About Acupuncture

| Bridgette J. Shea-Kinder M.A.O.M. L. Ac.

About Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing art that involves the placement of ultra fine needles at specific points on a person’s body to effect healing. Depending upon the type of treatment needed, the needles are gently manipulated to either draw in or disperse energy. There is a saying in Chinese Medical literature which states that all illness is due to a blockage in QI (chi, or life energy) flow. Acupuncture is used to release blocked energy and encourage the body to restore homeostasis. Since the body is not separate from the mind, spirit, or emotions in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture addresses the individual’s entire being.

Chinese Medicine is a complete traditional medical system. It predates western (allopathic) medicine, and differs from it in that it sees a human being as a multifaceted entity that cannot be separated into parts. or example, according to Chinese Medicine it is impossible to treat only the mind, or only the body because of their interconnectedness and interdependence. One always affects the other. The Chinese saw the human as a microcosm of the universe. This universe was a fluctuating, changing, shifting phenomenon governed by the laws of yin and yang. Yin and Yang are forces that constantly move to seek balance in the universe and in us.

In order to re-establish balance to a sick, or wounded being, the Chinese physician has many tools at his or her disposal. These include:

Chinese Herbal Medicine: In the world of Chinese Medical education, the Chinese Herbalist is synonymous with the Chinese Doctor. There are hundreds of Chinese herbs, and they are usually given in combinations of 2 to 20, for example, in order to help the body re-regulate itself. Some of these herbs have recognized potencies according to western scientific understanding, but they are generally utilized in combination according to Chinese medical science principles. They are dispensed as raw formulas that are decocted, as powered raw herbs that are made into a tea, and as patented formula tablets. Some are even made into external soaks, washes, and poultices. Formulas are constructed taking into account a person’s constitutional, habits, symptoms, pulse and tongue diagnoses, and current medications. Chinese herbalists are trained in herb-drug interactions and are very conscious of prescribing safe, effective formulas.

Cupping: Used to release tight musculature. Thick round glass cups are placed upon the skin surface after a vacuum has been created with heat. They are either kept in place, or moved along the body. People generally really enjoy cupping. The only caution is that it may leave dark red/purple marks on the skin for up to a week.

Gua Sha: Used to “release the exterior,” usually at the onset of a cold or flu. A smooth Chinese soup spoon or water buffalo horn is used to rub (usually the back) until “sha” is produced. This sha is recognized as an indicator of a pathogen’s release through the skin. Again, this treatment can leave temporary discoloration of the skin.

Moxibustion (Moxa): Moxa is used to tonify deficient acupuncture points and drive out cold from the body. It is also used to turn a breached fetus. Mugwort that has been dried and compressed into a stick is let and held near the skin as it smolders. The skin is not burned.

Needle Moxa: A small amount of dried mugwort is compressed into a cone with a hole in it so it sits perfectly on the handle of the inserted needle. This sends penetrating heat deep into the body.

Direct Moxa: Dried moxa is applied in a loose cone directly on wet skin and removed just before it burns down all the way.

Cold Moxa: This is a special application for severe allergy/asthma sufferers. It’s done at the time of “da shu,” or the day of the great summer-heat according to the Chinese calendar. It involves the placement of acrid/pungent powdered raw herbs mixed with ginger juice to 8 points on the back. The application is taped in place and left on for several hours. The treatment is applied on da shu, 10 days prior, and 10 days after for three years in a row. This is a very effective treatment, but is also very uncomfortable, leaves marks, and is not for the faint of heart!

Bloodletting: Is an excellent treatment for pain from inflammation. For injuries and arthritis, specific points on the toes or fingers are chosen. A small lancet, like those used for diabetic blood testing, is used to quickly prick the point. A few drops of blood is then squeezed from the area. Other areas popularly bled are the ear apex for conditions like conjunctivitis and high blood pressure, or the back of the neck to break a fever.

Tui Na: Basically, Chinese Medical massage, nothing like western massage. Styles range from techniques used by bonesetters, to acupressure (stimulation of points with finger pressure), to yin tui na (energy healing). It is useful for moving qi, blood and lymph, relaxation, and stimulating organ systems, etc.

Cupping

Moxa

Acupuncture

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Acupuncture • Chinese Herbs • Ayurveda