Acupuncture
As an ideal adjunct to chiropractic care, we use acupuncture when we see health problems that seem caused by disruption to energy pathways in your body called meridians. This centuries-old healing procedure focuses on the integrity of bodily systems, not specific conditions.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a 5000 year old Chinese system of natural healing which is concerned with restoring proper energy flow to the various organs, glands and tissues of the body on the premise that most diseases are the result of malfunction due to disrupted energy. The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy in everyone called Chi or Qi. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain or illness may occur. Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes black-outs. Acupuncture works to "re-program" and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the chi energy.
How was acupuncture discovered?
It’s easy to see how some of the points were discovered. There is an instinctive impulse to hold your forehead or temples when you have a headache. Both sites are highly effective acupuncture points for headaches and other problems. When someone is anxious or upset it is common to see them wring their hands. There are several points on the heart meridian that runs along a line from the little finger up the arm that help calm one down. Everyone at one time or another has used his or her hands spontaneously to hold tense or painful places on the body, personal tender points are called "ahshi" points and are different on each individual. More points were discovered by the seemingly unlikely results of war between early Chinese dynasties. Soldiers wounded by arrows or stones reported that symptoms of disease that had plagued them for years had suddenly disappeared. An arrow through the knee, acupuncture point Liver 13, cured hayfever. An arrow through the little toe cured a headache, acupuncture point Bladder 67. Chinese physicians have to be credited with years of meticulous observations and gradually piecing together methods of curing disease using these points. Through trial and error the tradition of acupuncture developed not only points to be treated for each malady but also the theory of meridians and the energy flow through them that regulates the body.
Acupuncture points or "xue" points are subepidermal areas with less resistance to induction of electrical current compared to the surrounding skin. Three hundred sixty one points are traditionally used by Chinese physicians. These points are located on fourteen main meridians through which the chi or energy flows. Twelve of these meridians are bilateral, which means there is a right and a left branch.
How is a disturbance in energy flow detected in a patient?
There are several methods, including certain signs, symptoms, pain spots, organ reflex points and by pulse or instrumental findings. Back to Health Chiropractic Center has been using microcurrent to find energy readings from the fingers and toes or even wrists and ankles. We have an Acugraph computer program that analyzes the readings. A graph can be printed showing the balance or imbalance between the meridians which aid in determining a method of treatment for each individual. (See last question for further information.)
What About the Needles?
Is it necessary to have needles? No! The Chinese used many different ways to treat acupuncture points. Heat or moxibustion, pressure, massage, magnets, laser and electrical stimulation are among the options available. Chiaf Chiropractic Clinic uses a electro-therapy device called the Pointer-Plus.
What are some of the conditions commonly treated by acupuncture?
The Acupuncture Prescription Index lists over 2000 conditions that can be treated by acupuncture. Some of the common conditions include:
- Acute pain
- Chronic pain
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Tension headaches
- Migraine headaches
- Neck pain
- Sinus/allergies
- Low back pain
- Bell’s palsy
- Depression/stress/anxiety
- Insomnia
- Infertility
- Breech baby
- Knee pain
- Bedwetting
- Carpal tunnel
- Digestive problems
- Phantom pain
Is there a scientific basis for acupuncture?
Yes! Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture consider acupuncture to be a complementary form of treatment for most of the conditions listed above. The scientific basis for the theory of acupuncture is still being developed. To date, more than 10,000 scientific research studies have been published as cataloged by the National Library of Medicine. (www.nih.gov/medlineplus/acupuncture.html)
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