Acupuncture & Treatments

                                           The Chinese concept of health
    Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the Taoist concept of the body as a small world, a model of the universe. Just like the outer world, this internal microcosm should be well-governed and relations of all its parts (organs) harmonized. But - just like in the outer world - it’s hard to keep things in good shape, and when the body’s functions become uncoordinated and chaotic, disease occurs. The English word ‘dis-ease’ is a perfect translation for the Taoist idea of illness as lack of ‘rest’ (jing), causing disharmony in the body. This corresponds to the modern Western medical knowledge, which tells us that the three trillion-plus cells in the human body must collectively function in balance if good health is to be maintained.
    Preventing and treating disease
    Taoists believe that your life does not depend on supernatural powers or supreme beings but largely on yourself. Therefore, if you want to enjoy a long and healthy life, you should not wear out the body or destabilize your jing, the essential material of survival, and your mind should remain calm. Because this is difficult to achieve, you fall ill. This is where medicine comes in. The main aim of medicine is to prevent disease, and if curing is necessary, it is done by natural means directed at strengthening the body’s own ability to return to good health.
    Chinese diagnostics and treatment
    Although traditional Chinese medicine uses a terminology alien to a Western ear, the Chinese diagnostics and treatment are very accessible to patients, because they get to understand what is wrong and how they are involved in the process of illness and healing. During a close physical examination, which includes pulse taking, tongue inspection, and a detailed interview, the practitioner gains as much information as possible about the patient. Based on the information gathered, the practitioner makes the diagnosis and prescribes a customized therapy. You may be prescribed herbs in loose form or as ready-to-use formulas, patent medicines, acupuncture with or without moxibustion, cupping, or therapeutic massage. You may receive advice about physical exercise, including qi gong or tai chi, and dietary counseling -- both important Chinese treatment modalities.
    Acupuncture
    While archeological evidence shows that the ancient Chinese used stone, bone and bamboo needles for medical purposes, "modern" acupuncture began around 200 B.C. with the advent of steel needles and the publication of the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, the fundamental text outlining the basic concepts of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture remains a major component of medical treatment in the Far East, and the best known Oriental therapeutic technique in the West. In the United States, the practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine became a recognized health care profession in the 1970s. An essentially empirical science, developed from the systematic observation of the effect of needling specific points of the body, acupuncture has also been extensively researched using modern methods. Its confirmed effectiveness, safety, and absence of unwanted side effects have secured its acceptance and integration in the Western world, both by the general public and the scientific community.
    At HERB KING, acupuncture is only performed by our staff practitioners licensed by the State of California, graduates of accredited American universities of TCM, all with extensive clinical experience. We perform traditional general acupuncture, auricular (ear) acupuncture, and electroacupuncture. In the latter technique, a pair (or several pairs) of needles is connected to a small DC charge from a specially designed stimulator. The frequency and strength of the electric pulse can be varied in order to achieve the desired effect.
    Moxibustion
    Acupuncture treatments may be complemented with moxibustion ("moxa"), an age-old technique using dried Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) leaves rolled in a cylindrical shape as a cone or a stick. When lit, moxa burns slowly, with a characteristic musky scent. Loose moxa is often burned on the handle of the needle that is inserted in a particular acupuncture point. Applied directly (cone) on or indirectly (stick) above the skin over specific acupuncture points, moxa provides a penetrating heat that is presumed to influence the flow of blood and qi (the "vital energy" whose harmonious flow is essential for good health). Moxa is widely practiced in China, and regular treatment is believed to be helpful in preventing disease.
    Cupping
    Another ancient technique still used today, cupping is usually performed as an alternative to acupuncture. A burning taper is very briefly held inside a cup made of robust, rounded glass. The cup is then immediately placed down over the selected area of the body. Because the taper flame exhausts all the oxygen in the cup, a vacuum is created; this anchors the cup to the skin and draws up the skin beneath the cup. The effect is to stimulate the flow of qi and blood in the treated area.
    Massage therapies
    Therapeutic techniques of acupressure massage form a vast field of study demonstrating the sophistication of Chinese curative and preventative methods. In these techniques, the practitioner uses his or her own body to help the patient. At HERB KING, we practice one of the most popular massage systems, tuina, which promotes qi and blood flow using pressure and manipulation of points in the body. Different forms of pressure are applied depending on the aim of the treatment, and the points are chosen based on the same criteria used in acupuncture. Tuina can be prescribed alone or in combination with other types of therapy for a variety of diagnoses ranging from muscle pain to the more complex ailments. Our tuina practitioner is a certified massage therapist with eight years of practice in Chinese and Japanese techniques.

