Acupuncture and Moxibustion

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the 5 branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  It is the insertion of ultra-fine metal filaments into specific acu-points (tsubo) on the skin, creating local  physiological changes in the tissues that relieve symptoms and help treat underlying causes of disease.  The other branches of TCM are Moxibustion, Nutrition, Qi Gong (exercise), and Herbology.

How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by improving circulation, stimulating the immune response by increasing white blood cells, reducing inflammation and swelling, and by changing the body’s perception of pain.  In TCM terms it restores the normal flow and function of chi (ki) within the body.  Ki is an idea that represents the living systems in our body and is conceptualized as all that moves around via the network of vessels running throughout us.

Will it work?
Yes, acupuncture works.  When a holistic approach is taken to one's health, including acupuncture, nutrition and lifestyle, the effect is even more favorable.  As with any treatment approach, some conditions respond more favorably to acupuncture than others.

What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion stimulates acu-points using heat. The prepared herb, mugwort (mogusa), is rolled into small 1/2 rice-grain size cones and set on a burn cream protected point.  The cone is then ignited using a small incense stick and allowed to burn nearly completely down, creating a pleasant warming sensation.

What is Meridian Therapy and Japanese Acupuncture?
Meridian Therapy was created in Japan in the early 20th century and represents the desire of a few dedicated practitioners of the day to revive a classical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of disease in modern times.
Meridian Therapy is ideal for the modern patient who wants an effective and gentle acupuncture treatment.  Diagnosis focuses on pulse taking and palpation of the abdomen and the limbs; with treatment then focusing on creating positive changes in the the pulses and ki.  This approach guides the patient's whole being toward a state of health.
Meridian Therapy is an ideal style of acupuncture for those who are scared of needles, children, elderly, people who are needle sensitive, ill, or just like the idea of minimal needle insertion with maximum effect.

What will the treatment be like?
A typical treatment in this style begins with a diagnostic evaluation that includes palpation of the pulse, the abdomen and the limbs.  Light and gentle needling is performed to effect ki while the practitioner confirms the effectiveness of the points by re-checking the pulse and/or abdomen, and by patient feedback.  The patient may or may not feel the needles being shallowly inserted or a sensation at or traveling from the point.  After the treatment on the front of the body (usually 10-15 minutes), the patient lays on their stomach and the practitioner needles points on the back of the body.  The points on the back are especially nourishing so the back treatment is longer (about 20 minutes) and often includes more moxa than the front treatment.  Other modalities commonly used to stimulate points and affect ki include gentle scraping and rubbing, acupressure with specialty tools, and massage.  A treatment usually lasts from 30 to 60 minutes.

Reiki

According to its founder, Dr. Mikao Usui, Reiki is a spiritual and energetic healing technique.  The practitioner channels "sun (rei) air (ki)" through their hands in order to promote the health of the patient.  Reiki sessions last anywhere from 1/2 hour to an hour and are extremely relaxing.

There are three levels of Reiki Training.  Level 1 allows the practitioner to perform a hands on Reiki treatment.  Level 2 gives the practitioner the ability to work on a client whether or not they are in physical proximity.  Level 3 is the Master level and is the level needed for a practitioner to teach Reiki to others.


(The picture at right was taken at the top of the mountain Dr. Usui discovered Reiki:  Mt. Kurama, near Kyoto, Japan.)