Harmony & Health Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complete health care system developed over 3,000 years ago in China.    Acupuncture regulates the flow of energy called qi (pronounced “chee”) through distinct pathways that course through the body similar to the way nerves and blood vessels do.  These pathways are called meridians.  The pathways are accessed at specific acupuncture points throughout the body. An acupuncturist adjusts the flow of energy/qi in the body leading it to areas that are weak or deficient, and draining it from areas that are blocked or over-abundant.   By regulating the flow of energy in this way, acupuncture restores and maintains the harmonious balance of the body.

It is easy to explain how acupuncture works from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective but more difficult to explain from a modern scientific perspective.  Some studies have recently shown that acupuncture “lights up” certain areas of the brain and that it induces natural pain relieving endorphins, but these studies do not adequately explain the results we see in the clinic.  What we do know is that patients with many different types of complaints respond favorably to acupuncture every day in the clinical setting.

The TCM approach to a medical problem is very different from that of Western medicine. TCM and acupuncture take into account the wonderful complexity and uniqueness of each individual.  Instead of being a system of medicine that treats symptoms as is common in Western Medicine, acupuncture is a patient centered system where you are seen and are treated as an individual, a whole person.

Acupuncture is a safe, effective form of treatment for a great many conditions and works well in conjunction with Western medicine, including healing modalities such as osteopathy, chiropractic, and physical therapy.

Acupuncture is performed using thin sterile disposable needles that are inserted into specific points along the body’s energy pathways.  Patients often worry that acupuncture will hurt.  The needles are completely unlike those that are used for giving shots, drawing blood or infusing intravenous (IV) fluids.  They are about the width of a hair and are designed to slide effortlessly into the body.  Some patients do not feel any sensation when the needle is inserted; others describe what feels like a mosquito bite or small pinch.  Sometimes there is a sensation of tingling, warmth, coolness or heaviness at the site of insertion as well as radiating from the acupuncture point as the Qi travels throughout the body.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is used to treat a whole host of diseases and conditions such as the common cold and flu, digestive, gynecological, musculoskeletal, immune system, respiratory disorders and many others.  Herbal medicine may be used in conjunction with acupuncture for a synergistic effect, or herbal formulas may be administered as the sole method of treatment. Chinese herbs have a proven track record of safety and medicinal usefulness backed by thousands of years of use as well as extensive modern research.

Herbal remedies may contain ingredients from animal, plant or mineral sources though plant sources such as leaves, flowers, roots and bark of plants are most commonly used.

Most modern pharmaceuticals have been developed from an herbal source, though to be mass produced they are manufactured in a synthetic form in a laboratory.  Herbal remedies on the other hand are made from a complex organic compounds found in nature. Taking a complex natural herb greatly reduces side effects and risks.  In the Chinese tradition, herbs are combined together into a formula.  This formula approach allows the practitioner to administer a smaller amount of each individual herb, thereby reducing or eliminating side effects.  Also by combining different herbs in a formula, the herbalist can custom design the formula for the individual patient.

When considering the administration of a Chinese herbal formula, it is very important that the herbalist is aware of all medications, Western and otherwise, that a patient is taking.  Though there are very few reports of interactions between Chinese herbs and other medications, it is important that the potential for interactions be scrutinized carefully.

Traditionally in China, herbal formulas are made from raw herbs into a decoction also called a tea.  The teas are time consuming to make and often have a bitter taste.  At Harmony and Health Acupuncture raw herbs in decoction can be special ordered for patients who desire this traditional format.  For most patients, herbal formulas are dispensed in granular or pill/capsule form.  The pill/capsule form is familiar to everyone. The granule form can be custom designed for individual patient needs. The granules look like instant coffee, a scoop is dissolved in warm water and the solution is swallowed

It is important that Chinese herbs are purchased from a trusted source.  At Harmony and Health Acupuncture herbal manufacturers are closely scrutinized and only those that guarantee their products are from factories that meet or exceed international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and who provide rigorous testing to safeguard against contamination and to assure quality are selected.  Please ask if you have additional questions.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion is the use of the herb with the common name Mugwort also called Ai Ye in Chinese and Artemisia Vulgaris in Latin.  Moxibustion, called Moxa for short is used for the treatment of some forms of pain including arthritis, and when there is deficiency or weakness of the constitution as when a patient gets sick often or has chronic low energy or constant cold hands and feet.

The moxa herb comes in several forms such as cigar shaped, or in small cones. It is lit and held over an acupuncture point or area of pain to warm the area.  Some forms of moxa have a distinct smell when burned.  The healing properties of moxa come from the heat generated as well as the effect of the herb on blood circulation and on the immune system.

Moxa can be used by the acupuncturist in the clinic, and with proper instruction, by the patient at home.

Cupping and Gua Sha

Acupuncturists use a full range of Chinese Medicine techniques when treating patients. Cupping and Gua Sha are two such additional techniques.  These techniques are most often used for patients with pain, often of the neck, shoulders and back, as well as for patients with herniated disks, disk degeneration, and arthritis as well as for those with asthma, colds, flu or even insomnia.

Cupping is like receiving a very deep focused massage as it improves circulation.  The Acupuncturist will place either a glass or plastic cup on the skin.  The cup will stick to the skin from suction that is generated with either heat or a hand held pump.  The cup will not hurt, but a small amount of suction will be felt.  The cup will stay on the skin for a few minutes, or the practitioner may move or slide the cup around.

Often the cups will leave a mark on the skin that is not painful, but is evidence of the effectiveness of the procedure.  Cupping when used in conjunction with acupuncture and massage may accelerate the rate of healing (resulting in fewer treatments) and often provides immediate relief when there is pain.

Like cupping, Gua Sha improves circulation.  For the procedure the Acupuncturist will use a smooth blunt tool to gently, but firmly scrape the skin to release underlying stagnation which is causing pain.  Gua Sha is most commonly used for neck, back and shoulder pain.  Like cupping, Gua Sha will leave a mark on the skin, evidence of the effectiveness of the procedure.

Tui Na

Tui Na is the Chinese form of medical massage.  The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic system is used and then specific massage techniques are applied.  Like acupuncture, Tui Na has been used for thousands of years.  The technique can be used alone and is often combined with acupuncture.  Through the use of different massage techniques, Tui Na promotes the movement of Qi through the meridians (pathways) of the body.  It is an invigorating, relaxing and re-energizing method that releases blocked energy and restores health while resolving pain.  Overall, Tui Na, like any massage just feels good!!

Treatment without Needles

Though acupuncture is the most common method used by TCM practitioners, and most people agree that the needles are not at all scary, some people, including children prefer needless treatments.  This type of treatment may include acupressure with a tool that does not penetrate the skin, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua Sha, and/or Tui Na.