Complements for Health

How does acupuncture work?

Eastern 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.

A Western view:
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:
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.

Chinese Herbal Medicine?

Diagnosis and treatment for Chinese herbal medicine is based on a similar model to that of TCM style acupuncture. The Chinese explanation of how herbs work uses terms that are unfamiliar to us in this society, such as sedating rebellious qi, drying damp, tonifying qi, nourishing yin and clearing heat.

While it is best to stick to the Chinese model for diagnosis and treatment, we can step outside this model for a moment to look from a western point of view. Keep in mind that not long ago most western drugs were extracts, isolated compounds from plants or animals. What makes western medicine so powerful is this focus on the specific active compound. This is a double-edged sword; the downside to such powerful medicine is the side effects it has on the body as a whole.

This is where the beauty of Chinese herbal medicine steps in. Individuals are evaluated for how a certain disharmony presents in their body, then a unique prescription of usually around a dozen herbs is used. As in western medicine, there are specific active ingredients that focus on treating the pathology. However, herbs retain the active compound in its natural state, therefore, having few, if any, side effects.

In certain cases of serious disease such as cancer, it is often best to use a combination of both western and Chinese treatment. In other cases Chinese herbal medicine can be quite effective on its own.

Frequently asked questions:

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture does not hurt! Almost all of my patients find the treatments very relaxing, some even fall asleep during treatment. Now, that being said, there are different sensations that may be felt when getting treatment. These depend on the acupuncturist and his/her unique style of treatment and the individual being treated. These sensations range from heat, cold, tingling, numbness, heaviness, distension, and a feeling of floating. You may feel a sense of the energy moving along the meridians in the body. All of these sensations are considered good and acceptable, what we do not want, is the patient to feel as though they are being stabbed by the needle. This feeling can happen, it is easily resolved by a quick twist of the needle. Continuous open communication helps make the treatment process go smoothly.

Do I need to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

You do not need to believe in it, for it to be effective. Many acupuncturist’s use the example of how effective acupuncture is in treating animals. I will tell you that I have had a number of patients that have come here as a ‘last resort’ on the advice of a friend. They came reluctantly, and still got better, though even after getting better, some still had trouble believing in such a system! While acupuncture is thousands of years old, there is much we still do not understand about how or why it works from a Western perspective.

How many treatments do I need?

This is a very difficult question to give a straight answer to. The rule of thumb is, that for acute problems you may only need a few treatments and for chronic problems you may need a few months of treatments. In China, 10 treatments constitutes one course of treatment. When treating women’s health issues, related to menstruation, generally it is best to treat through 3 complete cycles. I generally tell my patients that if you do not feel some results after having 6 treatments, then either acupuncture is not right for your condition or perhaps you and I are not a good fit and you should seek out another acupuncturist.

Is it safe?

Yes! Acupuncture is very safe. As one of teachers would always say, “acupuncture heals, it does not hurt”. The majority of practitioner’s use pre-sterilized disposable needles. The needles are used only one time and then properly disposed of as bio-hazard medical waste.

Can I have acupuncture if I am pregnant?

Absolutely, acupuncture can be very helpful for a number of the complications that are associated with pregnancy. Women who have habitual mis-carriages can benefit from acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine during pregnancy. Acupuncture is also good for morning sickness, low back pain, correcting a breech position, and for those interested, it can help with delivery.