Chinese Medicine
|
|
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of points located along specific lines of the body called meridians. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the system from which acupuncture derives, pain and disease are a result of the disruption of qi, or the life force of energy which regulates or governs the body. Acupuncture is used to regulate or correct the flow of qi.
In an effort to determine precisely how acupuncture works, researchers have discovered beneficial immune and endocrine alterations following acupuncture treatment, but the exact mechanisms of action remain elusive. Science has shown that endorphins are released by acupuncture, but that does not explain all of the effects of acupuncture.
Neural changes can account for some of the effects. When the needles penetrate the skin they create both an immune response and a stimulation of the sensory fibers of the nerve in that area. The stimulation could help block the pain signal. The immune response brings cellular healing to the affected area. This includes increased blood flow and collagen building blocks.
Stimulation of muscles in spasm may cause an overload condition where the muscle is forced to relax. This also increases blood flow which will generate healing.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions including, back and neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain, and injury, chronic viral conditions, neurological conditions, GI problems, gynecological issues, asthma, allergies, drug addictions, and insomnia to name a few. The successful treatment of a condition is dependant on many factors and different people get different results. However, most people receive some beneficial effect. Some individuals experience total or partial relief of their pain or symptoms after the first few treatments. Others notice steady, gradual improvement. In some cases, no relief is felt until several days go by. Occasionally, some people actually feel worse before they feel better. Let me know how you respond to each treatment so we can adjust the protocol to meet your ongoing progress.
What about the needles?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, stainless steel, disposable and sterile implements used to puncture the skin to a depth of .5 - 1.5 mm. There are some estimates that 100 million acupuncture needles are used annually at an average of 10 needles per session. When needled properly, the patient will feel sensation at the needled site. The sensation can be described as achy, burning, sharp or stinging. The Chinese describe the sensation as "de qi" , or the arrival of the qi. Once the needles are in for a short time, there is no sensation and many people sleep during the treatment.
Do acupuncturists only use needles?
Acupuncturists may also use adjunctive therapies such as gua sha, moxibustion, cupping or electrical stimulation. Herbs may also be prescribed for certain conditions.
How many treatments will I need?
The treatment length often depends on the duration and severity of the complaint. The outcome is also affected by the individual commitment to the treatment. I recommend giving the acupuncture a month to determine whether it will be of any benefit to you.
How will I feel after acupuncture?
Most people feel very relaxed after treatment with acupuncture. I like to think of this as a healing state. If you are able to slow down for the rest of the day, I think the treatment can be more effective. If the treatment is for pain, any reduction of pain, even for a short period of time is seen as a positive sign. A subsequent treatment may be scheduled to get a cumulative relief from the discomfort. Many people have reduction of pain which returns over 2-5 days. The following treatments are to increase the duration of the relief. Later, patients can return on an as needed or wanted basis.
A brief history of acupuncture.
Some of the earliest records of acupuncture are in legends from over 4000 years ago, telling of stone needles and moxibustion (burning of herbs on points). Moxibustion was developed in the northern areas where people suffered from abdominal pain and distension from cold, suitable to treat with heat.
The Shang dynasty has hieroglyphs, dating from 3000 years ago, of acupuncture and moxibustion inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells. Bronze needles began to be used in this time period. The basic theories of Chinese medicine were also developed around this time.
In classic texts from 2000 years ago, it was frequently cited that acupuncture needles were made of “bian stone”. There is a division of old stone age and new stone age divided at the 10,000 year mark.
Two silk scrolls recording meridians and collaterals were found in a tomb of a 3rd century BC physician. Further definitions of Chinese medicine were found emanating from this time period.
During the period between 25 AD to 220 AD, herbal pharmacology and needling and acupuncture had many famous physicians following it's study.
What are Chinese herbs?
The term "herbal" medicine is actually not quite correct. Although about 80% of the medicinal substances used are of plant origin, another 16% are animal substances and 4% are derived from minerals. The newest Chinese "Materia Medica" (the complete listing of medicinal substances), compiled in 1977, lists a total of 5,767 substances. Of these, about 300 are widely used with 150 of them considered indispensable for a well-stocked pharmacy. Not all of these substances are native to China, about 20% were introduced through trade from other Asian countries, India (e.g. frankincense and myrrh) or the Americas (e.g. American ginseng).
