Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Copyright © 2006, Acupuncture Clinic of Central Connecticut

Acupuncture Clinic of Central Connecticut
		*Expertise In:* *Digestive Disorders* *Gynecology* *Stress Disorders*
	Welcome to the Acupuncture Clinic of Central Connecticut. Here you will find some basic information on Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Although Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years, it has only recently received widespread acceptance in Western cultures. Acupuncture is proving to be especially effective in the treatment of pain, as this recent article in The Hartford Courant shows - A young cancer patient finds relief through acupuncture. *Mission:* To use a holistic approach in which natural methods of healing are applied for internal medical disorders. The use of preventative medicine is seen as an important key to maintaining wellness. Preventative treatment and treatment of chronic disorders are a major focus of this acupuncture clinic. Here at Acupuncture Clinic of Central Connecticut, each and every person is unique; therefore, every treatment is custom-tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

*566 Prospect Avenue,* *Hartford, CT 06105* *860-995-9179*

*What is Acupuncture?* Acupuncture is a safe medical procedure that is highly effective in treating various diseases that cannot be helped by conventional medical methods. It is an Oriental form of treating internal medical disorders by inserting “fine” needles into acupuncture (or active) points on the body. Acupuncture uses a holistic approach by balancing the qi (energy) of the organs in the body. This qi is balanced to strengthen weaknesses, decrease excesses, lower stresses and regulate body functions. The needles stimulate qi so that it can flow freely throughout the channels, thereby promoting the healthy functioning of the body’s organ systems. Acupuncture is about 4,000 years old according to written texts dating back between the 3rd and 5th centuries B.C. Common disorders that Acupuncture Clinic of Central Connecticut treats are: Gynecological problems, Ear, Nose and Throat, Digestive problems, Urological problems, Stress-related disorders and Emotional problems. Specializing in Women’s Disorders and Digestive and Stress Disorders

The Philosophy of this Acupuncture Clinic

The Acupuncture Clinic of Central Connecticut was established with a commitment to the patient’s physical, mental and emotional health through understanding, compassion and honesty. It is a place where one can go to for medical attention when Western medicine has failed to help. The clinic offers people natural methods of healing, which can cause permanent changes in the body so that good health is achieved for the rest of their lives. Providing empowerment and education is extremely important in helping people assume responsibility for their own health and happiness.

“Qi”

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the basic energy life force that circulates throughout all living things is called Qi (Chi) – meaning “energy flows.” When Qi travels through the human body, it flows along 12 primary and 2 secondary channels or meridians. As Qi flows through the channels, it helps to circulate blood and affects the nervous system. Along these channels are about 365 major acupuncture (or active) points.

Qi contains two aspects, Yin and Yang. Yin is the negative aspect and Yang is the positive aspect. Yin and Yang must be in balance in order for Qi to flow freely and for all living beings to function properly. When the Yin and Yang are out of balance, the body is susceptible to pain and illness. Traditional Chinese Medical theory states that disease is usually caused by functional disorder first. By functional disorder, we mean poor blood circulation and an imbalance of the nervous system. Only if Qi flows freely through the channels, when Yin and Yang are well balanced,can the function of the body be properly maintained. The skilled Acupuncturist observes and makes a diagnosis to bring Yin and Yang back into balance by manipulating those points on the channel that is blocked.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Traditional Chinese Medicine bases treatment according to Differential Diagnosis

Observation of Tongue

A normal tongue is of proper size for the mouth, pink in color, soft in quality, free in motion with a thin layer of coating that is rooted in the tongue, which is neither dry nor too moist. All the internal organs are represented on the Tongue.

Palpating the Pulse

The pulse represents all the internal organs. There are about 28 pulse types and there are 3 positions on each wrist which represents all the internal organs. Palpation is done for various parts of the body, such as for feeling epigastrium pain or pain the legs or lower back.

