Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine stainless steel needles into various areas of the body. Its origins date back to the 15th century, but it has become more popular in the past three decades. It now must be performed by a licensed physician or doctor. The doctor will insert the needles into "trigger points", which are generally tender spots (ashi) and muscles that contribute to the overall pain. Needles can also be placed along nerve roots, and will therefore bring different sensations to different parts of the body, hypothetically healing the patient after numerous visits. According to classical Chinese texts, the needles are inserted into specific parts of the body where qi and blood flow. Qi is a Chinese term meaning energy flow, and one who practices Eastern Medicine tries to attain a balanced and healthy qi (by doing things like yoga, reflexology, and acupuncture). Acupuncture is designed to simulate the body's internal energy source. Different points and channels on the body can contribute to balancing the qi, and can make a person feel less pain as well as feeling healthier and stronger. There are 12 main channels for acupuncture (which are not the only points needles can be inserted to), which correspond to different organs. This correspondence is known as zang fu. A few of the zang fu of the 12 different channels are the Lungs, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, and the Kidney. Not only is acupuncture used to block pain, but also to address the root of the imbalance causing the problem.

In order for a traditional Chinese physician to correctly diagnose where to insert the needles for each person, there are four methods.

1) Inspect the face and tongue and analyze shape, color, tension, and coating.

2) Listen for sounds and smell for odors.

3) Look for the 7 inquiries: chills/fever, perspiration, appetite, thirst/taste, defecation/urination, pain/sleep, and menstruation.

4) Feel the body for ashi (tender points)

Common health problems for which people seek acupuncture treatment: (this list is only a partial list)

Neurologic: headaches, migraines, epilepsy, post stroke problems, MS, Parkinson's disease

Gynecologial: PMS, leukorrhea, insufficient lactation, dysmenorrhea

Musculo-skeletal: Tendonitis, whiplash, backache, disc problems, lumbar pain, sprains/strains, arthritis

Psychiatric/emotional: anxiety, depression, nervousness, insomnia, hysteria

Ear, Eye, Nose & Throat: sinusitis, sore throat, cold sores, cataracts, night blindness, most eye problems

Gastrointestinal: indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, hiccups, abdominal pain

Misc: allergies, asthma, herpes, kidney stones, URIs, substance abuse, sexual dysfunction

Our Experience:

We went to The San Mateo Spine Center to receive our acupuncture treatments. Sarah had previously been there for treatments on her lower back, and had been referred to Dr. Yung Chen by a Western sports medicine doctor. We each told him where our pain was: Sarah's lower back and left ankle and Emma's upper back and neck area. We got to be in the same room, and he told us not to worry. He placed the needles into each of our painful areas, and next put on an electrical current to contribute to the flow of qi. We both found the treatment very relaxing and soothing, so much so that we practically fell asleep. We went back for a second treatment, and liked it as much as the first time. Typically, for ongoing conditions like ours, we would need several more treatments before feeling significant results. Fewer treatments are necessary for injuries that are more recent. However, with Sarah's experience two years ago, she found that the acupuncture made a significant difference. She had tried physical therapy and gone to several doctors, but it was the acupuncture that she felt really treated her pain.