Q:What is Acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture
is the practice of inserting ultra fine needles into specific
points of energy that are located along 14 Meridians or Channels
that cover the entire body. There are 365 classical Acupuncture
points associated with the 14 Meridians and 40 'extra' points
that are not associated with any particular meridians. These points
and meridians , mapped out millennia ago and confirmed by consistent
practice have show that skillful insertion and manipulation of
specific points will produce predictable results in the body.
Q: I know Acupuncture involves
needles. Does it hurt?
A: Generally
speaking, Acupuncture should not be painful. When your practitioner
inserts a needle, he looks for signs that Qi has arrived by any
one of a number of signs. You may feel a dull ache, perhaps a
feeling of electricity or tingling, a sensation of heat or cold,
or it may just feel strange. Sometimes you can feel Qi running
up or down the body or a limb. It is important that the sensation
of Qi be felt. Occasionally you may like you've been stung by
a bee. This can be somewhat uncomfortable, but should pass almost
immediately. If it doesn't, tell your practitioner right away
so he can adjust or remove the needle. Occasionally you may feel
a throbbing ache, which may also be somewhat uncomfortable, especially
if you are being treated for a chronic condition. At no time,
though, should you have any sensation that is beyond your tolerance
level. If you do, let your practitioner know right away. The fact
is that the vast majority of clients report that, after a while,
they begin to feel a real sense of well-being, almost euphoria.
Q: I have heard Acupuncture
can be dangerous. Is this true?
A: In
the hands of skilled practitioner, Acupuncture is perfectly safe.
However, there are some things to be aware of. Since needles are
being inserted into the body, cautions are recommended when working
around major organs or around the face. It is possible to puncture
a Lung (Pneumothorax), if one is not careful. The practitioner
inserts needles in this area at an angle, uses shorter needles
and avoids deep penetration especially in elderly and slender
clients.
Needling particularly sensitive parts of
the body such as the scrotum, vulva, anus, the navel, nipples,
and eyeballs is strictly forbidden.
As well it is forbidden to needle into scar
tissue, open wounds or open sores. Once needles are inserted,
you should try to lie still and not make any large movements,
especially if you have needles in your back or chest.
At Compassionate Dragon Healing we have
specific protocols to deal with any possible situation.
Q: I have heard that Acupuncture
is good for pain. Is it good for anything else?
A: The
list of diseases and conditions for which Acupuncture would be
an appropriate treatment is extensive. Acupuncture is a complete
medical system in itself, and is also an excellent compliment
to almost any other treatment, including Western pharmaceuticals
& surgery, herbal therapies, massage or Chiropractic.
Acupuncture is not strictly
speaking a miracle cure. It cannot, by itself, cure cancer, for
example. It does not cure Autoimmune diseases such as Diabetes
or Addison's Disease, or Lupus. If you break a leg, or are in
a car accident, I would recommend you go to the local Emergency
Room first, but come for Acupuncture treatments afterward for
pain and to speed healing.
Acupuncture is, on the other
hand, extremely effective, drug free, non-surgical treatment for
the serious side effects of Cancer treatments and hormone replacement
therapies for Autoimmune Diseases, post-operative pain, PMS and
Menopause symptoms.. It should be noted that Acupuncture is not
only good if you are sick or damaged. Even if you are not so sick,
Acupuncture is good for balancing the body's systems and promoting
good health and well-being. It is particularly effective at treating
emotional disorders such as Phobias, Grief and Anger.
Q: I've Heard that Acupuncture
is Wholistic. What's that all about?
A: Holistic
Medicine is a rather large area of study. Basically, it means
treating a client, not as a collection of symptoms and body parts,
but the whole person, body, emotions, mind, and spirit. Of these,
only the body exists on the physical plane. It is said that the
other aspects of a person exists at higher energetic planes.
In TCM, one of the important
aspects of diagnosis is to evaluate a client's Shen or spirit.
There are a few guidelines for evaluating 'Shen', but mainly it
is an intuitive insight into how a particular client will respond
to treatment. One may be said to have a strong Shen, and prognosis
will be good. A weak 'Shen', means a poor prognosis.
Emotions have long thought
to be at the root of many diseases and conditions. In Chinese
Medicine, the 5 cardinal emotions of Joy, Anger, Worry, Grief,
and Fear are thought to be primary causes of diseases. Strengthening
the Liver for example has the effect of reducing Anger, the Liver's
associated emotion.
There are also Acupuncture
points for 'calming the mind' and 'strengthening the spirit.'
In Holistic thinking,disease
and disharmony that take up residence in the body are symptomatic
of much deeper emotional, mental and spiritual disharmonies. These
energetic disharmonies may be treated rather easily in many cases,
if it is thought to do so. Often, with early detection there is
no need to wait for the disease to enter the body.
A part of Chinese Medicine
is devoted to promoting wellness and longevity. Reinforcing the
body's immune system and treating disharmonies while they are
still energetic in nature by various methods is a basic tenet
of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Q: Will Acupuncture interfere
with my medication?
A: The
short answer is no. A word of caution though. You may find your
medication working more efficiently since Acupuncture has a tendency
to remove blockages and balance the energetic pathways. If your
medication is dosage sensitive, make sure you see your Doctor
to monitor your dosages. Make sure you know what the signs of
overdosing are, if any. It is never a good idea to stop taking
medication without your Doctor's guidance. Western pharmaceuticals
are potent. In many cases you need to reduce dosages gradually
to avoid unpleasant reactions.
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