What is acupuncture?
What does acupuncture feel like?  
What is Qi?
How does acupuncture work?
What are some possible adverse reactions to acupuncture?
How often and for how long do I need acupuncture treatments?
How to find a good acupuncturist?
What are some other therapies included in Chinese medicine?


What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the primary tools we use in Chinese medicine.  We insert a very thin needle through the skin and into the muscle layer.  These needles are  solid, and they are much thinner than hollow needles that are used to inject fluid.  The length of the needles can range from ½-inch to 3 inches, and the choice of which length of needle to use depends on the location of the point on the body.  For example, points on the ear are very shallow and a ½-inch needle is perfect for this area.  But, if you are trying to get to a fleshy point in the gluteus maximus muscle (our behind), a 2-inch needle may be needed.  I most commonly use 1-inch needles in 40 or 42 gauge.


What does acupuncture feel like?  

The initial sensation you feel as the needle goes into the skin can feel like a brief pinch, or you may not even feel the insertion.  Again, the difference may be the part of the body the needle is going into; tough or bony areas like the hands and feet may be more sensitive, and more fleshy areas like the legs are less sensitive to the needle insertion.

Once the needle is into the skin, the acupuncturist gently moves the needle in the area of the acupuncture point to find the Qi.  When the acupuncturist accesses the Qi in a point, the sensation can be a slight warmth or coolness, a heavy or dull sensation or a very brief zinging sensation. 


What is Qi?

Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the “substance” in our bodies that we access with the acupuncture needles.  Qi is a very subtle “substance”.  It is the motive force that is the continuing spark of life.  Qi is much easier to experience and feel than it is to explain. 

I like to take an example we have all experienced or can easily try: If you are sitting on the floor and you do not want to get up, but someone is trying to pull you up, you can make your body heavier by pushing or “planting” yourself in the ground.  You are not, technically, heavier at this point but it is much more difficult for someone to move you.  Children are very good at this!  The force that you are using to make yourself “heavier” is Qi.

This Qi, or force, is circulating through our bodies.  It is also circulating around us and is in all living things.  There are several ways we get Qi in our bodies.  All of us are born with a certain amount and a certain quality of Qi we call original Qi, or essence.  In Chinese medicine we consider this to be stored with the energy of the kidneys.  When this original Qi is depleted, our bodies die. 

We also receive Qi from the food we eat and the air we breathe.  Another way we receive Qi is through QiGong exercises.  QiGong can help us cultivate and strengthen the Qi in our bodies thus keeping our bodies healthy and strong.  There is a page on this web site devoted to QiGong.

Another example of Qi is the Qi of an environment.  When we are away from the city in a natural setting with clean water and fresh air we feel really good and energized.  In this kind of place with clean healthy Qi, plants and animals flourish.  On the other hand, if you visit your friend with the flu, and you walk into their room that has been closed up for a day, you can feel how unhealthy the air is, even if your friend is no longer contagious.   The art and practice of feng shui deals with how the placement of natural and constructed objects affect or direct the flow of Qi in a setting.

Martial artists work very hard to strengthen and cultivate their Qi.  They also work on their muscles, but being able to focus their Qi is what gives them the strength to break pieces of wood and concrete or the ability to subdue a larger attacker.  Ultimately, training in martial arts brings the practitioner an understanding of the relationship among all Qi in the natural world.


How does acupuncture work?

In the body there are meridians or channels which are  much like a system of blood vessels, but instead of carrying blood, they carry Qi. 

With the needles, we access the Qi in the meridians in order to influence the structures and functions of the body.  If an organ system or structure is weak and deficient we try to strengthen the Qi in that meridian.  If an organ system has congestion or is blocked,  we disperse the blockage in that meridian.  This is a very simplified explanation of how acupuncture works, but can give you a basic idea of what we do.  Balance is the goal.


What are some possible adverse reactions to acupuncture?

Acupuncture, when practiced by a trained and licensed professional, is very safe. 

People sometimes ask about stories that circulate of a needle accidentally puncturing a lung pleura. This is extremely rare.  We are very well trained in anatomy and proper insertion techniques.

Some minor adverse reactions to acupuncture might include a small bruise where a needle was inserted or some soreness after a treatment.  Sometimes on the first acupuncture treatment, a person may feel a bit lightheaded when a needle is inserted or after the needles have been removed.  This could be the result of nervousness or sensitivity to needles in general.  It could also be the result of low blood sugar, so we urge our patients to have eaten something before their treatment.  A properly trained and experienced acupuncturist will always inform you about what to expect from your treatment before you are treated, and they will make sure that any adverse reactions are treated before the patient leaves their office.


How often and for how long do I need acupuncture treatments?

The frequency and length of treatment depends on the ailment as well as the patient’s response to the treatment.  Sometimes people hear of a friend’s immediate relief of symptoms after one treatment.  This does happen, but more often, treatments can be daily, every other day, semi-weekly or weekly.  Total treatment time is usually one to six months.  Old injuries and illnesses take longer to treat, and acute ailments can often be treated more quickly.  Of course, the overall health of a patient is a very important factor in how long it takes to overcome an illness or injury.  

