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WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
By Bonnie Deyaeger RAc (Register Licensed Acupuncturist.)

What is Acupuncture?

• The art of inserting very fine, solid needles into points in the body to open blockages, warm channels and help relieve pain. This then may improve mobility and has been shown to help with improving ones memeory. A wonerdful way to bring  balance to the whole mind, body and spirit.

• The acupuncture’s intent is to promote health, stop pain, relieve suffering and calm the mind. Though it may seem strange and mysterious (often fearful) to many, it has been tested over thousands of years and continues to be as efficient in maintaining well being in our stress filled lives today.

• The area from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of “balance” "between the energetic “qi” (chee) of the body, in its ability to ward off illness". The acupuncturist sees the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels".

• The acupuncturist is able to influence well-being by stimulating certain areas along these "meridians". Acupuncture (the use of needles) is only one of the many tools at hand when having a treatment. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including acupressure, cupping*, coining (gua sha*), magnets*, Tai Na* and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same, balance the "vital energy" so that proper flow is able to reaches the whole so not one area is forced to do it all.

• Today we use the same theory that has served as a basis of Chinese medicine for centuries. The five phases, eight principles:( Yin/Yang, interior/exterior, hot/cold,   excess/deficiency, zang/fu and jing/luo.). For all things there is a partner or a pairing to bring about balance with each having a distinct role it plays in obtaining health. Such as if your work is very physical then your leisure should be quiet, less active, on the other hand if you spend a lot of time at work on a computer or using brain power the your play time should be active more physical.

(*Other modalities covered in next article)

DOES ACUPUNTURE HURT?

• Yes and No, I have given treatments where there has been very little discomfort when inserting the needles, especially where there is” deficiency” Though with “excess” there can be the discomfort of the dispersing of the “Qi”, outward, a feeling of heaviness. With a patient new to acupuncture I tend to try not to scare them away by being overly forceful which may slow down the looked for quick fix but it is more comfortable. Every practitioner is different.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?

• ACUPUNCTURE is now listed as one of the alternative with MSP and may entitle some people to assistance in paying for a combination of 10 alternative treatments. Check your health care provider for types of services covered, there a lot out there covering acupuncture now.

DO’S and DON’T’S

• Eating a large meal is not advised or being hungry so it takes your mind away from being relaxed.
• Every patient is different in how they feel after a treatment some are fine and can get on with their day while others feel “like a rung out noodle”, so for your first treatment expect to take it easy for a few hours, not go racing off shopping.
• Drinking or doing drugs before a treatment is also not advised  for one thing you are paying to find a balance you should try to start  with  a clear head .

CHOOSING AN ACUPUNCTURIST

• When looking into finding an acupuncturist one should be able to make an appointment to talk to a practioner about what they offer, types of treatment available and length of time allowed. Be prepared to pay for this service, have your questions ready. We do not just buy shoes we try them on, sometimes we are lucky and they are a good fit other times we need to replace them, it is “your’ health that is the main object when seeking treatment.
• There are as many forms practiced as there are practitioners, the end goal should always be the betterment of the patients health. “YOUR HEALTH.”

Written by Bonnie Deyaeger RAc (Register Licensed Acupuncturist.)
Located in the Cawston, Keremeous area 250-499-7852 for more information.

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