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 By: David Robson
Acupuncture, a Chinese therapeutic intervention involving long fine needles, has been used for over two millennia to treat a wide range of ailments from sleep disorders to muscle pain, and is now accepted by many people as a legitimate treatment alternative to much of what is offered by Western medicine today. Using needles to prick the skin as a viable alternative to orthodox, standard medical procedures? How could such a seemingly simple concept have gained such immense popularity to where it has become accepted as a legitimate form of treatment by authorities no less prestigious as the World Health Organization? To gain an accurate understanding of how and why Acupuncture is used, we must first trace its origins to determine how it came to be. Though having become popular in the US as recently as the 1970s, Acupuncture (from the Latin: acus "needle" and pungere "prick") is believed to have originated in the Stone Age, where rock needles (described by the Chinese character Bian) crudely resembling their modern day counterparts (filiform needles) were found in Inner Mongolia, where it is thought they were used to puncture and drain abscesses.
  Click Image To Enlarge.Acupuncture Has Been Used For Over Two Millennia To Treat A Wide Range Of Ailments. Some credence is lent to this theory through the character Bian's literal meaning: "the use of a sharp edged stone to treat disease". That these sharp edged stones - or Bian stones - were used in China throughout the Stone Age to treat painful complaints has given rise to the belief that Acupuncture was founded at this time. Around 500 BC, the effectiveness of Acupuncture as a specific treatment method was publicly witnessed for the first time. When the Ancient Chinese Prince of Kuo was one morning found dead, an itinerant doctor, Pien Chue, made his way to his palace and asked to see the body, only to find the Prince was not dead as many had thought, but comatose. After producing a set of specially designed needles, the doctor had his assistant Tzu Yang insert them one by one into specified parts of the Prince's body. Not long afterwards the Prince regained consciousness, opened his eyes and sat up. Less than a month later he had completely recovered. He had been revived by Acupuncture. Clearer evidence of Acupuncture's use can be found in medical texts gleaned from the first millennium's Chinese Han Dynasty. At this time it is said that emperor Wang Mang, aided by his doctor and a palace butcher, went as far as to carve up a political rival to trace the nervous system with a bamboo stick (an understanding of the nervous system is considered essential for the efficient use of Acupuncture).
One theory suggests that soldiers maimed in battle actually experienced pain relief in areas of their body not hit with arrows, thus opening minds to the possibility of an interconnected pathway governing all bodily systems. Whatever the case, this new system of therapy increasingly became a viable way to treat medical problems and over two millennia has been refined to its present form. During its evolution, and according to historical records, Acupuncture was introduced to Japan and Korea early in the sixth century through to the beginning of the seventh century, after which it was populated in the East and South Asia. The term Acupuncture itself was coined in the early 17th century by Dutch physician, Willem den Rhyne, who learned of this form of therapy while visiting Nagasaki, Japan, where it was widely practiced at the time. A major part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a treatment paradigm developed over several thousand years and based on the premise that health is governed through the balance of yin and yang (opposite forces that form a whole and serve to promote Chi, or vital energy) within our bodies, Acupuncture works to regulate the flow of Chi in and around the body's various "vital points".
According to Chinese philosophical explanation, yang forms the immaterial component, Chi, while yin comprises the blood which Acupuncture practitioners consider a major determinant in the facilitation of correct healing. Acupuncture treatment therefore balances Chi and blood levels through needles inserted into various pathways through which Chi and blood flow (often referred to as the 12 primary channels). The manipulation of needles into selected points is thought to create Chi where there is none, drain Chi where there is excess and promote free flow of Chi where there is stagnation. When done by a qualified practitioner, this process aims to liberate Chi and stop blockages in one or more bodily systems. Abiding by a fundamental doctrine of TCM, Acupuncture aims to treat the body as a whole, as 'several systems of function'. The systems of function, although named after organs in a Western anatomical sense (Heart, Lung, Kidney etc), refer to areas along the 12 primary channels that relate to, but do not directly comprise, these physical organs. Referred to as "patterns of disharmony" by TCM, disease, as it is known in Western medical terms, is treated (or attempted to be treated) by modifying one or more systems of function through the insertion and subsequent activity of needles.
