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What is traditional Chinese
medicine?
Chinese medicine is a complete healthcare tradition that dates back
3,000 years yet remains effective today. It is a means of
strengthening the body, which can be weakened by modern-day stress and
environmental hazards. Rather than treating symptoms as western
medicine does, Chinese medicine focuses on strengthening your own
vital energy (Chi) so that your body can heal itself.
Although traditional Chinese medicine uses many approaches,
including diet, exercise and massage, its cornerstones are acupuncture
and herbal medicine. Herbs provide the internal treatment for
strengthening the body, while acupuncture is Chinese medicine's most
frequently used external treatment. Two associated treatments are
moxibustion and cupping, both used to improve circulation.
How does Acupuncture work?
According to the classical doctrine of Chinese medicine, there is an
unceasing flow of "life energy" (Chi) throughout the body.
This vital energy originates from the major organs, and flows along
the continuous circulatory channels called meridians. When the
energy flow is smooth and in balance, a person is healthy. If
the balance is disturbed, then a person will feel ill or pain.
There are some specific points along the meridians called
acupuncture points where the energy flow can be stimulated and the
function of related organs can be regulated.
While Chinese concepts of the physical body may, at first, be
difficult for a Westerner to accept, Western researchers have
verified specific physiological changes during and following
acupuncture. These include a strengthening of the immune
system and release of pain-killing endorphins, and better
functioning of the hormonal system.
How many
treatments will I need?
Each patient is unique. The number and frequency of
treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some
symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while
others may take four to ten treatments. While a
specific problem is being worked on, you may visit your
acupuncturist once or twice a month. To simply
maintain good health, you may limit your treatments to once
every season - four times a year.
What will I expect
during a treatment?
Before each treatment, Dr. Kennedy will evaluate your health by
asking you questions about how you feel. She may ask to feel your
pulse, not just to check its speed, but to judge its condition.
She may also examine your tongue, which by its color and texture can
reveal much about your health.
After this exam, you will begin your
treatment. The needles are as thin as human hair and are tapped
in through a tiny tube. The needles are left in for 25 to 30
minutes while you relax under a heat lamp as soft music plays.
Most patients go into a state of deep relaxation and some even fall
asleep due to the endorphins which are released during the
treatment. In areas where the muscles are especially tight,
electrodes may be attached to the needles. The electrical
current provides a steady vibration to the tight muscles which feels
like a gentle massage and relieves pain.
What are the areas of
effectiveness?
Traditional Chinese and Western medicine each have their strengths,
which is why even in China the two systems are used by medical
practitioners. Traditional Chinese medicine is most effective
for chronic conditions and routine health problems - especially those
that don't seem to respond to Western remedies. Here are some
conditions effectively treated with acupuncture:
Stress Reduction
An effective way to alleviate anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia,
hypertension, stiff neck and shoulders.
Allergies and
headaches
Alleviates allergies, tension headaches, sinus headaches, migraines,
dizziness and digestive disorders.
Women's Health
Effective in treating PMS, fertility challenges, irregular periods,
cramps, hot flashes, and hormonal imbalances.
Immune System
Enhancement
Can help increase the body's resistance, strengthen the immune
system, and promote good health and a sense of well-being.
Acupuncture Relieves Pain With Lasting
Results
Including neck and lower back pain, sciatica, bursitis,
tendonitis, and arthritis.
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