Alternative Medicine and Energy Healing"Check your Chi. The truth is that all ailments can be improved or alleviated with acupuncture." - Shaheed Abdullah - Healing Arts Health Center
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine and energy healing approach to health care. Acupuncture is one of the treatments used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is an energy healing medicine using Chi (Chee, also Qi) and the theory of the Channels and Collaterals. Chi is often translated as energy, however it is much more than energy in Chinese Medicine. Chi includes energy, information, frequency and vibrations.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine and energy healing approach to health care. Acupuncture is one of the treatments used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is an energy healing medicine using Chi (Chee, also Qi) and the theory of the Channels and Collaterals. Chi is often translated as energy, however it is much more than energy in Chinese Medicine. Chi includes energy, information, frequency and vibrations.
Channels and collaterals is a translation of the Chinese term jingluo. Jing has a geographical connotation and means a channel (e.g. a water channel) or longitude. Using the image of a tree, the jing are like the trunk and main branches of the channel network. They generally run longitudinally through the body at a relatively deep level, and connect with the internal Zang Fu (Zong Foo). Specifically they comprise the twelve primary channels, the eight extraordinary vessels and the twelve divergent channels. Luo means ‘to attach’ or ‘a net’, and refers to the finer branches of the channel network which are more superficial and interconnect the trunk and main branches (jing), the connective tissues and cutaneous region. The study of the channels in Traditional Chinese Medicine can be said to be the equivalent of the study of anatomy in Western medicine, however it is all about Qi or Chi (chee) or the energy flowing throughout the body and along the meridian or channel networks.
Chinese medicine paid scant attention to the physical structure of the interior of the body, and references to the shape and location of the internal Zang Fu in classical texts are few and very brief. Furthermore, there was no study of the distribution of the nerves, or the origin and insertion of the muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine did, however describe in minute detail the pathways of the wide variety of channels that serve to circulate the Qi (Chee) and Blood to every part of the body. The channels penetrate the Zang Fu and the Extraordinary Fu in the deepest levels of the body and connect with the skin, muscles, flesh, tendons, and bones, the head, body and limbs, and the sense organs, linking all the tissues and structures of the body into an integrated whole. Some say the ancients could see or experience the meridians as one can see or experience an aura.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles just under the skin into specific point locations along the Meridians or energy pathways to manipulate Qi to regulate Qi, to unblock Qi stagnation, to relieve pain and to restore balance and harmony to the body.
Stimulating an acupuncture point by any means, whether by needling, application of heat (moxibustion), pressure (acupressure), massage Tui'na (Twee Na) or cupping all comes under the purview of acupuncture. Through acupuncture, it is said that any points on the body can be stimulated in order to unblock, regulate or redirect Qi. If it is not on the Channel and there is pain - it is called an Ashi Point. Acupuncture needles are very different than hypodermic needles. Nothing is injected into the body. The needles are very fine and very flexible, and can barely be felt when inserted (unless there is Qi stagnation - you can feel that).
Acupuncture for the most part does not hurt. Some people may experience a discomfort in certain areas of the body. There is clinical evidence that many types of pain can be treated with acupuncture. In Chinese Medicine any pathogenic factor or disharmony can be addressed. The common cold, flu, headaches, migraines, immune system deficiencies, diabetes, joint pain, low back pain and stress are just a few of the factors that can be treated using acupuncture.
The philosophy of Tao (Dao), Yin (In) and Yang (Yong), must be understood in order to understand acupuncture. Tao is part of the culture in China, the way of life in Chinese Medicine and the foundation in acupuncture. Tao advocates living in moderation, and striving for balance with nature. The Chinese believe that moderation is the key to living a long life, and use acupuncture to balance the body, harmonize the emotions and calm the spirit to maintain health and to bring into balance ill health.
Qi is the life force which is found in every thing, both human and non human. It is the Qi that moves the wave in the ocean and allows the flower to turn toward the sun. From the breath of Qi - Zong Qi to the Qi circulating in the Blood - Xai Qi and the Wei Qi circulating just beneath skin in the Immune System – Qi permeates throughout the entire body. It is the movement of Qi that creates the sensation brought about by acupuncture that you will not want to miss. It feels like an energy flowing, as if you could hear it, but not really. When the acupuncturist takes the needles out of your body you can almost feel the Qi moving, it feels like a thread being pulled from your leg, or foot, or wherever the needle is being drawn out from. Acupuncture is a very calming experience. Simply, stimulating Qi using needles restores the flow of Qi in your body.
