Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
TCM is an intricate system based on ancient chinese philosophies, that are thousands of years old. It utilizes herbs,acupuncture, acupressure, and physical exercises such t'ai chi chuan and qigong to promote health. Its central focus is a belief in the concept of qi (chi), a life force that moves through and animates the body, for example, causing the lungs to breathe. Qi is thought to exist in all living things; as a result, the essence of qi is taken into the body when vegetable or animal food sources are consumed. According to TCM, in addition to qi, there are two other major components affecting the function of living organism blood and moisture.

Origins of Disease:
In order to determine what is causing illness, a TCM practitioner looks for imbalances in heat/cold, moisture/dryness, and excess/deficiency in the three major life force components, qi, blood, and moisture. The causes of these imbalances are determined by five organ networks: the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. Each organ network has the capability to generate wind, heat, dampness,dryness, and cold; each corresponds to five phases:wood, fire, earth, metal, and water; and each correlates to five cycles of development, five seasons, five climates, and five personality types. When the organ networks are out of balance or are functioning in the absence of sufficient qi, illness arises.
According to TCM, the organ networks govern processes beyond those attributed to them by allopathic medicine.  For example, the TCM heart organ network relates not only to the circulation of blood and oxygen, it also pertains to mental clarity. It's interesting to note that while conventional medicine does recognize that diminished oxygen supply  has a negative effect on mental clarity, it does not interpret mental clarity as an inherent function of the heart.

Intake and and Treatment:

With TCM the cause of disease is determined through a process that includes assessment of presentation, pulse reading, and consideration of the appearance of the tongue. The assessment of presentation includes an examination of the whole demeanor of a patient, from the brightness of the eyes to the color of the nails. The pulse reading differs from the pulse check at a conventional physician's office.The TCM   practitioner listens for three separate pulses. An assessment of the appearance of the tongue, its color and texture, is also a major part of the diagnostic process.
The purpose of treatment is to correct imbalances by providing a complementary treatment, such as acupuncture or substance, such as herbs. For example, if the
disease is a condition that has, the propensity of  'cold' then the treatment might consist of acupuncture or herbs to create warmth.

Chinese Herbal Medicines:
Herbs are generally directed to specific parts of the body rather than to the general movement of qi, although some do stimulate qi. Herbs work on the organ networks to provide balance where needed (e.g., cold/warm). The effects of an herb are the results of its specific qualities, sometimes referred to as its energetics. Herbs are categorized according to five flavors: pungent, sour, sweet, bitter, and salty. The flavor of the herb determines its therapeutic value in a particular diagnosis.
Chinese herbs are used in complex and very specific formulas, taking into account the flavors of the ingredients and their corresponding properties and actions. The formulas are derived from plant, mineral, and animal extracts, even though they are all called herbs. In preparing specific remedies, herbal pharmacists consider the targeted disorder, how each ingredient interacts with others in the formula, as well as how the addition of certain substances can reduce or cause side effects.

Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a medical art with roots in Chinese medicine. Acupuncturists restore health by correcting the flow of qi, which is done by inserting extremely thin needles just below the skin at specific points throughout the body. The points correspond to 14 meridians, or channels, that are believed to carry qi. The needles may be twirled or twisted in order to stimulate qi circulation.
Some patients report that needle insertion feels as if their hair has been plucked; others note numbness, throbbing, or pain. Rarely does the procedure cause bleeding. Most patients report feeling relaxed following acupuncture, but sometimes a worsening of symptoms occurs. Practitioners explain this as the vital energy rebalancing itself, and it is generally quickly resolved as healing takes place.
Some acupuncturists use a technique called moxibustion, in which herbs, usually mugwort, are burned over the needles so that the warmth and properties of the herb can speed the effect of the treatment. Often an acupuncturist prescribes botanical formulas for the patient to tke between the treatments.

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