The Theory of Chinese Medicine

Chinese Medicine says that because we are created from the same essential substances and through the same processes as the birds, the mountains, the air and everything else in our world, we are affected by the same factors which influence the entire universe. This means that the food we eat, the air we breathe, the coming and going of the seasons, our daily activities, and even our thoughts and emotions are constantly changing us. Underlying all of these interactions is what Chinese Medicine calls Qi.

What is Qi?

At first, the idea of Qi seems very abstract because it doesn't fit neatly into the categories of our structured and analytical Western minds. But with some patience it becomes easier and easier to understand. Basically, Qi is what allows us to live. It is a marriage of matter and energy. It is the crucial building block of all things and all actions in the universe. It is everywhere - in the trees, in the air, in the rivers, and in every living organism.

We receive Qi a couple of different ways. First, at conception, we are given a certain amount of so-called "Heavenly Qi", which contains the strength endowed to us from our parents. We also constantly receive Qi from the air and food we take in every day. The quality of our air and food and the strength of our body to refine them will determine how well our bodies absorb Qi from the environment, and therefore how efficiently we will function.

Health and Disease

Health in Chinese Medicine exists when the Qi of our bodies is strong enough and flowing smoothly and evenly throughout our whole body. Disease can result when either the body's Qi is too weak or it is prevented from flowing smoothly. In either case, symptoms may or may not be apparent immediately. But if these weaknesses or obstructions are left for too long with out correcting them, symptoms will inevitably result.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture (and Chinese herbs, for that matter) influence the amount and flow of Qi in the body and can therefore prevent and treat illness. This is done by inserting very thin needles into the body at very specific locations. There are acupuncture points covering all of the surface of the body, but the most common to use are those from the elbows to the hands and from the knees to the feet. When the point is stimulated with a needle, various changes take place in the body which will affect the amount or flow of Qi, thereby helping the body to become healthier.

Does it hurt?

The most important thing to remember here is the sensations are slight compared to feeling a hypodermic needle like the ones used for I.V.s or for drawing blood. The first sensation you might feel with acupuncture is when the tip of the needle first enters the skin. Sometimes this feels like a pricking sensation and sometimes you'll feel nothing at all. After the needle is in the skin, the sensations become more complex, but seldom unpleasant. You might feel pressure, heat, aching, tickling, or a sensation which travels up or down your body. All of these are normal and expected. Let your practitioner know what the sensations are specifically; he or she might be looking for a particular response to say that the point has been effectively stimulated.

The Needles

Our acupuncture needles are single- use, sterile, and made of stainless steel. Before it was possible to mass produce disposable needles cheaply, acupuncturists used to treat with reusable needles. But today, virtually every acupuncturist you meet will use disposable needles, including us.

What will happen in an acupuncture treatment?

The first part of a treatment is the interview. You will be asked in detail about whatever it is you want to be treated for. Beyond this, though, you may be asked about many different aspects of your health, including sleep, diet, energy level, urine, and bowel movements, among others. All of these are used to form a complete picture of your overall state of health, which plays a very important role in deter- mining what diagnosis and acupuncture points you will receive. It may seem that these other questions are unrelated to the specific reason you have come for treatment, but they are all important in determining the specific treatment that will provide the best results.

Next, the practitioner will feel your pulse and look at your tongue. There is a wealth of important information that can be obtained from your tongue and pulse condition. In pulse diagnosis, it is not only the pulse rate we examine, but also the size, shape, regularity, and rigidity of the pulse which are important. An individual's pulse may have one or more of 28 different pulse characteristics, each of which indicates different conditions. In examining your tongue, the practitioner looks at both the tongue body and its coating. Each of these may have different colors, thicknesses, or other qualities which also indicate the state of the body's organs in different ways.

After this, the practitioner will carefully needle the points that have been chosen specifically for your condition. When all the needles are in, you will lie quietly on the table for anywhere from 15-45 minutes, depending on your diagnosis. Then,the needles are removed and you are given your herbal formula,if one is prescribed. The treatment is then over. There are also other therapies your acupuncturist may use during the treatment, including cupping, moxibustion and dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Each of these will be described during the treatment, if they are used.

What about insurance?

Sometimes medical insurance covers acupuncture. It's best to ask your insurance company directly if they cover acupuncture, and under what conditions. If they do, we can give you an itemized bill that you can submit to get reimbursed for the treatments. If you have CBA insurance, we are an approved provide for them, and can bill them directly, thereby eliminating the need for you to submit a form to them.

Cost of Acupuncture Treatment

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to call or stop by and speak with an acupuncturist at Watercourse Way. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.