Acupuncture
Acupuncture, and the system of Chinese medicine, access and support the innate healing response of the individual.
Unlike western medicine, which intervenes on isolated aspects of physiology, Chinese medicine respects the body as a functioning whole, and supports the body back to it's natural state of balance - safely and effectively.
This is a form of medicine precise in ability to treat most health problems, and is based on 3500 years of study and development.
In Acupuncture, carefully selected points or "bioelectric nodes" on the body are activated to improve and balance the vital energy or Qi (pronounced "chee") that circulates through the body.
The basic idea is that when the Qi, or energy is blocked or imbalanced, there will be dysfunction of organ systems or tissues that will result in a wide range of symptoms.
A basic correlate of this concept is that when the Qi flows, so does the flow of blood: to all of the organs, tissues and cells. This enhances the delivery of oxygen to cells as well as the other essential components of blood - which is essentially the elixer of life. A general but very true rule applies here: the better the flow of blood the better the state of health. Removal of metabolic waste is also enhanced when the blood flow increases. When you improve blood flow you greatly enhance the body's own ability to create a healing response.
Qi courses through channels in the body much like streams and rivers ebb and flow across the surface of the earth. Every Organ Network has a corresponding set of channels.
The acupuncture points are located in small depressions in the skin (bioelectric nodes) called “men” or “gates” where the channels come closest to the surface. In ancient times, when cities were fortified by walls, gates were opened to receive sustenance and closed to keep harm away. With acupuncture, the gates of the body are opened and closed to adjust circulation in the channels and expel noxious influences from them.
Thin, solid, sterile stainless steel acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points to communicate from the outside to the inside. Acupuncture mobilizes Qi, Moisture, Blood, invigorating proper function of muscles, nerves, vessels, glands and organs.
How it feels
Insertion of the slender needles goes unnoticed by some and to others feels like a small pinch followed by a sensation of tingling, numbness, ache, traveling warmth or heaviness. Sometimes people feel Qi moving at a distance from the point of insertion. Needles remain in place for thirty to sixty minutes. Usually relaxation and an elevation of spirit accompanies treatment. Patients are encouraged to sleep during their treatment if they are inclined to that. After the treatment it is as normal to want to continue resting as it is to be immediately energized. Some notice a relief of symptoms or feel more energetic in the days that follow treatment. Most people are pleased to find that sessions are not uncomfortable and look forward to them.
In the treatment of pain, improvement is typically experienced within minutes or seconds after the placement of the needles.
In most conditions the pain will return, albeit to a lesser degree, after each treatment. Follow up treatmtents are necessary to treat most conditions.
Because Chinese medicine reverberates in the body and spirit, it can be a catalyst for subtle, yet far-reaching change.
Circle of Health Clinic541-617-1195 Allan A. Harris ND, LAcBend, OR "Finding your way home to balance and purpose - in body and mind"
Allan A. Harris ND, MSOM, LAc
541-617-1195info@circleofhealthclinic.com
info@circleofhealthclinic.comCircle of Health Clinic - 600 NE Savannah Drive, Suite 1, Bend OR 97701
