does it hurt?
Ellen Geary, an acupuncturist at Still
Point Clinic in Washington, answered this question very well. “For the most part, acupuncture is relatively painless. Certain techniques and certain areas of the body might cause mild discomfort at the onset but generally acupuncture is not an uncomfortable experience for most patients. In fact, most patients tend to look forward to their acupuncture treatments as a time when they can have deep relaxation.” Some practitioners also use alterna-
tive ways of treating the points such as application of essential oils or stimula- tion with acupressure, tuning forks or laser beams. Such methods are espe- cially helpful for very sensitive patients or children.
other stYLes of ACuPuNCture
Although most acupuncturists
practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, some are trained in a system known as Five Element acupuncture. This system is dedicated to preserving the principles and methods of practice from before the time of modern China. The Five Ele- ment paradigm is based on observation of natural cycles such as the cycle of the seasons - and how these cycles are reflected within our bodies and in our environment. This system is effective for pain and other physical problems and also emphasizes the uniqueness and spirit of the patient. It aims to resolve symptoms by restoring alignment at the deepest level. Five Element practitioners are trained to give full attention to each patient, usually treating only one person at a time.
In the thousands of years and many different cultures where acupuncture has been used, many systems have devel- oped. Japanese acupuncture has a long history. It influenced the Five Element style in its use of thinner-gauge needles, and also uses the Five Element paradigm. Subhuti Dharmananda, Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Port- land, Oregon, writes in an article entitled “Japanese Acupuncture” that in Japan there is an age-old tradition for blind people to be trained as acupuncturists, and that currently 30 percent of the roughly 90,000 licensed acupuncturists in Japan are blind. (There are less than 28,000 acupuncturists in the entire U.S.)
The Japanese also have developed a sys- tem of acupuncture that treats the whole body through the hand as a microsystem. Another microsystem is the ear. Ear or auricular acupuncture was recognized as part of Chinese practice, as shown in the standard text, Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. (Moxibustion is the use of a burning herb during treatments.) However, auricular acupuncture was developed much further by a French neurologist, Paul Nogier. This type of acupuncture is best known through the 5-point protocol developed at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx to help heroin ad- dicts through detox. It is called NADA, after the National Acupuncture De- toxification Association. This treatment has proven helpful not only for heroin addicts but for other addictions, and also for emotional issues, PTSD and trauma situations.
The acupuncture practitioner is trained to detect and correct imbalances in the body long
before they become established as disease.
In an effort to make treatment acces- sible to more people, some practitioners offer “Community Acupuncture” where treatment is done in a group. Patients may sit in chairs or there may be some treatment tables available. No disrobing is required. One or more acupuncturists insert needles, usually in ears or ex- tremities, and everyone then relaxes for a while. Gentle music might be played. Fees are minimal. While this type of treatment may not be as effective or as customized as standard sessions, it is still very valuable, and the group setting itself can have a healing power. Many practitioners bring knowledge
and techniques from many sources to their work, so each acupuncturist is unique. Since all acupuncturists are re- quired to have continuing education, any of them may have had some training in Japanese acupuncture, auricular or many other fields of study within the vast world of oriental medicine.
whAt CAN ACuPuNCture heLP?
The National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement on acupuncture of 1997 supports acupuncture treatment for many chronic and acute conditions including pain disorders such as sciatica and fibromyalgia, fatigue, depression, skin conditions, digestive disorders and IBS, stress disorders, hormonal or menstrual problems and infertility, arthritis, migraines, asthma and aller- gies, insomnia and multiple chemical sensitivity. A recent study reported in the British Medical Journal indicated that acupuncture increased the success rate of in vitro fertilization by 65 percent. The World Health Organization also supports the use of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions including addiction and neurological rehabilitation after a stroke. Acupuncture also helps balance the emotions and clear the mind.
Positive side effeCts
When you are undergoing acupunc- ture treatment for back pain, you may find that your heartburn is relieved, or your sleep improved. You may notice clearer thinking or a greater sense of well-being, even joy. These are some of the potential positive side effects of a modality that works by bringing your energy system closer to balance. Your body’s own wisdom will take the op- portunity to attend to other issues. There is no extra charge for these unexpected benefits!
reLAtioNshiP with westerN mediCiNe
In the U.S., Oriental medicine
can work hand in hand with western medicine just as is done in China, where hospitals provide western or eastern medicine as needed. Many American hospitals now provide acupuncture services, and many doctors refer their patients to acupuncturists. Acupuncture can also help patients deal with the often unpleasant side effects of many medica- tions.
Individual states have the jurisdic- tion to regulate the practice of acupunc- ture and Oriental medicine. The National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine oversees a national examination and certification process.
natural awakenings
Annual Guide 2010
25
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