ELLEN XU,BSc,RAc

Acupuncture originated in China over 3000 years ago. It is based on the belief that health is determined by a balanced flow of qi (pronounced chee), the vital life energy present in all living organisms. Qi circulates through the body along twelve major energy pathways, called meridians. Each meridian is linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. There are hundreds of acupoints within the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of qi. When you are healthy, the qi flows smoothly.

In Acupuncture theory, the mind, body and spirit are in a state of harmony. When qi is blocked, this delicate balance is upset and illness can occur.

Tiny disposable needles are inserted at specific points in the body. This allows the body to heal itself naturally by strengthening and moving the qi throughout the body. The amount of time the needles are left in varies. Usually, they stay in for about 20-30 minutes.

Cupping is a technique used for a wide variety of conditions such as arthritis, headache, low back pain, painful menstruation, and the common cold.

In the past, cups were made from animal horns, bamboo, ceramic, brass and iron. Today, cups are made of glass and come in a variety of sizes to fit specific body surfaces. By putting heat near the opening, suctioned out air creates a vacuum which then pulls the skin into the glass. A single cup or multiple cups are used on acupuncture points to break up local congestion and relieve pain.

Your skin can be temporarily reddened, raised, and have a bruised look following treatment. It usually resolves in 3-7 days.

There are several ways that cupping can be used.

1. Running Cupping- cup edges can be lubricated and placed over large, flat areas of the back or legs, and then moved up and down to strongly increase Qi flow.
2. Stationary Cupping- cup can be place on acupuncture points without movement.
3. Combination- cups can be placed over needles for deeper stimulation.

Moxibustion in general has more or less the same efficacy as acupuncture. However, medical experiments have shown that moxibustion exerts much wider and stronger effect on overall biochemical changes in the body than acupuncture.

(1) It increases the production of white blood cells.
(2) It increases the produciton of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
(3) It improves the overall blood and lymph circulations.
(4) It is more effective for internal chronic ailments than acupuncture.
(5) It is a safer treatment than acupuncture and can be used as a home therapy.

To Learn More about Moxibustion

Ear Acupressure is based on micro acupoints theory and is a needless treatment. It stimulates certain points on the ear to treat and prevent diseases. Usually small granular seeds or metal beads attached onto the ear acupoints with adhesive tape. The patient is advised to press the acupoints several times a day and about 1 minute for each point. The seeds will be changed once every 3 – 5 days.  Five to ten times make up one course of treatment.

If any itchiness or rash occurred on the ear, the patient should immediately remove the tape and seeds.

Dermal needling: Multiple, mild needle pricks are applied in one area. Slight bleeding at the area is likely.

Three edge needling (pricking veins for bloodletting): Three-edge needle is also known as “Lance needle”. It’s used to prick superficial vein for bloodletting to promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, resuscitate and expel heat. It’s often used to treat high fever, loss of consciousness, convulsion, local pain and Qi/Blood stagnations. In some cases, it is combined with cupping to drive stagnated blood out.

Heat Treatment with a TDP Lamp: This is used to warm an area of the body. It is usually used to treat Yang-Deficiency diseases. Every precaution is taken to prevent over warming, but the rare possibility of mild burns exists.

Electro-Acupuncture: A mild electric micro-current (similar to a TENS treatment) is used to stimulate the acupuncture points. A mild tingling or tapping sensation will be felt.