Ancient Wisdom….Modern applications
The Chinese characters for acupuncture point suggest a “cave we enter to meditate”. Although I can not anticipate what you will find inside your own cave, I can invite you, through the practice of acupuncture, to enter a state of consciousness where your inner healer rises to the surface to guide the treatment. Each needle serves not just as a tool for physical healing, but as a pathway to unearthing the wisdom and strength that lie deep within you. In this sacred space, you can confront past experiences, release emotional burdens, and listen to the “Whispers of your Heart” to create space for inner clarity and deeper understanding.
A bit of history…
The practice of Chinese Medicine has served as a health care modality for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture and Moxibustion are one of the four pillars we use to treat physical and emotional imbalances; the other three being: Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong and Nutrition.
The ancient Chinese physicians believed strongly that “a superior healer is one who treats a disease before it shows symptoms, while an inferior one treats a disease only after it has manifested pain or discomfort,” (Inner Classic of the Yellow Emperor, 100 B.C.). They proposed that prevention should be our primary focus for health rather than the treatment of a disease. Acupuncture was first developed and used as a preventative form of treatment.
In modern times, we use acupuncture to treat a variety of physical imbalances. These include endocrine, circulatory, and systemic disorders. It also addresses emotional imbalances.
How does Acupuncture work?
Imagine a river…..Whenever a river flows, it carries water that provides nourishment and sustenance for life in our planet. Similarly, acupuncture meridians are the rivers where Qi (vital force) flows inside of us. Follow this link for a very insightful experience of Qi from one of my patients.
Different stresses impact our body’s meridians and organs, blocking the flow of Qi. Just like a blocked garden hose fails to water plants, a blockage in our meridians limits nourishment to our cells, tissues, and organs. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, allergies, gut sensitivities, constipation, and joint pain. Over time, our body weakens, reducing its ability to heal itself, and we become more vulnerable to pain, disease, and poor health.
When I invite a sterile hair-like tiny needle into your body, Qi (chee) flows through that acupuncture meridian as an invisible current, energizing, nourishing and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland. That is why we say that “Acupuncture helps your own Qi restore its healthy balance”. When Qi flows freely, you have the energy to activate your body’s natural self healing potential.
For those of you who have reservations about acupuncture needles, I will offer you other ways to access Qi flow. These include Acupuncture without Needles, Cupping and Moxibustion.
Acupuncture Styles
Chinese Medicine has evolved over thousands of years and over a vast geographical area (all of the nations of East Asia and beyond). It has been shaped by various cultural and political influences. As a result, we have a system that exists today with many different interpretations and regional forms known as acupuncture styles.
As a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1, I draw inspiration and knowledge from these two styles:
Japanese style Acupuncture is a unique approach where I follow a palpation sequence that gives us immediate feedback. This feedback allows us to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and ensures a better understanding between us. Through touch, your body communicates valuable information that helps me come up with a diagnosis.
Alchemical Acupuncture as transmitted by Taoist Teacher Dr. Jeffrey Yuen is the deep practice of paying attention to the stories your body and mind tell. Each acupuncture point carries a rich tapestry of symbolic narratives that will challenge you to confront and reconsider your reality. This shift in perspective opens the door to forging a new relationship with what ails you, transforming the very essence of disease into a powerful catalyst for personal evolution.
Looking forward to partnering up in Health!
Yamin Chehin L.Ac
Healing Cycles 