I encourage people to start treatment immediately after an injury or at the first sign of illness.  The sooner the treatment starts, the faster the condition can be resolved.


How to find a good acupuncturist?

Just call me!!!  Well, my confidence aside, there are many skilled, gifted and experienced practitioners in this country.  The states that allow the practice of acupuncture require a license.  So, the first thing is to make sure your prospective acupuncturist is licensed.

Many states also allow other medical professionals to practice acupuncture.  My personal opinion is that it is necessary to know the theory of Chinese medicine and not just needle technique in order to properly practice acupuncture.  Always ask your practitioner about their education.

Each state has an acupuncture association.  You can find these online or through the agency which licenses acupuncture in your state.

It is a good idea to meet and have a short interview with your prospective acupuncturist so you can ask the questions I suggested above and to see if they have a style and demeanor that you are confident working with.


What are some other therapies included in Chinese medicine?

While acupuncture is one of the most commonly known therapies in Chinese medicine, there are many others we can draw on to treat injuries and illnesses.  Chinese herbs and QiGong have their own detailed pages on this web site.  Below is a list of other therapies with a brief description.

Moxa / Moxabustion
Moxabustion involves burning the herb AiYe (in English this herb is Mugwort or Artemisiae Vulgaris) over or on the skin to warm an area.  Small pieces of moxa can be burned directly on the skin, a wand made of moxa and charcoal can be burned over the skin or small sticks of moxa with an adhesive which can be attached to the skin.  Moxabustion is very effective for certain conditions.  This should only be administered by someone who is properly trained in order to avoid burns or aggravate a condition.

Cupping
For this therapy we use glass cups to bring waste products from the muscle tissue to the surface so it can be easily dispersed.  This procedure is usually done on the back and sometimes on the chest.  We create suction in the cups by briefly holding a flame inside the cup and then removing the flame as we place the cup on the back.  The cups are kept in place or can be moved across the back if the skin is lubricated with a salve.

There are also cups with a pump feature which creates the suction so no flame is necessary.  This therapy does not break the skin, but will usually leave a red or purple mark for a few days.  Again, this therapy should be administered only by someone properly trained.

Gua Sha
Gua Sha has a similar objective to cupping in that it brings impurities from the muscles to the surface to be dispersed.  Gua Sha is a bit more intense.  We apply a lubricating salve to the area (often the shoulder, neck or hip area)  and use a smooth-edged tool (I use a ceramic soup spoon) to comb the skin.  This is very effective for muscle adhesions.  It can leave a red or purple mark on the skin for a few days, and should be done by someone who is properly trained.

Electro-Acupuncture
Some practitioners use an appliance that has small leads that can be attached to acupuncture needles.  This machine sends a small current through the needle and into the acupuncture point or muscle.  This should only be administered by a licensed acupuncturist who is trained in this procedure.

Auricular Acupuncture
The ear seems like such a small part of the body, but it is a microcosm with areas that represent everything from muscles and joints to the endocrine system.  There are practitioners who work primarily with the ear points.  The ear points can also be stimulated using tiny beads or seeds taped onto the points instead of needles.

There are several substance abuse clinics in the United States including ones in Portland, Oregon and New York City, which have great success in treating people with chemical addictions using auricular acupuncture.   

TuiNa
TuiNa is a system of Chinese therapeutic massage.  It usually targets muscle groups to remove adhesions and relieve tensions and knots.  There are also techniques for helping injured or afflicted joints.  This therapy can be intense, but has great results.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage based on the meridian system, but it is in the scope of practice for acupuncturists in some states.  

Jin Shin 
This is a form of acupressure where acupuncture points are held by the practitioner in certain combinations depending on what the condition or patient requires.  It is a very intuitive practice, and I would suggest finding someone who is very experienced with this therapy if you are interested in trying it.  The effects can be very profound.  My friend and colleague Kay Evans is particularly skilled and talented in Jin Shin.  She can be reached through my email and phone number for any questions about Jin Shin or Jin Shin training.

Blood Letting
I know, it sounds medieval.  But it’s not as bad as it sounds.  In the Chinese tradition, for certain circumstances, the skin is pricked with a sharp lance and a few drops of blood are let out.  This is usually done at the tip of a finger or toe. It is also used to drain stagnant blood from the small veins of the legs.  It can be very effective in an appropriate situation.

Plum Blossom or Five Star Hammer
This is a fabulous therapy.  We use a special tool that looks like a small hammer and has small sharp pins on it.  We tap gently on the skin with the hammer to disperse impurities.  This should definitely be administered by a trained professional as it can break the skin slightly.  We are also trained so our technique minimizes discomfort.

As you can see there are many therapies available to treat injuries and ailments.  Usually a practitioner will gravitate to certain therapies and will specialize in just a few.  I consider my speciality to be acupuncture and acupressure.  And I just love using the cups!