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 Well-being involves more than the absence of pain and discomfort, but is a state of peaceful balance of body and mind. Assisting people to lower or remove their pains, increase daily overall functional movement, reducing inflammation and calming stress, are all central to what I do.
Acupuncture is a preventive, holistic system of healing that has existed for millennia. Chinese acupuncture is the most well known system in the west, and is what I've trained in.
Hair-thin [between 30 and 36 gauge (g) on average, typically 32 (g)], sterile, disposable needles are inserted into specific places on the skin called acupuncture points. It is done to maintain, and/or restore health and functioning. Acupuncture is often a relaxing procedure. Needles feel either like a quick muscle twitch, but are seldom felt at all. It works by healing and balancing the Qi [subtle energetic relationships] throughout the body; more specifically, it reduces pain and inflammation, accelerates reduction of swelling and muscle spasm, and increases overall well-being.
Scientific investigation into acupuncture points and meridians, or subtle-energetic channels, is a constantly evolving research genre, and there are various 'experimental' technical descriptions: neurohumoral model, microtubules/bonghan ducts, gate-control [pain] theory, insular brain imaging, electro-photonic-discharge, psychosomatic [mind-body] connections, as well as fascia/interstitial fluid mechanisms. The important thing I've found - and many patients have as well, is that it works. See the links page for more information, or check out my blog at http://www.seaofqi.com
 Chinese Medicine [CM] practices include acupuncture [Zhen Ci], acupressure massage [Tui Na / An Mo], moxibustion [Ai Jiu - warming herbals, or use of an infrared heat-lamp over the acupoints], 'Scraping' or Gua Sha [smoothed straight-edge transverse pressure along affected muscles] Chinese medicinal substances [Zhong yao - including essential oils, liniments, patches], Cupping [guan fa- suction cups placed over acupoints, creating traction], Energetic healing [Qi Gong], functional exercise [Tai Ji Quan], and dietary and lifestyle planning [Yang Sheng Fa].
[CM] Diagnosis aims to examine and correct underlying energetic patterns of your symptoms, thus relieving the difficulty or imbalance. These not only directly relate to the part of the body or immediate condition, but also any vital organ systems that are indicated, as no part of us operates alone - isolated from the rest - but rather, functioning as a whole, as yin and yang are opposites, which work together. So in addition to main complaint, other related illnesses & past or present situations, are helpful to share with your practitioner, in order to better assist your own healing process.
It's not just about absence of disease or pain, but the vitality or, Shen in Chinese, of life itself. Our body and mind are designed to be self-correcting and purifying. Sometimes there are energy blockages. Acupuncture serves to assist the self-healing process, unblocking energy channels and promoting the innate harmonious flow of 'Qi'.
Electro-acupuncture [Dian zhen - electrical-current stimulation of acupoints] ranges in sensation from a very light tapping or tingling, to a controlled muscle reflex. It has been shown to be quite effective in reducing a variety of pain.
Here is a study on electro-acupuncture's beneficial results in treating peripheral joint Osteoarthritis:
another study explores beneficial results of EA use for Labor pain:
Along with a positive attitude & lifestyle, semi-regular exercise and balanced diet, acupuncture can provide relief, whether youve 'tried everything', or simply want to feel good!
The World Health Organization [WHO] list of acknowledged conditions for treatment:
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