What is "special" about Chinese herbs?
Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of at least 2,500 years of written accounts. It developed from folk medicine into a complex medical system that shares its theoretical background, its diagnosis and treatment plans with acupuncture and other branches of Chinese medicine.
Of all professional medical systems still practiced today in the world Chinese medicine has the longest continuous history. It is also important to note that Chinese herbal medicine has developed a complete system of classification of medicinal substances describing their therapeutic qualities that is unequaled by any other herbal practice of other cultures.
What is special about Chinese herbs for you is that – because Chinese medicine treats the whole person and not the disease – each prescription will be matched exactly to your condition and needs!
What do Chinese herbs treat and when are they indicated?
Chinese herbs treat the full range of human illnesses. An acupuncturist will use herbs to enhance the acupuncture treatments on an individual basis.
How does the practitioner pick the right herbs for me?
Chinese medicine diagnosis is made based on "discrimination of patterns of disharmony". The practitioner will take a thorough health history, ask questions regarding all body functions, feel the wrist pulse, look at the tongue and palpate certain body areas. The various findings are combined into a composite diagnosis regarding which body systems are in disharmony, based on Chinese medical theory. All medicinal substances as well as foods are classified and described according to several categories, e.g. their flavor, their energetic temperature and their therapeutic properties.
Why are Chinese herbs combined instead of being given individually?
Chinese herbs are usually combined into a "formula" of two to twenty different substances. They are combined in such a way that they enhance each other's beneficial effects and eliminate potential side effects.
In addition, complex conditions or a variety of problems can all be addressed with just one formula instead of various different supplements. Both the symptoms and the underlying pattern of imbalance can be treated with the same formula.
Hundreds of "classical" formulas have been described in the literature that were composed by famous doctors. A practitioner can select one that fits that client closely and, if needed, can also modify it by adding or subtracting ingredients and adjusting dosages. The result will be an individually matched prescription.
What is the training for Chinese herbal medicine in the USA?
Chinese herbal medicine in the United States was long practiced in Asian immigrant communities, while acupuncture colleges have added herbal programs only for the past decade or so. A majority of colleges now offer herbal training with a minimum of 450 hours, which is prerequisite for taking the national certification exam in herbology given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). While the NCCAOM acupuncture exam is standard requirement for licensing in most states, the herbal exam is only mandatory in a few. Those who have passed the exam have earned the title Dipl. C.H. (NCCAOM), Diplomate of Chinese Herbology of the NCCAOM.
A number of acupuncture colleges offer an herbal track only as elective. Some older practitioners who studied acupuncture before herbal programs were introduced have taken short postgraduate programs of 150 or less hours. So make sure to inquire regarding herbal training when seeking out a practitioner.
"Prescribing" of Chinese herbs is not limited to licensed acupuncturists; other health professionals may recommend Chinese herbal supplements, and health food stores offer them over-the-counter for self-prescribing. Although this may be helpful for day-to-day problems, for more complicated or chronic conditions I strongly advise that you consult with a trained and qualified practitioner.
Are Chinese herbs being researched?
Since the Chinese revolution and the founding of the people's republic the body of medicinal substances has been subject to chemical analysis and ongoing research on medical efficacy. New therapeutic effects have been discovered based on this research and many traditional herbs are now being used for contemporary diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, Aids and many more.
Are Chinese herbs toxic and do they have side effects?
If Chinese herbs are prescribed by a qualified practitioner and the formula matches the pattern, they are virtually without side effects. Most Chinese medicinals have very low toxicity. Toxic parts of plants are removed or processed to eliminate toxicity. Herbs with potential side effects are combined appropriately and given in small doses only (e.g. Ma Huang or Ephedra, a very controversial herb due to its abuse in overdose for weight loss is very safe in the dosage and combination within a Chinese herb formula).
The most common side effect may be some bloating because of the cloying nature of tonic herbs. This can easily be corrected by adding digestive herbs into the prescription.
