Acupuncture: Ancient Wisdom….Modern applications
The Chinese characters for acupuncture point allude to a “cave we enter to meditate”. Although I can not anticipate what you will find in your cave, I can invite you, through the practice of acupuncture, to enter a state of consciousness that will allow you to connect with the healer in you.
The Chinese gave each acupuncture point a number of names that will assist us in understanding the kind of pathways your energy needs to flow into to restore balance.
A bit of history…
Chinese Medicine has been practiced as a health care modality for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture and Moxibustion are one of the four pillars that Oriental Medicine uses 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 and emotional imbalances ranging form endocrine, circulatory and systemic conditions.
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 Chi from one of my patients.
Different stresses affect meridians and organs in different ways, disrupting or blocking Qi flow. If a garden hose is blocked, it can’t provide an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually the plant will be unable to thrive, grow and blossom. Likewise, a blockage in our body meridians will restrict the supply of nourishment to support our cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands.
This blockage can manifest into various signs and symptoms like headaches, allergies, gut sensitivities, constipation and joint pain, to name but a few. Over time, the body as a whole becomes weakened, and its self-healing abilities compromised. Eventually, it becomes susceptible to pain, disease and ill 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, your body’s natural self-healing abilities are activated, allowing internal stability and harmony to occur. This way, your body will have again a chance to flourish and true health and well-being can be restored.
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 subjected to many different cultural and political influences. The end result is a system that lives today in numerous interpretations and regional variations that we call acupuncture styles.
As a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1, I tend to draw inspiration and knowledge from these two styles:
- Japanese style Acupuncture is a unique approach where we prioritize 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 both of us. Through touch, your body communicates valuable information that helps me determine the diagnosis. <em
- Alchemical Acupuncture as transmitted by Taoist Teacher Dr Jeffrey Yuen is a profound and transformative practice. From my own personal experience, I have witnessed the incredible connections that patients establish during their acupuncture sessions, not only on a physical level but also on a soul level. These connections open the gateway for patients to tap into the wisdom of their inner Universe and engage in a profound interaction with it. Through this deepening awareness, patients are able to restore their bodies’ natural rhythm, creating a harmonious balance within. The power of insight and understanding comes to light, illuminating the nature of the present imbalance and the hidden potential it holds for inner growth. This newfound understanding becomes a bridge to their inner selves, allowing them to embark on a journey of holistic healing and transformation.
Looking forward to partnering up in Health!
Yamin Chehin L.Ac
Healing Cycles 