Introduction to Acupuncture

Acupuncture This ancient Chinese practice is based on the belief that health is determined by chi, the vital energy that flows through every living thing. This energy moves through the body along pathways called meridians, each of which is linked to a specific organ. When the flow of energy is balanced, the individual enjoys good health. The interruption of this flow, however, can cause various problems including pain. Acupuncture is used to restore proper energy flow, and, consequently good health. Guided Visualizations Much research has indicated that bodily functions previously thought to be beyond conscious control can be modified using psychological techniques. Guided Imagery, a technique that has grown in popularity in the last several years, uses the body-mind connection to help people cope with a variety of disorders, including pain. Researchers have established a link between negative emotions and lowered immune function. Conversely, they have found a connection between positive emotions and a healthy immune response. "Guided imagery", the mind thinking in pictures, is an effective tool for eliminating negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones. Successfully used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other illnesses, guided imagery has also been shown to reduce stress, slow the heart rate, and stimulate the immune system. Taught properly, guided visualizations can be an effective form of self-care and can be used to enhance your prescribed form of treatment. Alma's Acupuncture Practice Alma practices body acupuncture and a mixture of scalp and ear acupuncture as well. I am applying the principles of Esoteric Acupuncture as taught by Dr. Mikio Sankey. Only disposable needles are used. The needles are so thin they are virtually painless. Information on various Acupuncture Styles Body Acupuncture Alma was trained in the Eight Principles tradition of Chinese Medicine. This methodology derives diagnosis by analyzing symptoms and root cause through Yin/Yang, External/Internal, Hot/Cold and Excess/Deficiency. Acupuncture has been a major part of primary healthcare in China for the last 5,000 years. It is used extensively for a variety of medical purposes ranging from the prevention and treatment of disease, to relieving pain and anesthetizing patients for surgery. As in many oriental medicine practices, the emphasis of acupuncture is on prevention. In traditional Chinese medicine, the highest form of acupuncture was given to enable you to live a long, healthy life .

Scalp Acupuncture Scalp acupuncture is one of several specialized microsystems, acupuncture techniques with a specific body location, taking its place alongside ear, nose, hand, foot, and wrist/ankle acupuncture. Treatment zones have been mapped onto the scalp that are associated with body functions and broad body regions. Indications for scalp acupuncture include virtually all the usual indications for body acupuncture, but the main applications are stroke, paralysis, pain, and emergency situations. It is most beneficial in trauma and injuries to the spine affecting the brain and neurological and cognitive functions. Ear-acupuncture While originally based upon the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, the correspondence of specific parts of the body to specific parts of the ear was first developed in France by Dr. Paul Nogier. Auriculo-therapy follows a micro-system reflecting the entire body, parts of the brain and different glands. Research studies have focused on the effective use of Ear Acupuncture for withdrawing addicts from the narcotics, alcohol, and nicotine. A five-needle protocol was developed and adopted for use in drug and alcohol detoxification programs throughout the US and later in Europe. Ear acupuncture has amazing effects on emotional, psychological equilibrium and homeostasis. It augments body acupuncture. On occasion, tiny needles (1/16 th of an inch) pasted on with body tape can be left on the patient's ear for further stimulation at home after the clinic treatment. Esoteric Acupuncture This method of acupuncture is pioneered by Dr. Mikio Sankey. Esoteric acupuncture utilizes traditional Chinese acupuncture theory, along with the Hindu Chakra System, Sacred Geometry and the Qabbalistic Tree of Life. Balancing the chakras which are vortices of energy located in set areas of the body, is one method of creating a more harmonious frequency within our energy field. The acupuncture patterns used specifically align, strengthen and harmonize the energies of the chakras within the body system.

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