The science and art of acupuncture has been in development for over 5,000 years. The earliest forms used stone points to stimulate different areas of the body. Acupuncture is more than using skinny needles to relieve body pain. It is one modality used in Chinese Medicine. In understanding Chinese Medicine one needs to accept that the human being is a microcosm to the macrocosm. The saying “As above, so below” is a useful analogy. In order for a being to be in homeostasis one must be in harmony with the energetic movements of the universe. In most cases acupuncture comes when one has fallen off the natural path that they are having trouble integrating the universal rhythm and life has become physically or emotionally painful.

Traditionally the Chinese physician would be paid to keep the patient healthy and would not be paid when the patient was sick. The doctor would spend time teaching the patient health exercises and prescribing health building tonics. The doctor helps the patient assess the many different areas of human functioning. Sleep, bowel movements, food habits, sex habits, relationship energetics, spiritual practices, respect of ancestors, exercise. Disharmony in any of these areas can bring upon illness. The doctor helps expand the consciousness of the patient so they can see the harmony or disharmony of their thoughts, speech and actions. One shift in consciousness understanding can add years and happiness to ones life.

As a Chinese medicine practitioner I strive to help patients add years to their lives through education and health exercises. A typical first time acupuncture treatment starts with filling out a medical release form and patient health questionnaire. Reading of the patients tongue and pulse. Asking the patient the 10 questions. A patient may come in with many complaints. The chief complaint will be assessed first and a treatment plan will be prescribed. One time treatment “miracles” do happen but one should expect that the disharmony that has taken years to cement inside ones body will also take time to reverse. The application of needles takes about 15 minutes followed by 20-30 minutes of relaxation. The needles are about as thin as a human hair, per-steralized, disposable, and relatively painless. The needling sensation can vary from feelings of heaviness, electricity, vibrations, hot, cold, natural euphoria, emotional releases, sleepiness. This is just the body and its many energetic fields coming into balance. Through continuation of the treatment plan the patient will start to see much improvement.

“These days people have changed their way of life. They drink as though it were water, indulge in excessive activities, drain their jing-the body’s essence that is stored in their kidneys-and deplete their qi. They do not know the secret of conserving their energy and vitality. Seeking emotional excitement and momentary pleasure, people disregard the natural rhythms of the universe. They fail to regulate their lifestyle, diet, and sleep improperly. So it is not surprising they look old at fifty and die soon after.” -Qi Bo