The Benefits of Acupuncture

 

By Janet Tune

 

What is acupuncture?

Chinese medicine and acupuncture have been practiced for thousands of years.  Originating in Ancient China, acupuncture is largely a preventive and pro-active medicine emphasizing balance on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. In fact, acupuncture is the oldest commonly practiced medical system in the world. It is also currently used by one-third of the world’s population as a primary health care system and is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. In contrast, Western medicine has been around for a few hundred years, focusing mainly on the physical aspect of what shows up as far as symptoms. 

 

How does it work?

The medical model used by Traditional Chinese Medicine (which includes acupuncture) is based on natural laws that describe the flow of energy and life, both in nature and in the body.  This life energy, called Qi, travels through the body in meridians (or channels), much like rivers flow through the earth.  When Qi is full and flowing smoothly, health is promoted.  When Qi is stuck or blocked, illness can manifest.  Symptoms are distress signals from the body telling us there is a problem, an imbalance or block of Qi.  Acupuncture works on not only the symptom, but the underlying cause, helping to restore the balance of energy and sense of well-being, which are the basis of whole health. 

 

Can acupuncture help with my problems?

It is imperative we have Western medicine for both acute and chronic injuries, as well as certain types of illnesses.  For example, it’s certainly appropriate and wise to see a Western medical doctor for immediate care of trauma injuries, life-threatening illnesses, as well as bacterial or viral-based illnesses in which intervention is a life saving necessity.  Although acupuncture and Chinese medicine are strongly effective for the many acute ‘symptoms’ that manifest, their strength lies in treatment of chronic, long-standing illnesses as well as prevention of illness through balance and strengthening of the immune system and organ systems. 

 

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have the potential to contribute to our current health care system and to Western culture in general by opening up an entirely new way to deal with illness as well as more deeply understanding life.  The challenge to comprehend this system of medicine, however, requires us to stretch our boundaries and move beyond our culturally specific ways of thinking. 

 

Why do we need to look beyond symptoms?

Scientifically, we might view Western medicine as aiming to efficiently isolate a single variable in the healing process.  In contrast, Chinese healing traditions tend to seek the broadest possible understanding, taking into account many variables—not only the physical body, but the mind, emotional state, and a host of lifestyle habits.  Looking at illness and pain in such a broad fashion often fails to satisfy the rigid isolation of a single variable we’ve become used to.  Looking at numerous possible causes for illness and pain instead of focusing on the symptom is, for many of us, a new way to view illness. 

 

How is acupuncture like nature?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are closely related to nature.  We see disharmony when nature is out of balance: the chaos of floods and mudslides, drought and starvation, hurricanes, tornados, and other disasters. Nature out of balance yields devastating and catastrophic results.  This also applies to our health.  When things are balanced and flowing in relation to our bodies, organ systems, emotional and spiritual states, there is harmony and health.  When imbalance occurs in our bodies, whether on a physical or emotional level, illness and chaos can be seen on many levels. 

 

The West has experienced dramatic increases in many diseases and illnesses, such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, depression, infertility, menstrual problems, insomnia, joint pain, back and neck pain, headaches, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and many more.  While some of these may be due to a specific trauma, generally these are long-time imbalances, telling us our bodies are no longer working in harmony. This is how imbalance and chaos can show up!

 

How do we get out of balance?

While trauma and injuries can certainly throw the body out of balance, imbalances can also occur due to stressors related to family, relationships and work.  Our diets can also be a stressor not only to our bodies, but on an emotional and mental level as well.  Food choices often are sub-standard and many people consume food that is highly processed, with minimal nutritional value.  We also have environmental assaults to our bodies in the form of pollution, irritants, and chemicals.  These stressors can show up as an imbalance or illness on a physical level as well as impacting one’s emotions and spirit. Additionally, addictions to cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, and tendencies to overeat are symptoms of imbalance.  In all cases, acupuncture works on the imbalance, supporting natural healing and balance in all body systems, aiding the patient in becoming free of the addiction. 

 

What happens at an acupuncture appointment?

The initial information gathering process by an acupuncturist is often very detailed.  It’s not unusual for the first visit to last two hours. Inquiries are made into many topics, including sleep habits, fluid consumption, dietary information, urination and defecation, stressors and how one reacts to them, relationships, job satisfaction, and more.  As balance is the desired goal, it’s important to look at the patient as a whole system instead of focusing on the symptoms.

 

What about needles?

Since acupuncture requires the use of needles to provide treatment, I must address the fact that many people are fearful of having needles inserted in their body.  Needles used in acupuncture are very different from hypodermic needles used in hospitals and doctors’ offices.  Acupuncture needles are not much bigger in diameter than a human hair.  Insertion is usually very quick, with a ‘tap,’ allowing the needle to enter the skin.  The sensation felt can range from a small pinch, a heavy sensation, a dull mild ache, or a slight electrical sensation.  Some people will feel very little or nothing at all.  When done well and sensitively, there shouldn’t be any type of sharp, burning, or biting pain.

 

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine for successful treatment of a wide variety of conditions including allergies, anxiety, pain, depression, addictions, emotional imbalances, fatigue, headache, infertility, stress, and many other acute and chronic conditions.  In addition, patients committed to healthy lifestyles who receive ongoing acupuncture treatment for maintenance and health promotion often experience the following:

Being sick less often and recovering more quickly as acupuncture strengthens the immune system

 

Improvement in vitality and stamina

 

Caring better for our own health

 

Deepening relationships with others

 

Reducing the use of medications

 

Reducing long-term health care costs

 

Clearing up other health problems

 

Ultimately, the goal for all of us should be balance in all areas of our life as well as support in achieving that through nurturing and caring of our bodies, minds, and spirits. 

 

Janet Tune is a life-long Alaskan, having obtained a national and state license as an acupuncturist.  She is the owner/operator of Health Point Acupuncture in Anchorage , and can be reached at 907-242-5441.