 Click Image To Enlarge.Acupuncture Aims To Liberate Chi And Stop Blockages In One Or More Bodily Systems. The basis of Acupuncture (the insertion of fine needles into specific vital points), targets the aforementioned 12 primary channels, each corresponding to a specific system of function (including - Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Burner, Gall Bladder and Liver). According to TCM the twelve primary channels run vertically, bilaterally and symmetrically, corresponding to and connecting internally with one of twelve organs. Of these there are six yin and six yang. As Chi moves through all twelve channels an external and internal pathway is created. The Acupuncture points, through which needles are inserted, lie on the external pathway while the internal pathways run deep through the body to influence corresponding organ function. When Acupuncture points are stimulated, it is thought that Chi is rebalanced throughout all 12-channel pathways and health, as it specifically relates to why the treatment is being sought and the initial diagnosis, is restored as a result. The Chinese refer to the body's specific points and channels as Nei Ching, which includes two parts: Ling Shu and Su Wen. These have as their guiding philosophy, "in pain, puncture the tender spot", based on the belief that by stimulating a painful area, the pain itself can be alleviated.
 Click Image To Enlarge.The Acupuncture Points Lie On The External Pathway While The Internal Pathways Run Deep Through The Body. Over time a complete idea of how many specific points in the body, which responded well to pressure, was developed. A system of Acupuncture points was identified, and the evolution of the channels connecting these points occurred. The Chinese use the character Chen (literally: "to prick with a needle") to describe Acupuncture. The Acupuncture treatment process usually begins when a patient approaches an acupuncturist with a list of symptoms, or physical complaints. To determine exactly what their client requires, the acupuncturist will observe and question the patient to form a diagnosis based on specific acupunctural methods. To make a firm diagnoses, four diagnostic methods (according to TCM) are used:
Related Sleep Articles: Although it has not gained wholehearted approval from all members of the medical community at large, Acupuncture is used widely to treat a wide variety of problems. In fact, when all else fails some people often specifically seek acupuncturists (usually alerted by word of mouth), where they often find a safer alternative to standard treatment (no drugs are prescribed in Acupuncture) and a system that promotes health on many different levels. Two common problems treated with acupuncture are muscle pain and insomnia, conditions that are often alleviated with short term solutions such as pharmaceuticals. As it targets the root causes of these problems, not merely suppressing the symptoms like many orthodox medical methods do, Acupuncture is often a more attractive option for many. New York's Faith Mao is one of the country's most respected acupuncturist's. It is her role to work with her clients to find the best possible solution for them and she believes Acupuncture is a treasure that can help many people overcome anything from muscle and dental pain through to anxiety and asthma. She has also worked closely with featured athlete Tony Catanzaro, successfully treating him and making him a believer in Acupuncture.
I recently spoke with Tony and Faith and what they had to say gave me greater insights into this ancient Chinese healing practice. In today's world of fast cures that treat symptoms without addressing underlying causes we could all do well to research alternative ways to correct various medical problems we might have. As Tony says, "Knowledge is your best friend."
You see that's the beauty of it. You don't just walk in like you would with your regular doctor and have just one or two minutes to spend there because he or she has 20 other patients sitting in the waiting room, waiting to basically get the same type of treatment: prescription drugs! Which never solve the problem, they just treat the symptom. I'll get back to that in a bit.
 Click Image To Enlarge.She Began To Find Out What The Root Of My Problem Was.
At that time I wasn't sure of what results I would experience but right after treatment I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I didn't realize I was out of balance physically. I never knew that looking at your tongue and examining your pulse in Traditional Chinese Medicine - also known as TCM - tells the whole story of what's going on with your internal organs and blood circulation. It's unbelievable. I was experiencing organ deficiency and my bodily systems were failing as a result - this all stemmed from insomnia. I was little upset to tell her that I always had cold hands. "Cold hands warm heart", the expression she used on me, made me smile. A little cheer up can always enhance the therapy, but the cold hands did not represent the root cause of my problem.
 Click Image To Enlarge.I Was Having Difficulty Sleeping.
The treatment was beneficial in treating the imbalance in my body. I have been for three treatments so far; I didn't go for as many as I was supposed to, which was twice a week for the first couple of weeks and then once a week until symptoms were resolved 70% to 100%. However, I felt a huge change just from the first visit alone. Although the needles are very thin - almost like hair - they are very powerful and you can really feel blood flow throughout your entire body as the body is trying to repair itself. It's so strong that when you're done and you go home, you have to lie down for a little while because it really relaxes the whole body. Like I always say: "balance is the key." We must all maintain proper balance in our minds as well as our bodies. It's very easy to become out of balance or out of harmony from worry, stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise, negative thinking and so on. Acupuncture can help make you feel and become a more balanced person.