 

 

What is Acupuncture?

In this paper I will be dealing with the ancient medical art of Acupuncture. Today in most western cultures it is considered a "new alternative" medicine. In reality Acupuncture (and its related Moxibustion) are practiced medical treatments that are over 5,000 years old. Very basically, Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles, (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulus), on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body.

Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with heat produced by burning specific herbs, this is called Moxibustion. In addition, a non-invasive method of massage therapy, called Acupressure, can also be effective.

The first record of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). This is said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world. It is said to have been written down from even earlier theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine. Shen Nung documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart over 4,000 years before European medicine had any concept about them.

As the basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the body had an energy force running throughout it. This energy force is known as Qi (roughly pronounced Chee). The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of life. A person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces of Yin and Yang . (I will discuss Yin and Yang a little later). If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, Yin and Yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur. Qi travels throughout the body along "Meridians" or special pathways. The Meridians, (or Channels), are the same on both sides of the body (paired). There are fourteen main meridians running vertically up and down the surface of the body. Out of these, there are twelve organ Meridians in each half of the body (remember they are in pairs). There are also two unpaired midline Meridians. There will be a diagram of Acupuncture points for treating diseases of the Meridians at the end of the digestive system paper. (See Appendix 1). The acupuncture points are specific locations where the Meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by "needling," Moxibustion, and Acupressure. The connections between them ensure that there is an even circulation of Qi, a balance between Yin and Yang.

Energy constantly flows up and down these pathways. When pathways become obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of balance. This causes illness. Acupuncture is said to restore the balance.

Yin and Yang is an important theory in the discussion of Acupuncture treatment, in relation to the Chinese theory of body systems. As stated earlier Qi is an energy force that runs throughout the body. In addition, Qi is also prevalent throughout nature as well. Qi is comprised of two parts, Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that when balanced, work together. Any upset in the balance will result in natural calamities, in nature; and disease in humans. Yin is signified by female attributes, passive, dark, cold, moist, that which moves medially, and deficient of Yang. Yang is signified by male attributes, light, active, warm, dry, that which moves laterally, and deficient of Yin. Nothing is completely Yin or Yang. The most striking example of this is man himself. A man is the combination of his mother (Yin) and and his father (Yang). He contains qualities of both: This is the universal symbol describing the constant flow of yin and yang forces. You'll notice that within yin, there is Yang, and within Yang, there is the genesis of Yin. Whether or not you believe in Taoist philosophy, (which all this is based on), one thing is indisputable: Acupuncture works.

Acupuncturists can use as many as nine types of Acupuncture needles, though only six are commonly used today. These needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head. Today, most needles are disposible. They are used once and disgarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations and guidlines. There are a few different precise methods by which Acupuncturists insert needles. Points can be needled anywhere in the range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface, depending on the treatment called for. In most cases, a sensation, felt by the patient, is desired. This sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi (pronounced dah-chee). The following techniques are some which may be used by an Acupuncturist immediately following insertion: Raising and Thrusting, Twirling or Rotation, Combination of Raising/Thrusting and Rotation, Plucking, Scraping (vibrations sent through the needle), and Trembling (another vibration technique). Once again, techniques are carefully chosen based on the ailment.

