Acupuncture and herbs are regarded as a natural approach to good health. Many people ask us about Chinese acupuncture and herbs in our one-on-one classes. ChineseHour makes a list of FAQs for your reference. If you want to study traditional Chinese medicine, this may be a good start with your Chinese learning today at ChineseHour.
In 1979, The World Health Organization (W.H.O) recommended more than 40 types of diseases or conditions for acupuncture treatment. In March 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as medical devices for general use by trained professionals.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are extremely successful in the treatment of a multitude of conditions. Acupuncture is still new to many people in Canada; they try Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as a “last hope” to serious and complex medical problems and find that it can help them when other treatments could not.
What is traditional Chinese Medicine ( TCM )?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory is based on ancient Chinese Taoism, views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. In TCM, a person’s health is influenced by the flow of Qi (energy) in the body, in combination with the universal forces of Yin and Yang. If the flow of Qi is obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of balance, pain and illness occur. TCM includes Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, Qigong, TaiChi, diet therapy, and disease prevention.
Chinese Herbal Medicines consists of more than 5,000 substances derived from flower, plant, and mineral sources. The use of these substances can be traced back to 1,000 BC. They are used together with Acupuncture for chronic, hard to cure conditions. Mostly internal and immune conditions are where herbs find place for treatments
The difference between Western Herbs and Chinese Herbs
Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just one specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula has as many as 20 different herbs. A carefully balanced recipe of several different herbs is specifically tailored for each person’s entire health condition. Herb formulas are developed to use each herb to its greatest advantage, adjust and increase the treatment by combining different herbs together. It makes it possible to treat complicated diseases at the same time. Chinese Herbs offer internal support to one’s immune system.
Safety of Chinese Herbs
Unlike medication that have high side effect to our body especially to liver, stomach, kidney or even heart, one of the most appealing qualities of Chinese Herbal Medicine is the low risk or side effects. Herbal medicine uses all the constituents of the flower, plant and mineral sources. The herb is completely balanced, and therefore has minimal side effects. If you do notice any side effects, please stop taking your herbs and consult your herbalist right away.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical technique that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Acupuncture originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture frees up chi (energy) by inserting needles at particular points on the body to balance the opposing forces of yin and yang. It is believed to flow through the body along 14 main pathways called meridians.? When yin and yang are in harmony, chi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an obstruction of chi along one of the meridians. The effectiveness of acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only effective for pain management.
Acupuncture gained popularity and recognition in the United States and North America when the press followed US former President’s visit to China in 1974. There, James Reston, a reporter for the New York Times witnessed and reported on several demonstrations of serious surgeries being performed with acupuncture as the only anesthetic. Acupuncture is far more than just pain treatment. It is one of the fundamental methods of healthcare in all of Asia, and one of the most effective profound healing therapies, low cost medical treatment that works in harmony with the body’s natural healing ability in the world.
Acupuncture for healthy youthful appearance is becoming very popular: Acupuncture can promote the face blood circulation by stimulate particular points and effective eliminate the aged skin cell, help supplies and maintain the nutrient for? new born cell needs and reverse the full range of aging effects diminish fine lines and wrinkles, refine texture, and even skin tone for an overall more youthful appearance.
Commonly treated problems with Acupuncture
Acupuncture and Chinese natural herbs facilitate the natural balance and flow of energy and root of the sickness. Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventative health care and health maintenance. Acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing ability, encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. The effectiveness of acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic pain management.
Pain - fibromyalgia, tendinitis, arthritis joint, Headaches, Migraines Back/neck/shoulder pain; Knee/hip/ankle/heel/foot pain
Car Accident Recovery
Ear noise, dizziness, Ear pain/infection, Sinus, Sore throat
Skin problems - Psoriasis, Urticaria, Eczema, Medication allergies, ermatitis
Respiratory disorders - asthma, flu & Cough, Bronchitis, allergies, fever
Digestive disorders - Diarrhea colitis, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome Indigestion, Constipation, Gallstones, liver problems, Diabetes
Sciatica, Disc problem, stroke, Carpal tunnel syndrome,
Bells Palsy, Multiple sclerosis
Gynecological conditions - menstrual disorders, PMS, infertility, urethrocystitis
Kidney-ureter-bladder conditions- Kidney stones, uremia, prostate hyperplasia
Stress, Depression, Low energy, Fatigue, Insomnia, Snoring
Sexual dysfunction
Weight Loss, Hair Loss, Stop smoking
Cancer/side effect of chemo & adiotherapy
How to choose a good acupuncturist?
Mastering full range of acupuncture remedies requires many years of study and practice. Find a practitioner who is specialized in acupuncture therapy, with many years’ studies in acupuncture and extensive practicing experience in treating your ailment. In China, it requires 5 years studies in traditional Chinese Medicine in medical school.
How many treatments will I need?
It will vary from person to person depending on your age and health conditions being treated and your response to acupuncture treatments. You should notice the changes of your condition after 4 - 6 treatments. Generally, acute problems require a few treatments. For example, an acute sprain may require only one or two treatments, whereas more chronic or severe ailments may require two treatments a week for several weeks.
Does acupuncture hurt?
People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most people find the treatments to be very relaxing, feel no discomfort or a little stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. Others experience a dull ache around the needle after it goes in, rarely do they describe it as ‘painful’. Acupuncture needles are also extremely thin-about 20 times thinner than a typical injections needle.
What about the needles used?
All acupuncture needles (disposable needles taken from a sealed package) are sterilized by manufacturers and for single use ONLY.
Are there risks or side effects to acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very safe method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. When performed by a properly trained practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective. Many people feel a brief stinging sensation, like a pinprick, during insertion of the needles. Others experience a dull ache around the needle after it goes in. Some rarely seen documented side effects or risks:such as dizziness, sweatiness, or nausea, bruising, little bleeding.