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Acupuncture
-- What It Is & How
It Works
Unknown to
many, Traditional Oriental Medicine is a major healthcare system
for over one quarter of the world’s population. Cited as an
effective system of healthcare by the National Institute of
Health and the World Health Organization, acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine are becoming a serious alternative or
complement to conventional pain management and medical
treatment.
Acupuncture is
one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the
world, originating in China more than 3,000 years ago.
Oriental
medicine is an effective, low cost medical treatment that works
in harmony with the body’s natural healing ability. Diagnosis in
Oriental medicine involves the classical procedures of
observation, listening, questioning and palpation, including
feeling pulse quality. Treatment focuses on the well-being of
the entire person, not simply on the physical complaints and
symptoms.
According to
the theories of traditional Oriental medicine, all the disorders
or diseases from which people suffer can be related to an
imbalance in one’s Qi, or vital energy. Oriental medicine’s aim
is to improve the patient’s health both physically and
spiritually by rebalancing the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Over 2000
acupuncture points on the human body connect with 14 pathways,
called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe these
meridians conduct energy, or Qi, between the surface of the body
and internal organs. Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental,
and physical balance. When Qi flow is disrupted ,through poor
health habits or other circumstances, pain and/or disease can
result. Acupuncture acts to keep the normal flow of this energy
unblocked.
Acupuncture is
the insertion of hair-thin, disposable metal needles through the
skin in points on the body’s meridians. Acupuncture needles are
solid, usually made of stainless steel and extremely flexible.
Inserted a few millimeters into the skin, the small diameter and
contoured shape of the acupuncture needle allows it to be
inserted easily and painlessly. Acupuncture needles can also be
stimulated with pressure, heat, friction or electromagnetic
impulses to further activate a person’s Qi.
BOHWA KYUNGOKGO
According to DONG-UI-BO-GAM(Examples of Medical Practice in
Korea), one of the most authoritative sources of Korean
traditional medical science, KYUNGOKGO is the first choice of
prescription for those who seek after healthy, long life.
Because of its pleasant flavor without side effect, this herbal
medicine was widely consumed by families of the Joseon's ruling
class including royal families.
In the Joseon period, KYUNGOKGO was regarded as very precious
medicine so that it had to be made only after a devoted prayer
service to goods of heaven and earth, and consumed by people of
all ages and physical constitutions. BOHWA KYUNGOKGO is one of
Wonkwang's major achievements in its 70-years history
traditional medical science. It is a remarkable product made by
combining the knowledge lasting for over four hundred years with
today' science methods.
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Ingredients : White
ginseng, Hoelen, Rehmannia root, Honey.
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Treats : Weak constitution,
physical exhaustion, convalescent weakness, menopausal disorder.
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Dosage/Administration : Mix
approximately 20g in warm water or medicinal spirits and take on
an empty stomach in morning and evening.
Herbal mixture treats
skin problems; 'Kyungokgo' also restores water energy and sexual
stamina
If you have dry skin and your hands and your feet become easily
chapped, you may have what Oriental medicine doctors (OMD) call
"umhojung," a disease often accompanied by weak knees,
thinning hair, muscle tension and improperly functioning
tendons.
According to Oriental medicine, this disease is caused by a lack
of essential hormones in the body and by a deficiency of blood.
The root of the problem lies in a dearth of "water" energy,
one of the five elemental energies that make up the universe in
Chinese philosophy. Like a tree without water, our body will
slowly weaken when it is without water energy.
The herbal mixture Koreans call "kyungokgo" is the perfect
solution to this problem. It not only fortifies our body with
the water energy it lacks: It also retards the aging process,
strengthens bones and boosts the circulation of hormones. It is
believed to help increase sexual stamina and restore one's
virility.
For those who have to concentrate all their energies on
preparing for exams or tests, there is no better herbal medicine
than this. It quickly and easily relieves fatigue and weakness,
refreshing the mind and body.
Kyungokgo is made from a mixture of three major herbs - "sukjihwang,"
ginseng” and "baek bokryung" and water. These ingredients are
boiled at the lowest possible temperature for about a week,
until they congeal into a thick paste. It is usually made in a
very remote place, like a mountain, so nobody disturbs the
process, which involves many hands and requires special care to
insure its efficaciousness.
This herbal remedy, best taken mixed with hot water as a tea,
has been considered an excellent health restorative since
ancient times. It was recommended especially for the elderly,
many of who continually lack energy. The "Tongui Bogam," the
best-known text on Oriental medicine, lists kyungokgo as a
powerful remedy that strengthens the heart and spleen.
