Acupuncture
& Herbs
About Acupuncture
YANG C. LEE,
Licensed Acupuncturist License# AC8362
1432 S. Garfield Ave. Suite A,
Alhambra, CA 91801
Phone: (626) 282-5623
What You Should Know About Acupuncture...
Traditional Chinese medicine -one of the oldest forms of healings known -is a great treasure house. It embodies the fine achievements accumulated over the millennia in the course of medical practice of Chinese physicians. The special methods of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, with their multiple advantages, have been handed down from ancient times and improved through Asian and European countries.
Today, more and more Western doctors and scientist agree that these kinds of treatments do work. There has been an increasing awareness of the usefulness of acupuncture in treating many medical conditions. For example, the World Health Organization has formally proclaimed that acupuncture is an effective medical treatment, declaring “the sheer weight of evidence demands that acupuncture must be taken seriously as a clinical procedure of considerable value.” In California, acupuncture has even been recognized as a primary health care profession and it is ever increasing in its popularity, especially in the Los Angles area.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture treats disease by inserting thin needles into certain designated points in the body and thereby inducing stimulation through various manipulative methods. Once the needle is properly in place, the patient will feel a characteristic tingling. Sometimes, an electric apparatus may be used to maintain a constant stimulation.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
According to the classical doctrines of Chinese medicine, there is an unceasing flow of “life energy” throughout the human body. This vital energy originates from the major organs, and flows along the continuous circulatory channels called meridians. When the energy flow is smooth and in balance, one is healthy; if the balance is disturbed, then one will feel ill or pain. There are some specific points along the meridians called acupuncture points where the energy flow can be stimulated and the function of related organs can be regulated, thus restoring the delicate balance; then the beneficial healing can occur.
Acupuncture is applied to the points selected on the basis of meridian systems. This is the Chinese way to explain how acupuncture normalizes the physiological dysfunction and helps to maintain the body’s harmonious equilibrium. In fact, according to this philosophy, Chinese doctors not only use acupuncture to treat diseases, but also to strengthen the human body’s physical condition, to prevent disease, to promote health and to achieve longevity.
WHAT IS THE MECHANISM?
The evidence now available is sufficient to place these age-old Chinese healing arts on a solid scientific base. From the modem medical point of view, acupuncture works by means of the following mechanisms:
First of all, according to biochemical and neurological research, acupuncture may work by activating a natural pain-suppression system in the brain. Substantial evidence demonstrates that acupuncture may serve to stimulate the release of endogenous morphine-like substances, endorphins, which in turn mediate the analgesic effect.
Secondly, acupuncture has an obvious effect of stimulating or strengthening the body's immune system, which in turn mobilizes he natural defense power inside the human body. This reaction is the major mechanism of anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious effects by acupuncture.
The overall influence of acupuncture is regulatory. It is very interesting to know that this kind of adjustment is biphasic in nature. Acupuncture can reduce the blood pressure in hypertension; meanwhile is can raise the level in low blood pressure. Also, acupuncture is particularly effective in many psychosomatic disorders.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS?
The prime advantage of acupuncture is its safety. In the hands of competent physicians, acupuncture is a method free from discomfort or side effects. There is no pain unless the patient is too nervous. And there is no bleeding unless the acupuncturist purposely squeezes a drop or two sometimes necessary for the treatment. Infection can easily be prevented by use of disposable needles.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TREATMENT?
Most patients find the treatment very relaxing, which brings on a feeling of well being. As a sign of “obtaining the vital energy,” some patients may have a slight sensation of soreness, numbness, distention, or heaviness around the needles. The beneficial reaction usually starts during the first four or five visits. Of course, just like any other medical treatment, not all cases can be cured. However, there is no harmful effect from the therapy in common practice. People who suffer from lingering or chronic diseases and do not respond well to orthodox medicine are particularly encouraged to try this promising Chinese art of healing.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NECESSARY?
Each person is unique; therefore, the treatment plan is individualized. It depends on the type of illness, the severity of the condition, the duration of the sickness, and the physical state of the patient at time of treatment.
A course of treatment usually takes ten sessions, more or less. In order to get the best therapeutic result; acute cases should be treated daily for a few days, then in prolonged intervals; however, chronic cases usually need two or three visits per week. In case of slow reaction, the patient should still try to complete the entire course, because most of these cases require more effort to restore their energy balance.
For a health maintenance program, either preventive or periodic treatments (once a week or every two weeks) are recommended. This program usually helps the internal organs to function in a continuous balanced condition and improves body's physiological ability. This is the way of rejuvenation, which Chinese people have been enjoying for thousands of years.
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