Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive system of healing with 3000 years of history in China. The source book is the Nei Jing "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine". Within these ancient texts there are records of accumulated knowledge and formulations used throughout several dynasties. Oriental Medicine is still practiced today based on these clinical observations, philosophies and logic. In this system of thought all things are seen in relationship to each other. Healing the whole person is at the heart of this philosophy. The guiding Daoist principles see man and his environment as one unified whole. Inside and outside the body are one and the same. Our body is an ecosystem very much like nature herself. Within us are rivers, lakes, streams and oceans, as well as clouds, rain, mountains and valleys. The health of this ecosystem depends on maintaining balance. It is this equilibrium or homeostasis of the body that Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs treats and supports.

Acpuncture In the practice of Chinese medicine it is important to identify the cause of disharmony, which is at the root of the problem and then take note of the symptoms. This is called treating the root and branch according to the yin/yang and Five Element system. We also identify the pattern according to the patient's history, internal or external causes and basic constitution. The whole story is taken into account, the diagnosis is based on the narrative, which is listened to, touched and observed.

In Chinese Herbal Medicine we never use just one herb alone for a pattern of disharmony. Chinese Herbal medicine is based on a complex recipe of herbs which work together synergistically in a formula. This integration of single herbs, each with their own specific action, creates a balanced composition with a desired effect. Formulas are modified depending on the presentation of the patient. In other words two patients with a cold may show very different symptoms and would get very different formulas tailored to their specific manifestation of the cold.

Acupuncture points are chosen according to the specific presentation not according to the disease that is diagnosed. The process that determines the treatment choice will be based on findings such as chief complaint, pulse, tongue, patient history, and abdominal palpation. I will do an intake with each session and there will be different combinations of acupoints chosen depending on what is presented.

I am interested in the physical, psychological and energetic benefits of acupuncture. Inherent in this practice is the movement of energy, qi, blood, lymph and fluids. There are specific actions in each acupoint similar to the specific action of each herb. When points are put together carefully there is a desired purpose of action. The simple adage is where there is deficiency or weakness, we tonify and nourish, where there is excess we clear, where there is stasis we move and unblock, where there is dryness we lubricate and where there is dampness we drain and eliminate.

There is a deep spiritual aspect in this practice, as each acupoint has a name with a corresponding purpose. For example certain points on the Bladder channel are called Vitals Door, Supporting Mountain, Will Power Room, Door of Ethereal Soul, and Mind Hall. The artistry and science of acupuncture and herbal medicine become apparent when they are chosen and applied to get the maximum benefit when used as a practice of intention. The true purpose of the practitioner guides the treatment to eliminate the symptoms of illness while reminding the patient of the source of disharmony. The practitioner is only the stimulus to aid the patient in assuming the proper direction. Acupuncture gives the patient a clear direction to follow action comes from the patient.

We are more than flesh and bone, we are composed of five elements, qi, and spirit. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are not just about curing illness but rather awakening the patient's own healing ability. Through cultivating awareness this innate ability can be guided and supported. By witnessing the patient's experience the practitioner has the capacity to be present with a silent mind and an open heart allowing the mystery to hold the space.