Before they came in - when Tina spoke to me about her husband - I could connect with Tony's condition. And as soon as Tony and Tina came to my office, we were able to open up Tony (to get him to talk), who is perfect and has strong will power. They are very elegant, natural and wonderful human beings. I am very proud of Tony's being very independent and the fact he is a huge-hearted man. I did mention cold hands warm heart at that time, but it was not related to his cold limbs including hands and feet. Actually cold limbs usually explain a kidney deficiency. As Tony had those symptoms his whole life, it could be genetic.
 Click Image To Enlarge.I Could Connect With Tony's Condition.
I wasn't going to give him a lecture while his body was weak and he was getting an Acupuncture treatment for the first time in his life. Overall, Tony was experiencing a bunch of complex syndromes at that time. After reviewing my notes, I treated him systemically and that was why he had a "magic" result after the first treatment. I was surprised to have fixed him in one shot. I thought it might take more visits to see tremendous results. On average, in clinics, patients may get much better after the first visit, but may also need a couple more visits to fix the problem more thoroughly. I know I can usually 'create' magic for most first time Acupuncture receivers. But as we figured out, Tony is exceptional as a quick learner and quick receiver, when it is right for him. I can write a whole case report on Tony, but as a professional, I suggest we give less information to make it easy for people to read and understand more what was going on with Tony.
I did say it is alleviation towards insomnia. And the key is it has very few side effects. Tony's expression was: "What do I have to lose?" For Tony's situation, he is a top bodybuilder. There is plus and minus in the real world. His condition will be different from average people. He has a dream body that everybody wants to have. But the reality is, it is not easy to maintain that.
These reactions are positive responses towards the needles and shows that the treatment is effective. Some of the patients may feel more active or some may feel very relaxed and sleepy. Those are good signs that the needles have successfully activated the Qi and blood flow in the body and reinstalled the energy to achieve well being.
 Click Image To Enlarge.These Reactions Are Positive Responses Towards The Needles.
When I started to help patients and built up the reputation, patients just came for all kinds of ailments. Only thing I can say: Acupuncture works. Related Diabetes Articles: For my long-term goal as an acupuncturist, I will work on becoming the bridge (ambassador) between eastern and western medicine in the form of creating a future holistic medical spa. There will be a better integrative (alternative) medicine modality joining the current modern medicine family.
Ying (means Cherry in English, my Chinese name - she used to call me by my first name), when you grow up, we will build a school and give kids education: perhaps she meant teaching Chinese Medicine. She was in deep memory of my great grandfather. She would smile at me holding my hands until I nodded my head.
Before I became an acupuncturist, I worked as an herbal consultant for an herbal firm in Manhattan. I was inspired by the patients who got great results from this ancient medicine. When I was licensed and started to put the needles on the patients, staff, friends, helping them with any kind of complaints, people started calling me magical worker. I was thrilled by the results. In order to improve my skills, I did needling on myself to feel and experience the result. Once, when I visited my dentist, I inserted (a needle) in LI4 (Large Intestine 4, which is a common point for toothache). After five minutes the heat from inside of my mouth, which extended to my head was relived and sent down to the large intestine. I could hear my own gut making noises.
 Click Image To Enlarge.People Started Calling Me Magical Worker.
Then I remembered during treatment she said she was also going to clear up my sinus congestion. That's when I realized that it was Acupuncture that enabled me smell and taste my food better. I never realized what I'd been missing; I was blown away.
 Click Image To Enlarge.I Was Completely Relaxed.
However, the bottom line was when I tasted that sandwich: I was amazed at how much flavor it had. It was a Subway sandwich and at that time I was eating them almost every day, off season of course, and I totally forgot about what she said regarding the sinus treatment and then soon after I figured it out: it was the Acupuncture treatment.
"One of the benefits to introducing Acupuncture into the medical community is that it can lower the medical cost overall and allow patients better quality of health care. Patients can have wide range solutions from Acupuncture treatment, which can complement the existing medical community according to the medical necessity. Including the Acupuncture therapy, it will eventually fulfil the holistic care towards one-on-one patient treatment. The combination of eastern and medicine will lead to a future homeostasis of the patient and medical community as well". (World Health Organization, 2007)
 Click Image To Enlarge.Patients Can Have Wide Range Solutions From Acupuncture.
