Good Morning!
This is the beginning of the new lunar calendar. In celebration of
the Chinese New Year, I will be discussing the many wonderful
contributions the Asian cultures have given the world in relation to
alternative medicine.
Celebrating Chinese New Year: The Contribution of Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that channels of energy flowing
throughout the body, may be manipulated by pressure known as
acupressure or with the insertion of fine needles, called
Acupuncture. By manipulating the Qi, our vital life force or energy,
good health is brought into balance. These techniques help the body
to find homeostasis.
The Ancient Art of Acupuncture is the needling of specific points
along "meridians" or channels that run throughout our body.
Acupuncture can be traced back as far as the Stone Age in China.
Acupuncture remained relatively unheard of in the United States until
1974 when James Reston, a reporter for the New York Times accompanied
President Nixon on a trip to China where they witnessed an
appendectomy and several demonstrations of serious surgeries being
performed with acupuncture as the only anesthetic using Acupuncture
Anesthesia. Western science has never been able to reconcile how
Acupuncture works. They can prove "that" it works, but not "how" it
works.
The body functions as an entity through 12 channels
called "Meridians", that distribute Qi. "Meridians" or channels are
pathways of energy flow. Very often pain, numbness, soreness,
sensations of heat or cold, and other sensations along the course of
a meridian will be an important clue to problems in that particular
system. Each meridian connects to an organ. It is through these
meridians that organs receive nourishment and stay in balance
(function properly). There are also 8 extra vessels. that store
energy and help regulate the flow of Qi in the meridians. In addition
there are gates through which the inner Qi communicates with the
environment, to help regulate the body.
It is a natural law that energy flows in wavy lines like the breeze,
mountain ranges and streams. In people, Qi flows in the meridians.
This undulating flow is beneficial and natural and is relative to how
Qi of people interacts with Qi of nature.
How Chinese Medicine Treats
"Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's
effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to
stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to
release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These
chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other
chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-
regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's
natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well
being."(5)
There are three main mechanisms:
Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found
evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of
electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways
through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at
a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start
the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of
immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or
vulnerable to disease.
Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types
of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during
acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain.
Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body
functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain
chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and
neurohormones in a good way. Acupuncture also has been documented to
affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation
and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and
processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body
temperature are regulated.(5)
What Chinese Medicine Treats
Digestive
Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperacidity
Emotional
Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis.
Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat
Cataracts, Gingivitis, Poor vision, Tinnitis, Toothache,
Tonsillitis.
Gynecological
Infertility, Menopausal Symptoms, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Musculoskeletal
Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain, Muscle weakness,
Neck pain, Sciatica.
Neurological
Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder, Parkinson's disease,
Postoperative pain, Stroke, Bell's Palsy.
Respiratory
Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, Sinusitis, Smoking cessation,
Miscellaneous
Addiction control, Athletic performance, Blood pressure regulation,
Chronic fatigue, Immune system tonification, Stress reduction.
Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.
http://www.peacefulmind.com/proacumed.htm
Therapies for healing
mind, body, spirit
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