There are a few related procedures that fall into the range of Acupuncture treatments. The first is Electro-Acupuncture. This is the using of very small electrical impulses through the Acupuncture needles. This method is generally used for analgesia (pain relief or prevention). The amount of power used is only a few micro amperes, but the frequency of the current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The higher frequencies are generally used for surgery (usually abdominal), and the lower frequencies for general pain relief. The first reported successful use of Electro-Acupuncture was in 1958 in China for a tonsillectomy. Today, it is a common method of surgical analgesia used in China. Other methods for stimulating Acupuncture points have used Lasers and sound waves (Sonopuncture). A very commonly used treatment in the United States is Auriculotherapy or Ear Acupuncture. The theory is that since the ear has a rich nerve and blood supply, it would have connections all over the body. For this reason, the ear has many Acupuncture points which correspond to many parts and organs of the body. Auricular Acupuncture has been successful in treating problems ranging from obesity to alcoholism, to drug addiction. There are numerous studies either completed, or currently going on which affirms Auricular Acupuncture's effectiveness. (These will be mentioned in detail later on in the paper.)

Another popular treatment method is Moxibustion, which is the treatment of diseases by applying heat to Acupuncture points. Acupuncture and Moxibustion are considered complimentary forms of treatment, and are commonly used together. Moxibustion is used for ailments such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis, and arthritic disorders.

Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method of stimulating Acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This technique produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore stimulates it. Cupping is used for low backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and helping relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.

One of the most popular alternatives to Acupuncture is Acupressure. This is simply Acupuncture without needles. Stimulation of the Acupuncture points is performed with the fingers or an instrument with a hard ball shaped head. Another variation of Acupressure is Reflexology (also called Zone Therapy). This is where the soles of the feet and the posterio-inferior regions of the ankle joints are stimulated. Many diseases of the internal organs can be treated in this manner.

The question arises, how does Acupuncture work? Scientists have no real answer to this; as you know many of the workings of the body are still a mystery. There are a few prevailing theories.

1. By some unknown process, Acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. This is called the "Augmentation of Immunity" Theory.
2. The "Endorphin" Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically Enkaphalins).
3. The "Neurotransmitter" Theory states that certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline) are affected by Acupuncture.
4. "Circulatory" Theory: this states that Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may be caused by the body's release of Vasodilaters (such as Histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
5. One of the most popular theories is the "Gate Control" Theory. According to this theory, the perception of pain is controlled by a part of the nervous system which regulates the impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain. This part of the nervous system is called the "Gate." If the gate is hit with too many impulses, it becomes overwhelmed, and it closes. This prevents some of the impulses from getting through. The first gates to close would be the ones that are the smallest. The nerve fibers that carry the impulses of pain are rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers. These are the gates that close during Acupuncture.

In the related "Motor Gate" Theory, some forms of paralysis can be overcome by Acupuncture. This is done by reopening a "stuck" gate, which is connected to an Anterior Horn cell. The gate, when closed by a disease, stops motor impulses from reaching muscles. This theory was first stated by Professor Jayasuriya in 1977. In it he goes on to say:

"...one of the factors contributing to motor recovery is almost certainly the activation of spindle cells. They are stimulated by Gamma motor neurons. If Acupuncture stimulates the Gamma motor neurons, the discharge causes the contraction of Intrafusal Muscle fibers. This activates the Spindle cells, in the same way as muscle stretching. This will bring about muscle contraction."

There are many diseases that can be treated successfully by Acupuncture or its related treatments. The most common ailments currently being treated are: lower backache, Cervical Spondylosis, Condylitis, Arthritic Conditions, Headaches of all kinds (including migraine), Allergic Reactions, general and specific use for Analgesia (including surgery) and relief of muscles spasms. There have also been clinical trials in the use of Acupuncture in treating anxiety disorders and depression. Likewise, very high success rates have been found in treating addictions to alcohol, tobacco (nicotine) and "hard' drugs. Acupuncture can rid the body of the physical dependency, but can not rid the mind of the habit (psychological dependency). For this reason, Acupuncture treatment of addictions has not been fully successful.