Because it boasts so many restorative powers, the remedy is also
believed to prolong one's life span.
In today's fast-paced world, most people tend to disregard the
need for a proper diet and a moderate lifestyle and reflexively
reach for medicine whenever an obvious, health-endangering
problem arises.
But according to Oriental medicine, it is important that
humans eat healthy foods, exercise regularly and take herbal
medicine on a daily basis, as prevention is the best cure
Q: WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
A: Acupuncture is a complex branch of ancient Chinese medicine,
but its practical principles and methods are easily understood:
#1- Fourteen major energy channels called meridians course
through the human body including the head, arms, hands, legs,
feet, torso, and internal organs.
#2- A subtle energy called Chi (pronounced chee) circulates via
the meridians to all parts of the body, even the most remote
cells.
#3- Chi is the vital force, the presence of which separates the
living from the dead. Its balanced, unimpeded flow is critical
to sound health.
#4- Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the
amount, flow, or balance of Chi may result in pain, dysfunction,
and ill health.
#5- With acupuncture needles, or other means, the acupuncturist
stimulates certain points (acupoints) along the course of the
meridians. Such stimulation helps restore the normal balance and
flow of Chi so organs and bodily systems can work together in
harmony as intended. This sets the stage for the body to repair
itself and maintain its own health.
Q: CHI? WHAT IS IT? WHAT DOES IT DO?
A: One English translation of the word Chi means energy, and
though Chi is invisible, its presence becomes especially
apparent in the workings of the bodily organs and systems which
require prodigious amounts of energy. Yet the Chinese view Chi
not only as powering a function, they see it as inseparable from
function as though there’s no Chi without function and no
function without Chi.
Chi is also known as the life force, and since the total absence
of Chi is death, obviously one’s good health depends on a
balanced distribution of Chi throughout the meridian network
that influences the organs as well as the bodily systems:
skeletal, muscular, endocrine (glands) circulatory, digestive,
respiratory, urinary reproductive, and nervous. When Chi flows
smoothly and harmoniously throughout the meridians, each bodily
system and organ interacts with and affects all the other
systems and organs, which in turn are independent, interrelated,
and integrated. Everything works together to make us feel whole
and healthy, thanks to Chi.
Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF
ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
A: The main objectives are three:
#1- Relieve pain and other symptoms.
#2- Strengthen the immune system.
#3- Balance, harmonize, and integrate functions of the organs
with each other, making for a unified, healthy person, rather
than a collection
Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FLOW OF CHI
BECOMES BLOCKED?
A: Chi is meant to flow freely throughout the meridian network
carrying its balanced vital force to all the body’s parts,
organs, and systems, thereby encouraging them to function with
each other in a natural, harmonious way. That leads to sound
health. But any sustained blockage or other disruption of Chi
may bring on pain, a weakened immune system, and ill health.
It’s important to realize that while such blockage causes
diminished Chi in one organ or part, it may also cause excessive
buildup of Chi in another area. That phenomenon can be
understood by visualizing a meridian carrying Chi as like a
freeway carrying cars. On a freeway we know what happens when
one or more lanes become blocked. It’s a similar idea on a
meridian. A blockage may cause a deficiency of Chi beyond the
blockage and a buildup of Chi behind the blockage, which may
mean diminished activity of some organs and accelerated activity
of others. Either way, Chi is unbalanced, so its flow must be
normalized through an acupuncturist’s skilled and expert care.
Q: WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT BLOCKED,
UNBALANCED CHI?
A: After the initial consultation and examination, the
acupuncturist completes the diagnosis and begins carrying out
the treatment plan. The objective is to normalize the flow and
distribution of Chi and balance its circulation by stimulating
the selected acupoints via needles or other means. The treatment
plan will most likely call for treating one to twelve or more
points on each visit. At the practitioner’s discretion, herbal
therapies may be prescribed.
Q: WHAT ARE NEEDLE TREATMENTS LIKE? ARE
THEY PAINFUL?
A: Patients who have received inoculations or other medical
injections from a hypodermic needle are as painful. But such is
not the case. Medical hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow, and
thick for forcing liquid into the patient’s flesh, usually an
uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure.
Typically, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger
around than a human hair or piece of thread. Deftly inserted
into an acupoint by a skilled acupuncturist, the slender needle
produces little or no sensation at all. When the needle makes
contact with Chi, the energy, most patients experience a slight
tingling sensation. First-time patients are usually amazed at
how comfortable they are during treatment.