© 2020 Julie Senko
Acupuncture is the stimulation of points located along specific lines of the body called meridians. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the system from which acupuncture derives, pain and disease are a result of the disruption of qi, or the life force of energy which regulates or governs the body. Acupuncture is used to regulate or correct the flow of qi.
In an effort to determine precisely how acupuncture works, researchers have discovered beneficial immune and endocrine alterations following acupuncture treatment, but the exact mechanisms of action remain elusive. Science has shown that endorphins are released by acupuncture, but that does not explain all of the effects of acupuncture.
Neural changes can account for some of the effects. When the needles penetrate the skin they create both an immune response and a stimulation of the sensory fibers of the nerve in that area. The stimulation could help block the pain signal. The immune response brings cellular healing to the affected area. This includes increased blood flow and collagen building blocks.
Stimulation of muscles in spasm may cause an overload condition where the muscle is forced to relax. This also increases blood flow which will generate healing.
What does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions including, back and neck pain, headaches, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain, and injury, chronic viral conditions, neurological conditions, GI problems, gynecological issues, asthma, allergies, drug addictions, and insomnia to name a few. The successful treatment of a condition is dependant on many factors and different people get different results. However, most people receive some beneficial effect. Some individuals experience total or partial relief of their pain or symptoms after the first few treatments. Others notice steady, gradual improvement. In some cases, no relief is felt until several days go by. Occasionally, some people actually feel worse before they feel better. Let me know how you respond to each treatment so we can adjust the protocol to meet your ongoing progress.
What about the needles?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, stainless steel, disposable and sterile implements used to puncture the skin to a depth of .5 - 1.5 mm. There are some estimates that 100 million acupuncture needles are used annually at an average of 10 needles per session. When needled properly, the patient will feel sensation at the needled site. The sensation can be described as achy, burning, sharp or stinging. The Chinese describe the sensation as "de qi" , or the arrival of the qi. Once the needles are in for a short time, there is no sensation and many people sleep during the treatment.
Do acupuncturists only use needles?
Acupuncturists may also use adjunctive therapies such as gua sha, moxibustion, cupping or electrical stimulation. Herbs may also be prescribed for certain conditions.
How many treatments will I need?
The treatment length often depends on the duration and severity of the complaint. The outcome is also affected by the individual commitment to the treatment. I recommend giving the acupuncture a month to determine whether it will be of any benefit to you.
How will I feel after acupuncture?
Most people feel very relaxed after treatment with acupuncture. I like to think of this as a healing state. If you are able to slow down for the rest of the day, I think the treatment can be more effective. If the treatment is for pain, any reduction of pain, even for a short period of time is seen as a positive sign. A subsequent treatment may be scheduled to get a cumulative relief from the discomfort. Many people have reduction of pain which returns over 2-5 days. The following treatments are to increase the duration of the relief. Later, patients can return on an as needed or wanted basis.
A brief history of acupuncture.
Some of the earliest records of acupuncture are in legends from over 4000 years ago, telling of stone needles and moxibustion (burning of herbs on points). Moxibustion was developed in the northern areas where people suffered from abdominal pain and distension from cold, suitable to treat with heat.
The Shang dynasty has hieroglyphs, dating from 3000 years ago, of acupuncture and moxibustion inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells. Bronze needles began to be used in this time period. The basic theories of Chinese medicine were also developed around this time.
In classic texts from 2000 years ago, it was frequently cited that acupuncture needles were made of “bian stone”. There is a division of old stone age and new stone age divided at the 10,000 year mark.
Two silk scrolls recording meridians and collaterals were found in a tomb of a 3rd century BC physician. Further definitions of Chinese medicine were found emanating from this time period.
During the period between 25 AD to 220 AD, herbal pharmacology and needling and acupuncture had many famous physicians following it's study.
What are Chinese herbs?
The term "herbal" medicine is actually not quite correct. Although about 80% of the medicinal substances used are of plant origin, another 16% are animal substances and 4% are derived from minerals. The newest Chinese "Materia Medica" (the complete listing of medicinal substances), compiled in 1977, lists a total of 5,767 substances. Of these, about 300 are widely used with 150 of them considered indispensable for a well-stocked pharmacy. Not all of these substances are native to China, about 20% were introduced through trade from other Asian countries, India (e.g. frankincense and myrrh) or the Americas (e.g. American ginseng).