We are one within the universe, and the universe is one within us. Acupuncture is a great way to get back in balance. It helps sports injuries, trauma, internal illness and, of course, with bodybuilding success!
 Click Image To Enlarge.Yin (Negative Energy) & Yang (Positive Energy).
I've noticed I have more power in my lifts and I don't tire as easily. I also sleep much better. I still have a way to go, but I know being one within the universe is crucial for living a balanced well-respected life. Like I always say, "Have peace in your heart and you will have peace in your mind." Recovery Articles:
For most of the muscle pain cases, we will treat the trigger points (most of which overlap with Acupuncture points) and "Ashi" points locally in the painful muscular region. "Ashi" is a Chinese word meaning "Ah Yes" and when palpating the patient's injured muscle, if there is tenderness, they will say, "Yes".
 Click Image To Enlarge.There Are No Side-Effects To Acupuncture.
This could also be a form of karma, but I feel we don't have to get too scientific about it. It's like if I was to say, "Yeah I could bench 225 lbs for 15 reps", so I can easily do 10 reps, no doubt. Well that's exactly what's going to happen. You see you're so sure that you can do this because you have done it time and time again. The mind only trusts what it believes. This is why confident people always accomplish their dreams and goals whereas a shy, negative person would not be able to unless they say that they can.
 Click Image To Enlarge.The Mind Only Trusts What It Believes.
The universe is abundant and it goes on and on. Anything you might ever need or want comes from the simple wish of you just knowing it's going to happen. Just like I'm sure you know the sun will come up tomorrow. Live your life with the same confidence and attitude. Then, and only then you will see miracles happen.
The main contents the book covered was the Yin-Yang, 5- Elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and wood), Zang Fu syndromes (Zang: means Solid organ, according to ancient Chinese, such as Lungs, Spleen, Heart, Kidney, Pericardium, and Liver; Fu: means hollow organ, such as Large Intestine, Stomach, Small intestine, Urinary Bladder, Triple Burner and Gall Bladder), Jing Luo, (Jing means Channel Or Meridian; Juo means collateral), Jing Shen (Jing means essence; Shen means Spirit or Mind) and Qi and Blood theory.
 Click Image To Enlarge.Dr. Faith Mao.
Disorders Of The Ear, Nose & Throat Respiratory Disorders Gastrointestinal Disorders Gynaecological Disorders
Also acupuncture has been used in China for centuries to treat many other kinds of problems, such as depression, weight loss, and smoking cessation. I can say Acupuncture can be used as a treatment for many ailments, such as acute lumbar sprain or chronic cancer care. However certain procedures have to be done in the ER room, such as acute life threatening diseases. For the purpose it was originally invented, and is now widely accepted, the main benefits of Acupuncture, should be pain management, which includes muscle pain, headache, stomach-ache, toothache, dental pain, low back pain, joint pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain etc. It is evidenced that after inserting the needles into certain points on the body, there will be a release of opioids - natural morphine-like substances - into the central nervous system.
We will then go into the room where the Acupuncture will take place. She will then examine my tongue and pulse to evaluate what is going on with me so she can proceed with the Acupuncture according to my condition. As I said before, I have a slight dampness and cold in my body, so on days when its cold and damp outside my condition gets worse. This is something I never realized until now. I always wondered why my hands and feet were always cold especially in the morning hours.
 Click Image To Enlarge.She Will Examine My Tongue & Pulse To Evaluate What's Going On With Me.
When I'm done she will ask me how I feel. I usually feel extremely relaxed and I am very happy with the positive energy flow I have just received.
You know there's a law against dealing drugs in this country, but the doctors are the biggest drug dealers in the world with the drug companies becoming richer and richer each year. They even advertise drugs on TV. It's getting way out of hand. Remember, nothing good ever came out of taking drugs. Read my drug debate article and you'll understand why.
Life is like one big magnet; we get what we put out. I have a mission in life and that mission is to fuel the hearts of millions with the understanding of the truth of the universe and how we can all better ourselves through love and care for, not only ourselves, but for others as well.
 Click Image To Enlarge.Life Is Like One Big Magnet, We Get What We Put Out.
www.cherrywellness.com
Or email Faith to determine whether Acupuncture is for you: Reference
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The
human central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.
These lie in the midline of the body and are protected by the skull and
vertebrae respectively.
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