Last month we explored the link between the body’s movement and its dis-eases, through the practice of qigong. This link opens up maps used to treat any human problem with physical stimulation. This month we focus on acupuncture, and its map of the meridians, as one such method of stimulation. Acupuncture very likely evolved from bloodletting and massage, as the advantage of stimulating various areas at once was realized. Imagine six pairs of hands working on you at the same time, communicating with a common intent; this can be accomplished with just a dozen needles. Also, stronger and more direct stimulation could be given, allowing the practitioner to use less force and time. While early needles were made of stone, today’s needles are solid stainless steel of various length and thickness. Of the thickest, several fit inside a typical hypodermic needle, while the thinnest are truly hair-like. Insertion is often by a tube, though some practitioners prefer hand insertion; either way, there is minimal discomfort for the client. Most notably, the low cost and technology of this technique has maintained the focus of treatment on the acupuncturist’s skill and his or her relationship with the client.
All acupuncturists are trained to make associations between clients dis-ease and the way they presents themselves: how they stand, move, gesture, and talk, what colors are evident, the quality of the pulse and temperature of the skin, etc. Even before inquiring about the history of the complaint, a seasoned practitioner knows a great deal about the causes of the problem. However, the treatment given may vary widely, depending on just how the acupuncturist was trained, and his or her interests and abilities. Needling may range from aggressive and deep into the sinews to light and just beneath the skin.
In general, most practitioners use a combination of techniques and theories, depending on the issue and the client. However, there can still be significant differences between practitioners in style, intent, and efficiency. For example, suppose a person presents with shoulder pain, and has a history of daily computer work and also a tendency to anxiety that binds up the chest. One practitioner may see and treat tension that relates more to the repetitive work at the computer, while another may focus on the emotional posture that also influences the shoulder. The treatments will be similar, yet also different, in points chosen to stimulate, and in how they are stimulated. The nature and speed of result will also naturally differ, though both ways may be effective over time.
Actually, the effectiveness of acupuncture can be quite astounding. It can be applied in acute cases for immediate effect, e.g., for acute back sprain, stomach spasm, or asthma. And, over time, repeated treatments can change the patterns of behavior that lead to these symptoms, i.e., improving posture to aid the back, releasing deeply held obsessions gripping the gut, or ridding the lungs of phlegm blocking the airway. In all cases, prescribing qigong exercises to complement the treatment greatly enhances the result.
The most cost-effective and efficient way to make use of the practice of acupuncture is a combination of regular visits- perhaps seasonally- with visits whenever one feels ill at ease, or when one’s routine no longer generates a lively spirit. In this way, it is possible to avoid the use of pharmaceutical drugs, reserving their use, along with surgical techniques, for emergency care. Also, making use of acupuncture, and similar modalities like massage and bone setting, helps to establish better practitioners in these fields and benefits the medical profession as a whole.