The Yin-Yang Theory is based on the philosophical construct of two polar opposites that complement each other. Yin and Yang, are the basic elements of life, when these two opposing forces are in balance we are at peace, and in harmony with all that is. In balance and harmony we remain centerred under stress and are much more likely to let things slide. We can respond to situation instead of reacting to situations. When we are out of balance we are easily irritated and frustrated, regardless if the concern or problem is large or small. We exhibit excess in emotions displaying arrogance, pride and impatience with others. Other excesses manifest in anger, grief or excessive lifestyle, which eat away at our Jing. When the emotions run amok or are depressed we create stress, illness and become sick.
All that exists within nature is divided into Yin and Yang. For example, the mountain is Yang and the sea is Yin; acupuncture is Yang and herbs are Yin; one cannot know light without knowing darkness; and one cannot appreciate joy unless one has known sadness. In Chinese Medicine “dis-ease” or disharmony is the result of an imbalance of Yin and Yang in the body. The essence of Chinese Medicine is to help one seek balance of Yin and Yang within ones self and with ones environment. It is said that death is the breakdown of Yin and Yang.
We are made up of three elements – The Three Treasures, Qi (Chee) is your energy, Shen is your Spirit, and Jing is the Essence of life itself. Qi establishes the interconnectedness with everything in heaven and earth and is found humans and animals - in every cell, in the blood, in every organ system - heart, lungs, kidneys etc. and in oxygen. Shen is compared to ones Spirit. Shen is the Light - the heaven in ones being. It is the innate knowing and intuition. It can be seen as the light in one’s eye, experienced in the joy in ones heart, glows in the skin and is the vitality in ones life. Shen also relates to the mind in that it provides clarity in thought, vision, focus and the awareness of the self; related to the soul in that it provides purpose, conviction and direction; related to the emotions in the aspiration, inspiration and willpower and to the flesh as it relates to the direction of the five senses with clarity and intention. Jing is the essence that helps us grow, develop, mature and reproduce. Jing is a precious essence used to create a baby and the essence spent during intercourse. It cannot be replaced - only nourished, as the Chinese believe that we are each born with a finite amount. Lose of Jing from malnutrition or a careless lifestyle can be nourished with herbs and acupuncture. Acupuncture can reduce the loss by balancing the Qi, or energy, helping to preserve Jing. It is said, when our Jing is used up, we die.
Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with herbal therapy. Acupuncture treatment works with Yang, because it comes from outside the body and goes inside (the act of inserting the needle), while herbal therapies are considered to be Yin because they move throughout the interior of the body.
While acupuncture is primarily known for eliminating or control pain, acupuncture can benefit a host of other illnesses, such as respiratory ailments (asthma), cataracts, hiccups, ulcers, migraines, and toothache, just to name a very few.
The truth is that all ailments can be improved or alleviated with acupuncture - from Alzheimer’s, alcoholism, and addictions to chronic pain. There are a points in the ear, called auricular-acupuncture, which can also help alleviate cravings of all addictive behaviours, acute withdrawal from alcoholism and of course pain.
Western medicine is beginning to concede to acupuncture for its use in alleviating chronic pain, such as neck and back, which a lot of westerners suffer from. Western medicine is only now beginning to accept the fact that acupuncture can also be used to help anxiety and chronic fatigue, and more and more medical insurances are beginning to cover acupuncture. This information is meant to be informative only, and does not go into the details that acupuncture deserves; please see a practitioner of Chinese Medicine for more information.
To Your Health, Wealth and Prosperity
Chinese medicine paid scant attention to the physical structure of the interior of the body, and references to the shape and location of the internal Zang Fu in classical texts are few and very brief. Furthermore, there was no study of the distribution of the nerves, or the origin and insertion of the muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine did, however describe in minute detail the pathways of the wide variety of channels that serve to circulate the Qi (Chee) and Blood to every part of the body. The channels penetrate the Zang Fu and the Extraordinary Fu in the deepest levels of the body and connect with the skin, muscles, flesh, tendons, and bones, the head, body and limbs, and the sense organs, linking all the tissues and structures of the body into an integrated whole. Some say the ancients could see or experience the meridians as one can see or experience an aura.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles just under the skin into specific point locations along the Meridians or energy pathways to manipulate Qi to regulate Qi, to unblock Qi stagnation, to relieve pain and to restore balance and harmony to the body.
Stimulating an acupuncture point by any means, whether by needling, application of heat (moxibustion), pressure (acupressure), massage Tui'na (Twee Na) or cupping all comes under the purview of acupuncture. Through acupuncture, it is said that any points on the body can be stimulated in order to unblock, regulate or redirect Qi. If it is not on the Channel and there is pain - it is called an Ashi Point. Acupuncture needles are very different than hypodermic needles. Nothing is injected into the body. The needles are very fine and very flexible, and can barely be felt when inserted (unless there is Qi stagnation - you can feel that).
Acupuncture for the most part does not hurt. Some people may experience a discomfort in certain areas of the body. There is clinical evidence that many types of pain can be treated with acupuncture. In Chinese Medicine any pathogenic factor or disharmony can be addressed. The common cold, flu, headaches, migraines, immune system deficiencies, diabetes, joint pain, low back pain and stress are just a few of the factors that can be treated using acupuncture.
