Acupuncture
Some historians believe Acupuncture came about even before the development of the first Chinese characters. The widely accepted theory is that Acupuncture developed when ancient peoples attempted to “beat” the evil of a disease out of a person. Soon ancient peoples discovered that beating certain spots relieved symptoms of illness. As such, the first Acupuncture was actually developed as a form of Acupressure. Rocks called "bian stones" were discovered dating back to the Stone Age. These stones, somewhat resembling modern "massage wands" were used to press the skin on one end and puncture the skin on another. It is generally believed that these stones were used for acupressure purposes, lancing boils, and bloodletting. After the stone age, bones were eventually sharpened and used, evolving into needles, which finally evolved from silver and gold to the stainless steel (disposable) needles used today.
The theory behind Acupuncture is that Acupuncture restores proper flow of energy by the use of very thin, sterile, single-use needles inserted into the body to balance out the flow of Qi through the body’s natural
energy pathways. Specific techniques of insertion or manipulations of needles after insertion as well as the use of specific points are all part of an acupuncture treatment. With these manipulations, techniques, and point locations the acupuncturist can re-establish balanced energy flow within the body. It is possible to use acupuncture (in fact, all TCM) to treat a problem symptomatically, however, most skilled TCM doctors will attempt to relieve the worst symptoms while still treating the underlying energy imbalance.
Scientific evidence:
Radioactive tracer studies have suggested that acupuncture channels are distinct channels separate from blood vessels and lymph.
Acupuncture points have different electrical resistance compared to surrounding tissue which can be measured by mechanical devices.
Conduction of electricity through acupuncture channels is faster than through the rest of the body.
Electrical conduction can be "begun" at one point on a specific channel and "received" at another point along that same channel.
Styles of Acupuncture:
Not all Aupuncture is the same. Many different styles of Acupuncture have developed over time. Some of those styles include (but are not limited to) Five Elements Acupuncture, Japanese Acupuncture, Korean Hand Therapy, Auricular Acupuncture, and Scalp Acupuncture. Each one of these is a highly effective, fully-developed form of medicine.
Five Elements Acupuncture:
Chinese Five Element Theory is just another way of categorizing the the things in the world around us. Just like most TCM uses the Eight Principles to sort the information gathered from the diagnostic portion of treatment, Five Elements Acupuncturists use the system of the Five Elements to sort through the diagnostics.
The Five Element Theory refers to the Chinese concept of Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. These Elements were originally organized as a way of looking at the cardinal directions.
Much like many Native American cultures the cardinal directions also held a deeper philosophical meaning to the ancient Chinese. Also like the Native Americans aside from the directions on a map (North, South, East, West, and Center), these elements also came to represent cycles in nature.
In Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements refer specifically to organ systems that have been categorized within the Five
Element Theory. The interrelationship of these organs forms the basis for both diagnosis and treatment theory within Five Elements Acupuncture.
Basically because of the interrelationship of these elements, it is believed that an imbalance in one organ or system has a profound impact on the rest of the body’s systems. Sometimes harmony and balance involve treating more than one organ, even if only one is out-of-balance to begin with. The Five Element Theory is used to some extent in diagnosis and treatment within TCM, however, within Five Elements Acupuncture it is used exclusively in place of the Eight Principles.
The Acupuncture college here in Baltimore, Maryland, specializes in this style of Acupuncture. To learn more, visit their website at www.tai.edu.
Korean Hand Therapy |
Japanese Acupuncture
Japanese Acupuncture is different from other styles in that it is much less invasive. Japanese Acupuncture was developed and practiced by many blind doctors. In fact 40% of the Acupuncture doctors in Japan are blind to this day. Due to the special influence of the blind, Japanese-style Acupuncture is very refined and delicate.
Needles are quite thin (thinner than most TCM needles – but note that we at Body Anew use Japanese-style needles, even though Mr. Landers practices TCM style acupuncture). The needles are barely inserted into the skin, often only 1-2 mm. in depth. Sometimes, needles are merely brushed against the skin.
The Auricular Acupuncture Image |
Within Japanese-style Acupuncture, even Moxibustion is performed in the same minimalist style. When performing direct moxa (see Moxibustion section for more about this modality) on the skin, the pieces of fluff are usually the size of sesame seeds!
Korean Hand Therapy
The unique principle behind Korean Hand Therapy is that every Acupuncture point in the body is accessible through a miniature version of the body corresponding with the human hand.
Needles in Korean Hand Therapy are inserted very shallowly (similar in depth to Japanese-style Acupuncture). Also any system of diagnosis and treatment can be used in conjunction with Korean
Some Auricular Points |
Hand Therapy. For example, one could use either Eight Principles or Five Elements theory with Korean Hand Therapy.
There are many advantages to using Korean Hand Therapy. It is relatively painless, does not require special positioning of the patient, and it is rather quick and efficient.
Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular Acupuncture follows a similar theory as Korean Hand Therapy. With Auricular Acupuncture, however, idea is that the ear itself resembles a baby in the womb and the organs and points correspond to this image. Every organ system in the body can be accessed by points in the ear. In the case of Auricular Acupuncture, TCM Eight Principles Theory usually governs which points are chosen and why.
Scalp Acupuncture
Within the style of Scalp Acupuncture, researchers noticed that by needling points on the scalp, corresponding areas of the brain show more activity. Maps of the brain show us important areas that can be stimulated by Scalp Acupuncture.
In this way, Scalp Acupuncture is very helpful in treating neurological problems. Strokes, Parkinson’s, Epilepsy, and other neurological problems can all be addressed with the use of Scalp Acupuncture.
