately rely on the body's natural healing ability to maintain health and protect against disease. Both have the same goal of helping a person stay healthy. Western science tends to use drugs and surgery as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling and herbs. A combination of both systems creates an ideal environment of health and healing. 

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