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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the insertion of fine hair-like needles into specific points on the body. These points lie on “channels” or “meridians” that channel the body’s qi. TCM considers qi to be the energy force of the body that drives all things in the body. This energy force or qi can be accessed through these specific points. It is when the qi is not balanced in the body, (too much in a particular area represents stagnation and causes pain, too little results in weakness) that the body begins to show signs of dis-ease. The acupuncture points are the acupuncturist’s means to access the qi and bring it back into balance.
The meridians themselves have particular characteristics and locations depending on the organ they refer to. There are 14 main meridians that in total have 361 acupuncture points. When an individual comes for treatment, the acupuncturist will take an in-depth medical history and ask questions that a typical Western Medicine practitioner would probably never ask, such as questions about sleep, bowel movement, urination, menstrual symptoms (if female) and emotional state to name a few. The acupuncturist will also look at an individual’s tongue and feel the pulse in three specific locations on both wrists. The acupuncturist will also observe an individual’s coloring, eyes, lips, nails, and ask about any unusual markings on the body. The medical history and the acupuncturist’s observations will provide a means for the acupuncturist to select points on the body for treatment.
Each person’s experience with acupuncture will be different than the next and the number of visits an individual will need depends on how long an individual has had a certain condition. The sooner you come for treatment when a symptom manifests, the quicker you will get better. However, acupuncture should never be a substitute for seeking medical attention from a physician. It is recommended that you see your doctor before you come for acupuncture.
There are so many ways you will benefit from acupuncture. Many individuals report a sense of deep relaxation, improved sleep, reduction or elimination of pain, improved digestion, more energy and a sense of well being. There have been numerous studies indicating its usefulness and efficacy in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, postoperative dental pain, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma.
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy has been around for centuries and has been used by many cultures as a therapeutic treatment for all types of health conditions.
Cupping therapy is often used by acupuncturists to promote blood and lymph flow in order to promote healing. Or, as we would say in our profession to release “sha” which can be interpreted as stagnant qi and blood and to allow new blood and lymph to flow into the area. I often use this therapy for respiratory problems such as cold/flu, asthma, allergies as well as for areas of pain and stiffness such as the back, neck, shoulders, legs.
A vacuum is created in cups made of glass or plastic and placed on areas of the skin where there is pain to create a suction reaction. Cups can be of various sizes depending on the part of the body that is being worked on.
The cups are often moved up and down to create a massage-like feeling. There can be some discomfort, but mostly people report a feeling of “it hurts so good”. After the cups are removed, there can be circles of redness or even bruising depending on the severity of the person’s health condition. These red marks or bruising typically clear up in a few days and are nothing to be alarmed about.