Q: HOW DOES THE FLOW OF CHI BECOME BLOCKED OR UNBALANCED?
A: The desired balance in the flow of Chi can be affected by any
noxious substance, both external and internal, including poor
nutrition, adulterated food, toxic air or water, infectious or
contagious diseases, malfunction of an organ, ergonomic or
overuse injuries, as well as home, work, sports, and auto
injuries. Excessive dampness, wind, cold, heat, even emotional
responses to life such as worry, anxiety, stress may affect
Chi’s flow through the meridians.
Q: WHAT IS INVOLVED IN ACUPUNCTURE
DIAGNOSIS?
A: From its ancient beginnings to this day, acupuncture
diagnostic procedures center on finding blockages and imbalances
of Chi. In examining meridians, today’s acupuncturist may
utilize electronic evaluation called Ryodoraku, or other
electronic means, but many utilize traditional diagnostic
methods. The following outline gives only a glimpse into some
ancient diagnostic procedures which, at first, may seem strange
to Western patients, although for untold centuries these
procedures have proved reliable for Eastern patients.
*Pulse Diagnosis- An intricate
expert evaluation of
the pulses reveals excesses,deficiencies, disharmonies of Chi
and what organs are involved.
*Observation of the Patient- Noting
color and condition of the tongue, texture and condition of the
skin, of the hair, of the voice-its strength or weakness-high or
low pitch-hoarse-throaty. Answers here confirm many health
issues. *Interrogation
of the Patient- Seeking a history of the illness, the
patient’s feelings, lifestyle, diet. All of those, as well as
emotional problems may contribute to Chi’s imbalance.
*Physical Examination- Feeling for
tender acupoints is a reliable diagnostic tool because certain
acupoints are related to specific areas and functions of the
body, and tenderness may relate to a specific problem.
Q: HOW TO KNOW WHICH ACUPOINTS TO TREAT?
A: Since the primary treatment goal is to unblock Chi and also
achieve its equilibrium within and between the meridians, so the
body can heal itself, the crux of the matter is this: where to
access and stimulate the meridians in relation to a given health
problem?
Repeated experience in similar cases provides the acupuncturist
with many tried and proven formulas. In addition, traditional
formulas fitting each diagnosis are readily available in charts
and books- formulas which have worked through the ages for
billions of sick men, women, and children. Those formulas
confirm which acupoints to treat.
Q: HOW MANY TREATMENTS AND HOW OFTEN?
A: Because each patient’s health problems and response to
treatment are unique, the number and frequency of treatments
vary. Typically, the recommendation is two to four treatments
per week for eight to sixteen treatments, although some patients
respond favorably after only one or two treatments. Some may not
be improve until the eighth or ninth visit. Others may require
two maximum results. And sometimes, despite the acupuncturist’s
best effort and skill, the patient does not respond to
treatment. In general, acute conditions require less treatment
than chronic conditions.
Q: ARE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES STERILE AND SAFE?
A: Yes. The government requires acupuncturists to follow very
strict sterilization procedures. In addition, pre-sterilized
disposable (use one time) acupuncture needles are manufactured,
packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure
compliance with the law.
Q: DO ALL ACUPUNCTURISTS WORK THE SAME
WAY?
A: Through the years the various Oriental nationalities and the
various acupuncture schools in America have created some
variations in diagnostic methods, selection of acupoints to be
treated, and needle techniques. Also, technology has brought new
diagnostic and treatment methods unavailable just a few years
ago. Yet acupuncture’s basic objective remains constant with all
practitioners: achieve equilibrium of Chi within and among the
meridians so the body can heal itself.
Q: IS ACUPUNCTURE PRACTICED IN AMERICAN
MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS?
A: Acupuncture has become university accepted It’s being
utilized in more and more hospitals, wellness centers, pain
management centers, doctor’s offices (chiropractic, dental,
medical, veterinary), and rehabilitation centers, where
acupuncturists are a welcome and valuable part of the team.
Q: HOW OLD IS ACUPUNCTURE?
A: The first formal record of acupuncture was compiled in China
between 300 B.C. and 100 B.C., but that compilation is so
extensive and complete it’s obvious acupuncture had been
practiced long before that time.
Based on recent archaeological discoveries, scholars now believe
acupuncture in a rudimentary form may date back 5000, even 7000
years. It’s probably safe to say that acupuncture has been a
healing method to some degree at least that long.
