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What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is one of the healing modalities used in the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine. With proper technique, theory, and skill, the acupuncturist can access the patient's energy (Qi) and assist with creating an optimal environment for achieving health and wellness. What is Qi? (pronounced: chee) Qi is one of the most difficult terms to define, even for a practitioner of Chinese Medicine! Qi has been translated as "vital force" or "vital energy" or "energy flow". Everyone has different experiences with feeling Qi, and accessing Qi. You may be familiar with the feel of your own Qi moving, especially if you practice an art form like Tai Ji, or Qi Gong. Does acupuncture hurt? The easy answer is "No, acupuncture does not hurt." However, it can be difficult to understand how needles do not hurt. Your previous life experience with needles may be related to getting "shots" from a nurse, or maybe giving blood for a local Red Cross Blood Drive. The needles used in Western Medicine are always hollow-bored needles with a beveled edge, and are used for taking blood out or pushing medicine into you. The needles used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are much thinner than maybe you have ever seen - almost the width of a human hair. These needles are extremely fine, and are relatively painless with insertion. Once your Qi meets the needles, you may in fact feel something VERY different from pain. Some people report euphoric experiences with acupuncture, and compare acupuncture treatments to massage and other pleasurable experiences. Can acupuncture relieve my pain? The short answer is "yes", acupuncture can relieve your pain. Other variables contribute to your results such as:
1. Is your pain acute or chronic? How does the Acupuncturist know where to put the needles? This is one of the reasons why California Board Certified Acupuncturists must study so many years and pass a California Acupuncture Board Examination for licensure. The point selection is not easy, and can be very beautiful. There is an artistic mindfulness, and a scientific perspective applied to the practice of this beautiful medicine. A thoughtful practitioner employs many processes into choosing the perfect points for each patient, for each acupuncture treatment. There are yin points and yang points, Five Element points, spiritual points, empirical points, and intuitive ah-shi ( pronounced: Ah Sure ) points - which translates as "that's it!" What do I need to know to be ready for my appointment? You should make sure that you have had something to eat. Acupuncture should not be done on an empty stomach. Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Try not to be in a hurry. You will likely be very relaxed when you leave after your appointment, and may not want to return to anything that feels tense or rushed. If you are feeling chilled, make sure to bring a scarf and or hat. It can be quite common to feel cool or cold after an acupuncture treatment. I am not so sure about herbal medicine. How can I be sure that it is safe? Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal studies include everything from mint and ginger to berries and turtle shells. Really. What exactly is an herb, anyway? Well - an herb is something usually plant-based (but sometimes animal based) that is used for its specific properties. One example is ginger. Fresh ginger is an herb. In Mandarin Chinese, fresh ginger is Sheng Jiang (pronounced Shung Gee-ung). Ginger is utilized in harmonizing the middle burner, which means enhancing and promoting useful and easy digestion. Ginger can also protect against seafood poisoning, which is likely why it is so commonly served with sushi. |