The philosophy of Tao (Dao), Yin (In) and Yang (Yong), must be understood in order to understand acupuncture. Tao is part of the culture in China, the way of life in Chinese Medicine and the foundation in acupuncture. Tao advocates living in moderation, and striving for balance with nature. The Chinese believe that moderation is the key to living a long life, and use acupuncture to balance the body, harmonize the emotions and calm the spirit to maintain health and to bring into balance ill health.
Qi is the life force which is found in every thing, both human and non human. It is the Qi that moves the wave in the ocean and allows the flower to turn toward the sun. From the breath of Qi - Zong Qi to the Qi circulating in the Blood - Xai Qi and the Wei Qi circulating just beneath skin in the Immune System – Qi permeates throughout the entire body. It is the movement of Qi that creates the sensation brought about by acupuncture that you will not want to miss. It feels like an energy flowing, as if you could hear it, but not really. When the acupuncturist takes the needles out of your body you can almost feel the Qi moving, it feels like a thread being pulled from your leg, or foot, or wherever the needle is being drawn out from. Acupuncture is a very calming experience. Simply, stimulating Qi using needles restores the flow of Qi in your body.
The Yin-Yang Theory is based on the philosophical construct of two polar opposites that complement each other. Yin and Yang, are the basic elements of life, when these two opposing forces are in balance we are at peace, and in harmony with all that is. In balance and harmony we remain centerred under stress and are much more likely to let things slide. We can respond to situation instead of reacting to situations. When we are out of balance we are easily irritated and frustrated, regardless if the concern or problem is large or small. We exhibit excess in emotions displaying arrogance, pride and impatience with others. Other excesses manifest in anger, grief or excessive lifestyle, which eat away at our Jing. When the emotions run amok or are depressed we create stress, illness and become sick.
All that exists within nature is divided into Yin and Yang. For example, the mountain is Yang and the sea is Yin; acupuncture is Yang and herbs are Yin; one cannot know light without knowing darkness; and one cannot appreciate joy unless one has known sadness. In Chinese Medicine “dis-ease” or disharmony is the result of an imbalance of Yin and Yang in the body. The essence of Chinese Medicine is to help one seek balance of Yin and Yang within ones self and with ones environment. It is said that death is the breakdown of Yin and Yang.
We are made up of three elements – The Three Treasures, Qi (Chee) is your energy, Shen is your Spirit, and Jing is the Essence of life itself. Qi establishes the interconnectedness with everything in heaven and earth and is found humans and animals - in every cell, in the blood, in every organ system - heart, lungs, kidneys etc. and in oxygen. Shen is compared to ones Spirit. Shen is the Light - the heaven in ones being. It is the innate knowing and intuition. It can be seen as the light in one’s eye, experienced in the joy in ones heart, glows in the skin and is the vitality in ones life. Shen also relates to the mind in that it provides clarity in thought, vision, focus and the awareness of the self; related to the soul in that it provides purpose, conviction and direction; related to the emotions in the aspiration, inspiration and willpower and to the flesh as it relates to the direction of the five senses with clarity and intention. Jing is the essence that helps us grow, develop, mature and reproduce. Jing is a precious essence used to create a baby and the essence spent during intercourse. It cannot be replaced - only nourished, as the Chinese believe that we are each born with a finite amount. Lose of Jing from malnutrition or a careless lifestyle can be nourished with herbs and acupuncture. Acupuncture can reduce the loss by balancing the Qi, or energy, helping to preserve Jing. It is said, when our Jing is used up, we die.
Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with herbal therapy. Acupuncture treatment works with Yang, because it comes from outside the body and goes inside (the act of inserting the needle), while herbal therapies are considered to be Yin because they move throughout the interior of the body.
While acupuncture is primarily known for eliminating or control pain, acupuncture can benefit a host of other illnesses, such as respiratory ailments (asthma), cataracts, hiccups, ulcers, migraines, and toothache, just to name a very few.
The truth is that all ailments can be improved or alleviated with acupuncture - from Alzheimer’s, alcoholism, and addictions to chronic pain. There are a points in the ear, called auricular-acupuncture, which can also help alleviate cravings of all addictive behaviours, acute withdrawal from alcoholism and of course pain.
Western medicine is beginning to concede to acupuncture for its use in alleviating chronic pain, such as neck and back, which a lot of westerners suffer from. Western medicine is only now beginning to accept the fact that acupuncture can also be used to help anxiety and chronic fatigue, and more and more medical insurances are beginning to cover acupuncture. This information is meant to be informative only, and does not go into the details that acupuncture deserves; please see a practitioner of Chinese Medicine for more information.
To Your Health, Wealth and Prosperity
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