Acupuncture

Chinese medicine has existed for over 3000 years. It is a complete medical system that coherently represents the human being, its functions and dysfunctions. Birthed from the observation of generations of doctors and sages, its structure and rigour make it a science in its own right.

Acupuncture is based on the use of needles to prick certain points of energy concentrations that act on the body. The purpose of this procedure is to harmonize and balance the functions of ‘Qi’, the vital life force energy that is the origin of all life in Taoist philosophy.

What is acupuncture?Meridians Points Indications for acupuncture The acupuncture session The treatment Phytotherapy The diet

What is acupuncture?

Based on an energetic approach, acupuncture works with the Qi that circulates in the body through the meridians. Needles are gently inserted into the surface of the skin along meridian points to stimulate and regulate the flow of Qi, and affect the corresponding physiological and organic functions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine there is a detailed map of acupuncture points and meridians, and their relations to the organs and the functions of the body. Studies demonstrate the science-based effectiveness of acupuncture for treating a variety of ailments.

Unlike traditional medicine, which compartmentalizes the organs, acupuncture takes into account the entirety of body and mind, the human in their environment.

The energy of a healthy person circulates harmoniously, resulting in the balance of Yin and Yang. An imbalance results in a ‘traffic jam’ in the energetic channels, slowing down the organic flow of energy and creating voids or overflows. Some symptoms of an energetic imbalance include pain, insomnia and bursts of sneezing.

The Meridians

There are 12 main meridians.

They start (and end) at the tip of a finger or toe. In accordance with the current of a river, the meridians flow from their source towards the centre of the body.

The meridians have numerous attributes, or ‘secondary’ meridian points, that nourish the flesh, the muscles, the internal organs and the entire body with their energy.

The main meridians have strategic points where the energy channels cross.

Acupressure Points

Contrary to popular belief, the acupressure points don’t carry specific therapeutic functions. That is to say, there is not a pressure point to induce sleep, heal the flu, relieve dental pain or abdominal cramps.

There are more than 360 points distributed on the meridians that cover the entire surface of the body.

For an effective acupuncture treatment there are several points used in combination (between 10 and 20) for the established diagnosis.

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is used to treat or to prevent ‘functional disorders’, those relating to the function of the organ, rather than the structure of the organ.

For this, acupuncture is used to relieve several ailments:

Circulatory system: hypertension, palpitation, arrhythmia
Urinary system: urinary tract infection, incontinence
Digestive system: slow digestion, nausea, lack of or excessive appetite, gastric acidity, overloaded liver, headaches, migraine
Skin problems: acne, eczema, psoriasis, herpes
Circulatory system: cold hands, swelling, tingling
Intestinal problems: diarrhea, constipation, bloating, hemorrhoids
Reproductive system: menstrual pain, absence of periods, infertility, genital herpes, impotence
Respiratory problems: asthma, bronchitis, allergies, flu, sinusitis
Nervous system: depression, stress, insomnia
Inflammatory joint pain, any viral or bacterial infection
Acupuncture can also provide support for quitting smoking and dieting

In all cases, acupuncture focuses on the root cause of the disorder rather than the specific symptoms of the ailment. For this reason, it is common that the points that are treated are not necessarily the same points that are experiencing symptoms.

An Acupuncture Session

An essential prerequisite for any treatment, the classic clinical examination consists of an examination that combines inspection, palpation and auscultation. The therapist studies the eyes, tongue, pulse and complexion under a magnifying glass. The exam lasts around 10 minutes.

At the end of the examination, the acupuncturist evaluates the vital energy of the patient: the insufficiencies and fullness, Yin and Yang. The Yin (emptiness) is usually filled by toning techniques at the crossroads of meridians. The Yang (fullness) by points of dispersion. On each meridian line exists specific points for toning or dispersion, to rebalance the functioning of a particular organ.

For those who feel apprehensive about the use of needles, a relaxing 30 minute massage will be offered before the treatment.

The treatment

There are two techniques used in treatment: the Sting and the Moxibustion.

For the Sting, the practitioner uses needles that vary in size of gauge and length, determined by the points treated. The technique used (manipulation and pause time) differs depending on the desired effect: either toning for an area empty of energy, or dispersion for an area where energy is surplus.
The Stings are not very painful, and often is a patient feels a sensation it is more often numbness than pain. It is possible to feel a small electric shock that lasts a fraction of a second, which is a positive sign that the energy is being transferred.

The needles are left in place for about 15 to 30 minutes.

For health and safety reasons, the practitioner uses sterile disposable materials (disposable needles) and follows basic hygiene rules (i.e. hand washing, skin disinfection).
Moxibustion (from the name ‘moxa’, designating small cones of dried mugwort) consists in bringing heat, and therefore energy, to points, areas or energy paths of the body, by burning sticks or small plant cones

Phytotherapy/Herbal Medecine

An excellent combination to acupuncture, phytotherapy is a branch of Chinese medicine that uses more than 400 plant species.

Herbal medicine consists of specific formulas of roots, bark and leaves. These compositions can be taken in herbal infusions or in pill form.

Dietetic Regimen

Unlike our western culture, China has not changed their basic dietetics for millenia. Therapeutic dieting does not consist of strict regimens., but rather adapts to the age, the constitution, the state of health and the specific living conditions of each individual.

In this context, the stomach and the spleen appear as the two main organs of digestion. Chinese therapists stress the importance of food that is digestible, at the proper temperature, with attention to portion and regular intervals.

In Chinese dietetics there are five essential elements (salty, sweet, sour, bitter, roasted), the observance of which is essential for good health.