Q: WHAT ARE YIN AND YANG?
A: The give-and-take of yin and yang in the human body is a
concept foreign to Western experience, but is a cornerstone of
Oriental acupuncture thought. Fortunately, understanding yin and
yang is not essential to benefit from acupuncture treatment, but
getting comfortable with the concept can be very enlightening.
In Chinese philosophy and culture every entity in the universe
carries both negative and positive influences. The negative
influence is called yin, the positive influence yang. Yin dark,
yang light; yin cold, yang warm; yin passive, yang active; yin
night, yang day, etc. The shady (yin) side of a hill balanced by
the sunny (yang) side is a classic example. Yin and yang are
indivisible, never static, always fluctuating. They are the
opposing balancing influences of every entity, and with yet
another interesting factor: there is always a little yin in yang
and a little yang in yin.
This concept flows into Chinese medicine where the symbol for
yin and yang helps us visualize the balancing act that goes on
constantly in every entity of the human body, from the organs
and bodily systems to the smallest cell, as well as the vital
force itself.
If one is to enjoy good health, Chinese medicine teaches that a
harmonious balance between yin and yang influences must be
attained. The attainment of such harmony is the goal of
acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture Face-Lift: Rejuvenation from the Outside In
Many people in recent years have used
acupuncture for “face-lift” or “facial-toning” treatments. We
went looking for acupuncturists who specialized in facial
rejuvenation acupuncture and found the authority at GC 4 HEALTH
CENTER IN LAGUNA WOODS, California. One of the founders, Dr.
KIM, is a licensed acupuncturist and a board certified
anti-aging health practitioner.
According to Dr. KIM, “we have happily and successful
administered many facial rejuvenation treatments,” which he
believes that “your face is ultimately a reflection of your
internal health and emotional wellbeing.”
How many treatments
does it take to see a difference?
“Let me tell you how our
program works. Some patients require immediate results, say, for
a part in a movie they are starring in shortly. These cases call
for intensive therapy that involves 2-3 acupuncture treatments
each week for 6 to 8 weeks, facial massage twice a week for the
same duration. But normally, most people opt for the long term
perspective which require acupuncture treatments once a week for
3-4 months, then maintenance treatments once a month
thereafter.”
What can patients expect the result to be?
“Many patients have reported a tightening
sensation on their face after their treatments and over the
course of their acupuncture/massage sessions, visible changes
have been observed on their face. These are besides the
increased energy, clarity and happiness that often accompany the
rejuvenation treatments.”
Will the results be immediately
noticeable like Botox injections?
“Of course, we tell our
patients not to expect results like plastic surgery or botox
injections where over-night, one’s face transforms drastically.
What can be expected however from our facial rejuvenation
program is a more natural, healthier and toned facial
appearance.”
What is unique about
your program ?
“The advantage of our
rejuvenation program lies in its holistic approach that
addresses the actual causes of skin aging due to aging factors
as opposed to procedures like plastic surgery which masks
without correcting the underlying imbalances. For people who are
not motivated to work at changing their health habits, plastic
surgery may suit their needs better.
“Additionally our patients are given herbal supplements, such as
our proprietary Exquisite Skin formula that nourish the skin and
promote healthy body functions within. Patients are counseled on
a special beauty-skin diet and nutritional intake designed to
detoxify as well as promoting structural support.”
What about massage
and exercise, are they important ?
“Facial massage is performed weekly or
every other weekly. Our patients are also taught to perform
self-massage at home with our proprietary herbal Regenerating
face Oil daily. It can contribute to improved blood flow into
the face and elsewhere. “Maintaining equanimity of the mind and
minimizing stress are essential in preventing and reducing
wrinkle formation on one’s face. We teach our patients methods
to achieve inner harmony through meditation and other
techniques.
What else do you
educate your patients in?
“Lifestyle and environment also impacts
their health cumulatively. Ever notice that lack of sleep or
sleeping-in late cause those bags under your eyes! How about air
conditioning drying out your skin! What about sun damage and
what to do? We educate our patients about the importance of a
good lifestyle and how to counteract adverse environmental
conditions.”
It requires work on the patient’s part in integrating
acupuncture with healthy lifestyle and fitness, and addressing
the root cause. Through the process, acupuncturists and doctors
of Chinese medicine can help you not only to present a younger
face to the world but also hopefully allow you to express a
healthier, youthful and vital you. Just don’t expect to wake up
from your treatments looking 20 years younger!
www. Acupuncture.com
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