Minerva's Weblog

Dear Dr. Betty:

I enjoy reading your articles and wonder if you could explain acupuncture to me. I can’t understand why someone would have needles put into them to help them feel better. Thank you. – E.D. (question received via e-mail)

Dear E.D.

Thank you for your question. You are not alone in wondering about this greatly misunderstood practice. Actually, acupuncture is a very effective procedure and usually does not hurt, although you may feel a little pressure as the needle is inserted.

Acupuncture originated in China approximately 2000 years ago and is based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that view health as a state of balance and disease as a state of imbalance. TCM uses a system of medicine that seeks to restore and maintain balance in the body’s energy system.

The energy, or chi as it is known in the Orient, flows along energy pathways called meridians that circulate energy throughout the body similar to the way arteries carry blood. There are 12 major meridians grouped in pairs that connect the exterior and interior of the body, and many of these pathways travel just under the surface of the skin. When these pathways become disturbed or blocked, illness or pain results.

Acupuncturists require a great deal of training. Their studies include a thorough knowledge of the body’s many systems and how the energy system interacts with the organs muscles and other systems of the body.

Practitioners look beyond the physical ailments affecting skin, blood, organs, muscles and bones to seek the underlying or energetic root cause that is creating the disturbance.

Once the practitioner diagnoses the imbalance he inserts sterile needles along the meridians to affect the flow of energy to stimulate the area being treated. Often the needles are set up in “circuits” that “turn on” the energy elsewhere in the body, much like a light switch on the wall will turn on a light on the ceiling.

For instance, shoulder pain is often treated by accessing points on the arms and hands because the energy pathways that “feed” the shoulder originate in the hands and travel up the arms and through the shoulders.

Most people hold exaggerated views of the actual procedure. The needles used in this country are single use, disposable, sterile needles that are very, very fine and flexible. The needle does not pierce the skin but rather disperses it, therefore the patient does not bleed and often does not even feel the needle being inserted.

The needles do not penetrate deep into the skin, just enough to access the meridians that lie beneath the surface of the skin. There-are many “energy points” along the meridians that the acupuncturist can stimulate, some texts detail as many as 2000 points.

I often use the analogy that the meridians are like a railroad track and the acupuncture point is the station on the track. When the energy becomes stuck it is similar to a train stopping at the station; the energy or train must be released before it can proceed down the track or meridian.

Since President Nixon brought back a group of acupuncturists from his visit to China in the late 1960s, acupuncture has enjoyed a greater understanding of this ancient practice. Over the past 20 years, with the growing popularity and acceptance of holistic therapies, acupuncture has increasingly become the therapy of choice for certain conditions, particularly for control of pain.

Many people seek acupuncture treatments to prevent or control disease, particularly during the cold and flu season, or they may have treatments to strengthen their energy and boost their immune system.

It is becoming more common for addiction programs to train staff members in ear (auricular) acupuncture, to ease or eliminate cravings for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or even food.

A very small needle is inserted and sometimes left in the proper spot on the exterior area of the ear to stimulate the flow of chi. Studies have shown that this is a very valid therapy for some patients.

If you are considering trying acupuncture inquire about the practitioner’s credentials to be sure they graduated from an accredited school and obtained a license to practice. Licensing credentials differ from state to state, and although the laws governing the practice of acupuncture are currently undergoing changes across the country, acupuncturists in the State of Pennsylvania are required to practice under the auspices of a physician even if the practitioner’s licensed as a DOM (Doctor of Chinese Medicine).

There are a growing number of physicians who are also trained in acupuncture as an adjunct to their practice.

Even with the extensive documented benefits of acupuncture, many people still shy away from this very effective practice due to a fear of needles. An understanding practitioner will take the time to reassure the patient by explaining the procedure and deomonstrating the needles.

However. if you still want to enjoy acupuncture without the needles, then you may want to try a treatment by a qualified acupressure practitioner. Acupressure uses the same concepts as acupuncture, but uses finger pressure to stimulate the energy rather than needles. I have experienced both acupuncture and accupressure and have found that both work quite well when in the hands of the proper practitioner.

There are many “points” to consider in seeking acupuncture to treat pain or other health concerns. I suggest you try it for yourself to see if it is right for you.

Readers are encouraged to send questions to Dr. Betty at Minerva Educational Center, 303 Deer Lane, Honesdale PA 18431 or email: mlnervaed@aol.com. For more information visit the Minerva website at www.minervaed.com.