The Chinese practice of acupuncture, which goes back over three thousand years, involves inserting hair-thin, surgical steel needles into selected acupuncture points in the body. According to that ancient tradition, health is achieved through the harmonious balance between the opposing forces of yin (spirit) and yang (blood). The attraction between them creates an energy known as Qi. This energy flows to all parts of the body through channels called meridians, pathways that run along the surface of the body and branch into the body's interior. Any imbalance in those forces is believed to cause illness. So, when needles are placed at prescribed spots, called acupoints, along the meridians, balance and health are restored.
There is very little difference how TCM and Western Medicine view the human body. The main difference is the focus of the medicine because of the need at the time in which the two types of medicine arose.
TCM focuses on strength, vitality, fertility and virility. Everything the body needs to grow and repair itself is in the blood. It is believed that if there is a blood flow problem, the organ starts to deteriorate/malfunction and the disease process starts. TCM does not treat symptoms. The focus is to push Qi and blood into the area where there are problems and to treat the function of the body.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION: During a treatment, very thin, solid, hairlike needles are inserted at specific points on the body. The stimulation of these acupuncture points affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It triggers the release of the body's internal chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins, which have pain-relieving properties. Most acupuncturists use a method where needles are inserted directly into the area of pain. The problem with this approach is that one always runs the risk of aggravating the pain and the results are not consistent or reliable. I practice a different style of acupuncture. This method is over 3,000 years old and is derived from the I-Ching, one of the oldest books in the world. This method has several names such as: “I-Ching Acupuncture,” “The Balance Method,” or “Distal Point Acupuncture."
The acupuncture points used are from the elbows to the fingers, and from the knees to the toes, occasionally, on the abdomen, scalp and ears. Consequently, the patient rarely has to take off their clothes and the treatments are efficient, comfortable and effective. Pain relief usually occurs in seconds and long lasting relief over a series of treatments is at least 80%.
OTHER MODALITIES
Cupping: Stagnation in the body is removed by bringing toxins to the surface to be released through the open pores. The increased blood flow into the area of cupping also allows the area to heal more quickly. Cupping has been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing these tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, and help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries.
Moxibustion: Moxibustion is used to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi, and maintain general health. The sensation that moxa produces is a pleasant heat that penetrates deep into the skin. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used on people who have a cold or stagnant condition. The burning of moxa expels cold and warms the meridians, which leads to smoother flow of blood and Qi.
For more information, go to Acupuncture Links.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Advance Studies in China
May 2006 ~ ZheJiang Provincial Hospital of TCM, 浙江省中医院 located in beautiful Hang Zhou, sees over 1,000,000 patients annually. I studied in the hospital and outpatient clinics with emphasis on treating arthritis, depression, skin disorders, diabetes, GI disorders, hearing loss, pain, post stroke and weight gain. It was overwhelming and at the same time a wonderful experience. Meeting practitioners locally and from all over the world was invaluable. I am looking forward to my next internship.
The famous lake two blocks from the hospital
Hiking in Hang Zhou, China
Hang Zhou is about a two hour trip by bus or train from Shanghai. It has been ranked as one of the ten most scenic cities in China. When I was in China for one month in 2006, due to my inability to communicate and read Mandarin, I had difficulty finding a way to go hiking. Something I do at least a couple of times a week on the hills near my home back in Los Angeles. Luckily, I met some foreign students, who have been studying there for a while, who introduced me to an adventurous group of locals and foreigners that go up to the mountains on certain weekends to hike. They charged about $15 to take you up there and back by mini bus. You may camp for free, or stay in a youth hostel type place for about $6 a night.
Contact WeiWei at: Escape Outdoors, 365-1 Fengqi Road, Hang Zhou (one block from the foreign bookstore) email - cnhz@mail.hz.zj.cn
Wellness Center
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WellnessCenter.com
"What is in your mind is in your life"
Fitness Competetion
My background in dance and fitness started my interest in holistic medicine. After a hip injury at the age of 16, the only options available to me were to take pain medication, muscle relaxants and repetitive x-rays. A few injuries and no improvement years later while teaching and participating in competitive fitness, I discovered chiropractic care, acupuncture, herbs, and later, the importance of quality and natural nutrition for the body to maintain good health and heal properly. 
