The body is divided into 12 paired and 2 unpaired meridians through which Qi flows. Acupuncture points are strategically situated along these meridians and, depending on which meridian and where, particular effects and responses are elicited from needle place- ment. For example, the Stomach meridian runs up the lateral aspect of the back leg and there is a point on the outside of the knee (Stomach 36) that influences the movement and motility of the stomach, soothing it when it’s upset and improving digestion. This point is frequently chosen for ulcer conditions, vomiting and the classical “belly ache”. The placement of the needles has both a neuro- logical effect by activating nerve impulses and a humoral (hormonal) effect causing the release of substances into the blood stream that can calm down an overactive painful stomach or turn on an under-acting bloated stomach.


This is another facet of TCM, the concept of Yin and Yang, light and dark, hot and cold,


SPRING 2011


control and relaxation. All true health is a balance of opposing forces; sometimes a muscle must be tight and contracted, other times relaxed. At times certain hormonal levels must be higher, other times lower, to keep the body moving at an even keel. Blockages and disturbances in the flow of Qi throughout the body are the root of “dis- ease” and acupuncture allows us to restore unimpeded movement and true balance which is the essence of health. I believe that Acupuncture offers great


promise in the treatment of chronic diseases, particularly those that are mini- mally responsive to our current treatment capabilities. I thank God for the technologi- cal medical advances that we have made in the treatment of severe trauma and life saving surgical interventions. But, sadly, the chronic diseases of aging and related degenerative processes like arthritis, kidney disease and cancers are not as treatable as we would like.


-Dr. Kevin M. Fenton WWW.DESERTPETCOMPANION.COM DESERT PET COMPANION 27


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