What is "special" about Chinese herbs?
Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of at least 2,500 years of written accounts. It developed from folk medicine into a complex medical system that shares its theoretical background, its diagnosis and treatment plans with acupuncture and other branches of Chinese medicine.
Of all professional medical systems still practiced today in the world Chinese medicine has the longest continuous history. It is also important to note that Chinese herbal medicine has developed a complete system of classification of medicinal substances describing their therapeutic qualities that is unequaled by any other herbal practice of other cultures.
What is special about Chinese herbs for you is that – because Chinese medicine treats the whole person and not the disease – each prescription will be matched exactly to your condition and needs!
What do Chinese herbs treat and when are they indicated?
Chinese herbs treat the full range of human illnesses. An acupuncturist will use herbs to enhance the acupuncture treatments on an individual basis.
How does the practitioner pick the right herbs for me?
Chinese medicine diagnosis is made based on "discrimination of patterns of disharmony". The practitioner will take a thorough health history, ask questions regarding all body functions, feel the wrist pulse, look at the tongue and palpate certain body areas. The various findings are combined into a composite diagnosis regarding which body systems are in disharmony, based on Chinese medical theory. All medicinal substances as well as foods are classified and described according to several categories, e.g. their flavor, their energetic temperature and their therapeutic properties.
Why are Chinese herbs combined instead of being given individually?
Chinese herbs are usually combined into a "formula" of two to twenty different substances. They are combined in such a way that they enhance each other's beneficial effects and eliminate potential side effects.
In addition, complex conditions or a variety of problems can all be addressed with just one formula instead of various different supplements. Both the symptoms and the underlying pattern of imbalance can be treated with the same formula.
Hundreds of "classical" formulas have been described in the literature that were composed by famous doctors. A practitioner can select one that fits that client closely and, if needed, can also modify it by adding or subtracting ingredients and adjusting dosages. The result will be an individually matched prescription.
What is the training for Chinese herbal medicine in the USA?
Chinese herbal medicine in the United States was long practiced in Asian immigrant communities, while acupuncture colleges have added herbal programs only for the past decade or so. A majority of colleges now offer herbal training with a minimum of 450 hours, which is prerequisite for taking the national certification exam in herbology given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). While the NCCAOM acupuncture exam is standard requirement for licensing in most states, the herbal exam is only mandatory in a few. Those who have passed the exam have earned the title Dipl. C.H. (NCCAOM), Diplomate of Chinese Herbology of the NCCAOM.
A number of acupuncture colleges offer an herbal track only as elective. Some older practitioners who studied acupuncture before herbal programs were introduced have taken short postgraduate programs of 150 or less hours. So make sure to inquire regarding herbal training when seeking out a practitioner.
"Prescribing" of Chinese herbs is not limited to licensed acupuncturists; other health professionals may recommend Chinese herbal supplements, and health food stores offer them over-the-counter for self-prescribing. Although this may be helpful for day-to-day problems, for more complicated or chronic conditions I strongly advise that you consult with a trained and qualified practitioner.
Are Chinese herbs being researched?
Since the Chinese revolution and the founding of the people's republic the body of medicinal substances has been subject to chemical analysis and ongoing research on medical efficacy. New therapeutic effects have been discovered based on this research and many traditional herbs are now being used for contemporary diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, Aids and many more.
Are Chinese herbs toxic and do they have side effects?
If Chinese herbs are prescribed by a qualified practitioner and the formula matches the pattern, they are virtually without side effects. Most Chinese medicinals have very low toxicity. Toxic parts of plants are removed or processed to eliminate toxicity. Herbs with potential side effects are combined appropriately and given in small doses only (e.g. Ma Huang or Ephedra, a very controversial herb due to its abuse in overdose for weight loss is very safe in the dosage and combination within a Chinese herb formula).
The most common side effect may be some bloating because of the cloying nature of tonic herbs. This can easily be corrected by adding digestive herbs into the prescription.
© 2020 Julie Senko