WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE ?

Q: CHI? WHAT IS IT? WHAT DOES IT DO ?One English translation of the word Chi means energy, and though Chi is invisible, its presence becomes especially apparent in the workings of the bodily organs and systems which require prodigious amounts of energy. Yet the Chinese view Chi not only as powering a function, they see it as inseparable from function as though there’s no Chi without function and no function without Chi. Chi is also known as the life force, and since the total absence of Chi is death, obviously one’s good health depends on a balanced distribution of Chi throughout the Meridian network that influences the organs as well as the bodily systems: skeletal, muscular, endocrine (glands) circulatory, digestive, respiratory, urinary reproductive, and nervous. When Chi flows smoothly and harmoniously throughout the meridians, each bodily system and organ interacts with and affects all the other systems and organs, which in turn are independent, interrelated, and integrated. Everything works together to make us feel whole and healthy, thanks to Chi.

Q: WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT ?#1- Relieve pain and other symptoms.
#2- Strengthen the immune system.
#3- Balance, harmonize, and integrate functions of the organs with each other, making for a unified, healthy person, rather than a collection

Q: HOW MANY TREATMENTS AND HOW OFTEN ?Because each patient’s health problems and response to treatment are unique, the number and frequency of treatments vary. Typically, the recommendation is two to four treatments per week for eight to sixteen treatments, although some patients respond favorably after only one or two treatments. Some may not be improve until the eighth or ninth visit. Others may require two maximum results and sometimes, despite the Acupuncturist’s best effort and skill, the patient does not respond to treatment. In general, Acute conditions require less treatment than Chronic condition.

Q: WHAT IS INVOLVED IN ACUPUNCTURE DIAGNOSIS ?From its ancient beginnings to this day, Acupuncture diagnostic procedures Center on finding blockages and imbalances of Chi. In examining meridians, today’s Acupuncturist may utilize electronic evaluation called Ryodoraku, or other electronic means, but many utilize traditional diagnostic methods. The following outline gives only a glimpse into some ancient diagnostic procedures which, at first, may seem strange to Western patients, although for untold centuries these procedures have proved reliable for Eastern patients.
* Pulse Diagnosis
An intricate expert evaluation of the pulses reveals excesses, deficiencies, disharmonies of Chi and what organs are involved.
* Observation of the Patient
Noting color and condition of the tongue, texture and condition of the skin, of the hair, of the voice its strength or weakness high or low pitch hoarse throaty. Answers here confirm many health issues.
* Interrogation of the Patient
Seeking a history of the illness, the patient’s feelings, lifestyle, diet. All of those, as well as emotional problems may contribute to Chi ‘s imbalance.
* Physical Examination
Feeling for tender Acupoints is a reliable diagnostic tool because certain Acupoints are related to specific areas and functions of the body, and tenderness may relate to a specific problem.

Q: WHAT ARE NEEDLE TREATMENTS LIKE? ARE THEY PAINFUL ?Patients who have received inoculations or other Medical injections from a hypodermic needle are as painful. But such is not the case. Medical hypodermic needles are stiff, hollow, and thick for forcing liquid into the patient’s flesh, usually an uncomfortable, if not painful, procedure. Typically, acupuncture needles are fine and flexible, no bigger around than a human hair or piece of thread. Deftly inserted into an Acupoint by a skilled Acupuncturist, the slender needle produces little or no sensation at all. When the needle makes contact with Chi, the energy, most patients experience a slight tingling sensation. First-time patients are usually amazed at how comfortable they are during treatment.

​Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FLOW OF CHI BECOMES BLOCKED ?Chi is meant to flow freely throughout the Meridian network carrying its balanced vital force to all the body’s parts, organs, and systems, thereby encouraging them to function with each other in a natural, harmonious way. That leads to sound health. But any sustained blockage or other disruption of Chi may bring on pain, a weakened immune system, and ill health. It’s important to realize that while such blockage causes diminished Chi in one organ or part, it may also cause excessive buildup of Chi in another area. That phenomenon can be understood by visualizing a Meridian carrying Chi as like a freeway carrying cars. On a freeway we know what happens when one or more lanes become blocked. Its a similar idea on a meridian. A blockage may cause a deficiency of Chi beyond the blockage and a buildup of Chi behind the blockage, which may mean diminished activity of some organs and accelerated activity of others. Either way, Chi is unbalanced, so it’s flow must be normalized through an Acupuncturist’s skilled and expert care.

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