Thousands of years ago, Chinese doctors closely observed and analyzed the human body and developed a paradigm for medical treatment. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), still in use today, is radically different from modern conventional medicine's approach of treating diseased or malfunc-tioning parts of the body. This ancient medical art recognizes the entire body-mind as an interconnected, interrelated system of flowing energy and incorporates an arsenal of approaches that encourages the restoration of the body to a state of balance. One of these methods is acupuncture.
Until recently, acupuncture in the United States has been closely associated with pain management, particularly back pain. Today, however, the World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and TCM's effectiveness in treating over forty common ailments. The list includes reproductive and gynecological disorders, cancer chemotherapy support, migraine headaches and other problems associated with gastrointestinal, urogenital and respiratory systems.
To determine an appropriate course of treatment, acupuncturists have their patients complete a detailed intake form before their first appointment. Aside from the expected health-related questions, acupuncturists also take an inventory of the diet, lifestyle and emotional aspects of the patient's life. Acupuncturists keenly observe the patient's general appearance, complexion, body type and tone of voice in establishing an overall assessment of the patient's general health. Other diagnostic techniques unique to TCM include assessing the appearance of the tongue and evaluating 28 distinct qualities of the pulse. Acupuncturists also factor in information about the patient ascertained by conventional medical labs. Often, symptomatic complaints that do not conform to conventional diagnosis are treatable within the framework of TCM.
Acupuncture and TCM are based on the premise that the body is imbued with vital life energy, called "qi," which traverses the body via channels known as meridians. The flow of qi travels through the body in the same way that water flows across the earth. Disruption of that flow results in symptoms associated with poor health, much like a dam alters the environmental state of surrounding areas.
TCM philosophy also views the human body as a microcosm of the Earth. Thus, our bodies are subject to the same climatic factors of heat, cold, dampness, dryness and wind. In TCM, most health conditions are categorized in some combination of these terms.
An acupuncture treatment involves the insertion and manipulation of hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles. The acupuncturist inserts the needles at specific sites on the body called "points," many of which lay along the meridians. Needles are inserted and manipulated at these points to alter the circulation of blood and qi, as well as influence the flow of chemical and hormonal reactions. After the needles are placed, a patient is typically encouraged to relax, a key element in subduing the "fight or flight" nervous system response. Therapeutically, this frees up the body's energy for use in healing.
Heat and electrical stimulation may also be applied to the points. The heat is provided by moxibustion, the therapeutic use of artemesai vulgaris, a member of the sage family. It is burned over the points with or without the acupuncture needle in place. A battery-operated device that supplies a safe, therapeutic current to stimulate the acupuncture points provides electrical stimulation.
Both the length of treatment time and the number of treatments necessary are indicated by several factors. Acupuncture is best delivered as a therapeutic course of eight to twelve treatments, but the length of treatment depends on the patient's constitution, age, energy level and the type and severity of the problem to be treated. Studies from China indicate that daily treatments are generally necessary two or three times per week at a minimum. Treatments with less frequency are usually recommended for maintenance. Like many other forms of therapy, regular and constant visits yield the greatest results.
Generally, some improvement in one's condition becomes noticeable after three or four treatments; however, factors such as dietary indiscretions or chronic, emotional or physical stress may inhibit the progress. Although treatments are more frequent in the beginning, as cases begin to improve, treatment frequency can be tapered off. Patients are encouraged to explore other areas of TCM philosophy pertaining to diet, exercise, stress reduction and meditation. With a qualified practitioner, they may also have the opportunity to investigate the other associated branches of TCM which include the therapeutic use of herbs, "Tui na" (Chinese-style massage and chiropractic treatment), as well as exercise and meditation such as qi gong and tai qi.
Progressive hospitals are integrating acupuncture into their pain management departments as well as their oncology and women's health departments. Physicians who perform acupuncture are called "medical acupuncturists," which means they have completed approximately 300 hours of continued medical education in acupuncture. By contrast, non-MD acupuncturists have had a minimum of 2,000 hours of training and have received a passing score on the National Certification Commission on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine board exam, a licensing credential for the Ohio Medical Board.
When performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture treatments are, for the most part, pain-free and side-effect-free with an excellent safety record. For many, the initial thought of having needles stuck in their body is unsettling; yet many patients find acupuncture so relaxing that they fall asleep on the table during the treatment.
Anyone can benefit from receiving acupuncture. It promotes natural healing and improved functioning of the body and is also useful in treating many conditions of discomfort or disease as an adjunctive, curative or preventative therapy. It may serve as an alternative mode of treatment for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects associated with conventional drug therapy or for those who have failed to respond to conventional allopathic medicine protocols.
Anne Kinchen, R.Ac. graduated from the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA and was one of the first acupuncturists licensed to practice in Ohio. She has since received additional training in the use of acupuncture for women's health and fertility issues. She maintains offices in Cleveland and Youngstown. For more information, she can be reached at (216) 795-1048 or (330) 746-7310 or through her website, www.clevelandacupuncture.com.
Bob Wachsberger is a Reiki master and energy worker whose day jobs include freelance writing and photography. He also designed Anne's website.
