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Acupuncture in a Modern World
by Douglas Andrews B.Sc.(Hons) N.D.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a remarkable history
dating back thousands of years. Perhaps the greatest insight,
which holds true to date, is the lack of distinction between
body, mind and spirit. TCM has included our emotions in the body
and associated them with the function of different organs.
In the Western world, recent development in neuro-anatomy has
also lead to a different view of this interaction between body
and mind. The barriers are being broken down and the new field
has been coined psychoneuroimmunology. Summarized, this field
recognizes the mutual influence and inter-relationship between
our thoughts, feelings, immune, nervous, and endocrine systems.
Perhaps the mystery of acupuncture will be best understood as
this new field grows in knowledge.
Acupuncture, however, was in practice at a time when the
endocrine system was unknown. TCM at large never elucidated the
nervous system as we know it. Instead, the functions of these
systems were observed by astute practitioners and incorporated
into their unique view of the body.
From the TCM perspective, our body is animated by qi (pronounced
chee). This qi flows through channels and meridians in a
similar way that blood flows through veins and arteries. It is
when qi is unbalanced that illness occurs. Acupuncture
represents one way that the qi can be balanced. By placing
needles at very specific points, the flow of qi can be restored
and a variety of health concerns can be benefited.
The balance of qi is described in TCM through the concept of yin
and yang. Yin and yang are an inseparable couple as are day and
night. For example, if the body is too hot (hot flashes) or too
cold (hypothyroidism) it can be expressed as a disturbance of
yin and yang. The theory of yin and yang describes the natural
rhythms of our bodies as well as that of our environment.
Seasonal fluctuations in our body’s needs are met by changing
dietary and physical habits. Today, more attention is being
given to timing of therapies and has been coined chrononutrition.
The most popular use of acupuncture in North America is probably
for pain relief and injury recovery. Frozen shoulder, sprained
ankles, sciatica, post-herpetic neuralgia, and headaches all
improve with regular acupuncture treatment. This is thought to
involve the release of endorphins and alteration in levels of
substance P, changing the way we perceive pain. Acupuncture is
also helpful when dealing with cravings. Because of this,
treatments can be part of an effective weight loss or smoking
cessation program. Using points on the ears is even useful for
motion sickness (for those planning a floating holiday).
This is a limited view of acupuncture and does not make use of
the holistic approach innate to TCM. Using TCM, a practitioner
will often convey different diagnoses to two people with the
same condition. For instance, two people with osteoarthritis
may be told that they have “cold bi” or “kidney yang
deficiency”. This allows for an individualized treatment
regardless of the presenting medical condition. Similarly,
anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia,
menopausal symptoms, and allergic conditions can all respond to
acupuncture as treatments are tailored to the individual.
TCM integrates well with a Naturopathic approach to health care
and is taught extensively as part of the N.D. designation.
Although you may see improvement with acupuncture alone, it is
best used in conjunction with other modalities. Diet,
appropriate exercise, regular meditation, and the use of herbs
are all considered as part of a full treatment program.
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About the author:
Douglas Andrews is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the King
City Natural Health Centre, a multidisciplinary clinic offering
a wide range of services, assessments and therapies. In
conjunction with TCM, Douglas has special interest in herbal
medicine, complex homeopathic treatment and IV therapy. The
principle “vis medicatrix naturae” - the healing power of
nature- is a powerful precept, which forms the foundation of
naturopathic healthcare.
Website:
www.kingcitynaturalhealthcentre.com |
