PURPOSE OF ACUPUNCTURE
The art and science of Acupuncture, which has its
roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is over 3000
years old and is widely used today as a part of that
healing system. It treats the Chi or vital energy
of the body by stimulating or sedating certain points
along the Chi pathways, called “meridians”.
Traditionally very fine needles are used; but modern
methods may incorporate electric current, lasers,
magnets and herbs. These are placed at specific points
along the meridians to help the body heal itself.
THE INITIAL CONSULTATION
The Chinese approach considers three types of Chi
in determining the person’s balance or wellness:
1: Original Chi – what you are born with
2: Nutritional Chi – what you get from food
3: Air Chi - what you get from breathing
Imbalance = an excess or deficiency of Chi in one
or more of these areas.
Assessment includes medical history and present conditions
as well as observation of your appearance –
face, body build, etc. Three radial pulses on each
wrist are taken to determine their quality. A tongue
analysis is done, noting shape colour and texture.
The back abdomen and meridians may be checked for
tension or weakness. This all leads to a final diagnosis
that sounds strange to Western ears. For example,
you may have “a cold, dampness” in the
spleen. However, this is useful and logical information
for the practitioner.
THE TREATMENT
Everyone wants to know about those needles! They are
very thin and solid –not hollow like a syringe.
They are sterile and disposed of after only one use.
The person is comfortably lying down when the needles
are inserted with a tap and a twirl to “grasp
the Chi”. Fifteen or more points may be used
to treat a condition. Next important concerns are
about pain and blood. It has been described as “less
painful as plucking a hair out”, though sensations
such as tingling, moving heat or pressure may be felt
elsewhere in the body. Ordinarily there is no blood;
however, a minimal amount may be purposefully present
in certain cases. After the needles are in place,
there will be a rest period (approximately 30 to 60
minutes) which is relaxing. One session is not likely
to solve a long standing problem. It may take 5 to
10 sessions before improvement is noticed.
BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture provides excellent preventative care as
it treats the whole person, promoting health and well-being.
It has gained a reputation as a pain-control method
which extends to muscular pain and migraines. Because
it influences the immune system and stimulates anti-inflammatory
agents, common conditions, such as allergies, arthritis
and even the flu can be helped.
CLINIC PRACTITIONER
Kairas Sethna has become an acupuncturist as part
of his Chinese Medicine training. He has been treating
at the clinic since 2001. |
