East/West Acupuncture and Wellness Center

Acupuncture Improves Blood Flow, Leading to Better Organ Function and Increased Energy

picture: acupuncture points and meridians

Acupuncture & Acupressure can help with a wide range of health problems, such as:

A growing number of studies show versatility of acupuncture in treatment of addictions, cardiovascular illnesses, infertility, mental health, cancer therapy, stroke rehabilitation, respiratory conditions, and others.

Cardiovascular health--studies in Russia and China show that acupuncture can help lower blood pressure and can help people with advanced heart failure by decreasing excitability of the nervous system which regulates the heart beat.

Mental Health--can help in mild to moderate depression and can lower anxiety. Acupuncture point stimulation can alter levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters.

Cancer therapy--most oncologist today refer their patients to Chinese medicine practitioners to help  them control the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, and many hospital affiliated with medical schools conduct research on use of Chinese and Tibetan herbs in cancer therapy.

Stroke rehabilitation--typically a scalp acupuncture is used for helping stoke patients to regain their normal functions by increasing blood flow to damaged areas of the brain.

Respiratory conditions--acupuncture has been in this country studied and proven helpful in  for conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, COPD. With the epidemic of SARS, China is looking into applying antiviral Chinese herbs for treatment of this respiratory disease.

Is It True About Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been around for centuries and was used as a primary source of medicine in China, Japan, and elsewhere.

History of Acupuncture 

Acupuncture, an element within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back to 3000 B.C. The first needles were found  in Mongolia and were made of stone. Brought to Europe by missionaries in the 17th century, acupuncture  gained popularity in America during the 1970s. 

Acupuncture has been largely overlooked in the western world until medical research could proof its' pain relieving properties. The latest theories explain acupuncture operates on the principle of "gate control", where pressure messages reach the brain more quickly than pain impulses. Research shows that acupuncture releases pain-killing endorphins that are important for healing. Certain conditions acupuncture points need to be stimulated for up to 45 minutes to get the benefit from the treatment which would be very difficult to do with acupressure or other manual therapies. Needles are very precise tools that are used to charge or discharge energy from  acupuncture points.

Acupressure

The origins of acupressure are as ancient as acupuncture and perhaps even older. Acupressure points are located on energy pathways called 'meridians' that travel through the body. Points on these meridians are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses and have lower electrical resistance. Stimulating these points with pressure, needles, or heat creates favorable biochemical changes in the tissue. This leads directly or indirectly to pain relief and increased vitality by promoting proper circulation of blood and bioelectrical energy. This bioelectrical energy is also known as chi, the vital energy inherent in all things according to Taoism. The basic tenet of Chinese medicine is that if chi and blood are in disharmony, one will experience illness. Acupressure should be considered by people who have strong needle phobia.  

Yin and Yang and Five Elements

In Chinese medicine, acupuncture treatments are based on the theories of Yin and Yang, the opposite but complementary forces and Five Elements, the five phases of energy movement (fire, earth, air, water, wind). The five elements reside in the main organs of the body (heart, spleen, lung, kidney, liver) and the interplay of these elements is what results in somato-emotional states. The harmonious, and lawful movement of energy, of chi, throughout the organism is paramount to balanced state of yin and yang, and the five elements. Disruption of chi flow in the  meridians can create illness.

The Art and Science of Needling 

Acupuncture "needling" is both an art and a science. There are 365 acupoints on the main meridians. The acupuncturist uses special needling techniques on some of these points to either increase or reduce energy in the meridian, depending on what is needed. In “needling” specific points on specific meridians, the acupuncturist can target organ systems to unblock obstructions and reestablish the regular flow of energy, blood, and nervous impulses. This process can correct energy imbalances in the body’s various organ systems: digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, urinary, and so on.

The therapist inserts the acupuncture needles to a depth of 1/8 - 1 inch (4-25 mm) depending on the position of the acupoint, and can use anywhere from one to 12 needles or more. The insertion is quick and generally bloodless, and painless. If there is any sense of pressure or a discomfort, it quickly goes away. Needles are usually kept in place for 20-40 minutes. At the end of the  session the needles are withdrawn swiftly and gently, generally leaving no trace on the skin.

Licensed Acupuncturist

Acupuncture training includes basic western medical sciences, traditional oriental medicine theory, acupuncture, nutrition, Chinese herbal medicine, and related techniques. Many schools offer a four-year, masters level, 3,000-hour program.  Licensing standards have been implemented to insure public safety in every state. Many doctors today practice acupuncture and although they have a medical training, they are not better than licensed acupuncturist who have studied Chinese medicine for four years.  Acupuncturists have to use only sterile, disposable needles. 

Acupuncture Session

Acupuncturist will review your medical history, perform an examination, and develop a diagnosis, followed by a proposed treatment plan and explanation of your condition based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Depending on the duration, severity and nature of your condition, the number and frequency of treatments will be outlined. You may need only a few treatments or a series of treatments for more chronic issues. A typical acupuncture session lasts 25-45 minutes. If you are on any medication, make sure you mention it to your acupuncturist (blood thinners might increase bleeding, etc.).

How to Prepare for a Treatment

You should be in comfortable clothes, avoid wearing lots of jewelry, one-piece dresses or tight stockings. Try to avoid the following one hour before your treatment: coffee, alcohol, heavy food or no food, and rigorous exercise.

What to Expect After a Treatment

Patients often experience dramatic results after their first treatment. Many notice their condition gradually improving over a a course of couple of weeks up to several months. Occasionally a small drop of blood or local bruise may appear after the needles are removed--they should disappear after a few days. If you feel uncomfortable with any part of your treatment, talk to your acupuncturist.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss a treatment plan. For those who are afraid of needles, consider asking for acupuncture without needles.