Acupuncture

presented by the Lau Clinic

Acupuncturists diagnose human illness in terms of Oriental Medicine (OM) which perceives the human organism and its processes as flows of energy; somewhat like the currents, eddies and swirls in a stream or lake. The major currents are called channels or meridians or in Chinese: jing luo. 

Twelve of the channels connect with organs in the trunk. Each of the twelve is named for the organ with which it connects. The organ channels and two other channels which follow the front (Ren channel) and rear (Du channel) midline of the body contain the acupuncture points. The names, locations and usages of the points vary with the specific school or nationality of acupuncture. Proper rate of flow and amount of Qi in the channels is the OM definition of health. The acupuncture points are needled to restore or maintain the flow.

Each of the acupuncture points has specific effects on the different currents and/or organs of the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine there are at least seven very commonly used groups of acupoints. 

o  Transporting Points
o  Five Element Points
o  Xi - Cleft - Accumulating Points 
o  Yuan - Source Qi Points
o  Mu - Front - Alarm Points
o  Shu - Back Points
o  Windows to the Sky or Heaven 

Transporting Points

There are five transporting points on each channel. They begin at the fingers and toes and stop at the elbows and knees. Beginning at the finger or toe tip, they're named Well, Spring, Stream, River, Sea. At each point the flow of the Qi resembles that of the body of water it's named for. At the Well point the flow is slender and thin. The Spring point flow is larger and has direction. At the Stream point the current has depth and more width. The River is wider and deeper yet. And the Sea points are the widest and deepest. The Sea point is also where the Qi goes deep into the body and connects with the organs.

Five Element Points

The Five Element points begin at the finger and toe tips. Each set of points begins with the names of Wood or Metal and continues up the arm or leg until all five elements are represented. The Five Element relationships are key to selection of the points in treatment.

Yuan-Source Points

There is one Yuan-Source point on each organ channel. This point will actually release Source Qi in the system when needled.

Xi-Accumulating-Cleft Points 

The Xi-Cleft-Accumulating points are somewhat like wide shallow spots in a river where the Qi slows and collects. Needling Xi points therefore accesses more Qi and is more effective at clearing a channel than most points.

Mu-Front-Alarm Points

A Mu-Front-Alarm point is on the front of the body and located close to the organ with which it has a diagnostic relationship. Visual examination, obtaining certain reactions when pressing the point or spontaneous sensation at the point are all significant diagnostic information. This is why Mu is also translated as Alarm.

Shu-Back Points

The Shu-Back points are on the back on both branches of the Bladder channel. They are each named for an organ or body part and have the same diagnostic relationship with those parts as the Mu points have with the organs.

Window to the Sky Points

Window to the Sky points are all in the upper third of the body. In one diagnostic model this third of the body is likened to Heaven. If there is poor Qi flow between the upper third and lower thirds then a window must be opened to restore communication between Heaven and Earth. In another model these points are held to facilitate connection to one's own spirit or to the spirit world thus reconnecting one to heaven.

THE EXPERIENCE OF NEEDLES

Acupuncture needles range from 1/4 inch to several inches in length and a few thousandths to several thousandths of an inch in diameter. One inch and 1.5 inch are the most commonly used lengths of needle. The others are reserved for more specialized use. The vast majority of needles used in the US are stainless steel but copper, gold and silver are still in use. Gold is thought by some to tonify and silver to disperse Qi.

When the needle is inserted the patient may feel nothing or a sensation akin to a mosquito bite, or perhaps a fly bite. Any pain should subside within a few seconds after insertion. Sensation after needles insertion varies widely.

You may feel nothing. You may feel a heaviness either around the needle or your whole body. It may seem like there is electricity at the needle or coursing through the channel. Yet another sensation is the feel of water moving through a hose. All of these sensations are held to be the experience of Qi. If the sensation is burning or sharp and/or continuous the needle should be adjusted. According to the Nei Jing the practitioner feels "a fish taking a hook". 

The experience while the needles are in (usually 20-40 minutes) depends upon the nature of the imbalance of the flow of energy. Sometimes the patient relaxes profoundly, sometimes he/she feels energized. Many times patients will go to sleep. Other times the patient enters a meditative state. The kinds of experience can vary widely during the course of treatment.

RISKS OF ACUPUNCTURE 

Sterile needles designed for a single use are the most commonly available in the U.S. To assure safety many states require certification by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. A requirement for board certification is CNT-Clean Needle Technique certification. CNT is a set procedure for handling and use of acupuncture needles and was adapted from the procedures for hypodermic injections. However, not all acupuncturists observe CNT. It isn't required in all parts of the world. So it's very important to make certain an acupuncturist uses safe needle procedures before taking treatment with him or her.

Clean Needle Technique

CNT minimizes the possibility of infection but there are other risks. The most serious is the puncture of an organ. Though the research on the frequency of organ puncture is self-contradictory and inconclusive it is safe to say that organ punctures are not common occurrences.

Other risks are more nuisance than danger. They include nausea, dizziness, bruising, and fainting. To minimize the danger of falling, be sure you are well supported and/or preferably in a lying position when receiving acupuncture.