Asking Questions

The acupuncturist asks questions concerning the disorder being treated, as well as, asking about appetite, energy levels, sleep, bowel, urine, sweating, stress and emotional levels.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture works by applying the theory of meridians and collaterals as a main guide for treatment, and then choosing points from the adjacent areas. By regulating the circulation of Qi (Energy) and blood flow through the meridians and collaterals, therapeutic results can be achieved. When a needle is inserted into the skin, it sends a signal to the spinal cord and brain, which instructs the nervous system to ignore pain which may be present, or to modify a particular body function.

Since a great deal about the operation of the nervous system is still unknown to modern science, and because Acupuncture works via the nervous system, our ability to understand the mode of action of Acupuncture is limited. But there is overwhelming evidence from animal studies that Acupuncture reduces pain by triggering the release of endorphins and other substances by the nervous system. As Asian teachers have said to their students, “It has worked for thousand of years, why does it matter how it works?”

*Conditions Treated by Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs* The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed more than 40 conditions that Acupuncture can treat successfully.
Acid Reflux Allergy and asthma Abdominal pain Anxiety Arthritis Cough Chronic constipation Common cold or flu Chronic diarrhea Chronic fatigue Depression Dizziness or Vertigo Migraine headache Hot flashes IBS Insomnia Infertility Indigestion	Irritability Night sweats Nausea or vomiting Palpitations Painful or irregular periods PMS Skin conditions TMJ Urinary Dysfunction Sciatica Eye twitch Morning sickness Muscle and joint pain Tinnitus Sore throat Shortness of breath Food cravings Quit Smoking

Stress

Stress is a large contributor to many internal medical disorders. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can successfully treat them with minimal side effects. Here is a list of common stressors that can increase the load on your body.

Lifestyle and Environmental Stressors

Regular alcohol use
Regular intake of caffeine
Chronic dieting
Use of prescription or other drugs
Oral contraceptive use
Cigarette smoke
Old age
Poor digestion
Pregnancy
Infection or Illness
Exposure to radiation (sun, radiated foods, x-rays)
Heavy exercise
Surgery
Injuries or wounds
Exposure to pesticides
Exposure to air/water pollution
Increased emotional or occupational stress

*Chinese Herbal Medicine* What makes these “Chinese” herbs is that they are prescribed according to Chinese medical theory and a TCM pattern diagnosis. Chinese herbal medicine may include vegetable, animal and mineral ingredients; however, the majority of ingredients are from vegetable sources. Leaves, flowers, twigs, berries, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes and bark are among the parts of the vegetable used. This clinic uses Chinese Herbal Patent Medicine, which are herbal formulas already in pill form. These are easier to take, and there is little or no taste. Although Chinese Herbal Patent Medicine is good for acute diseases, such as intestinal flu and the common cold, it works especially well for chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, auto-immune diseases and chronic viral diseases, as well as, degenerative diseases due to aging. Chinese medicine is especially good for promoting the body’s ability to heal and recover from illness. When Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed in acute conditions, the results may occur in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, the results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and practitioner from the very start. Most of the ingredients of Chinese Herbal Patent Medicine have a very low toxicity compared to common over-the-counter Western drugs. When they are prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, they should have few, if any, side effects, and offer beneficial healing results. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) consists of both acupuncture and the prescribing of herbal formulations. Chinese herbal formulas can assist acupuncture by making the therapy long-lasting. TCM also empowers the patient to take charge of his or her own health and well-being.

*Some Common Questions* Q: What are acupuncture (or active) points? A: Acupuncture points are areas on the skin that can influence pain or body function when stimulated by a needle prick or heat. Under certain circumstances, specific areas of the skin may become tender to the touch and many points can be located this way. Q: What are the needles like? A: Acupuncture needles are smooth and fine and contain no medicines which are injected through them. The needles are one-time-use disposable and sterile, and are FDA approved. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are much smaller in diameter. The skin is cleansed with alcohol before the needle is inserted. Needles are inserted into the skin anywhere from 1/8 inch in depth to several inches in areas of the body with overlying fat. Q: What can I expect on my first visit? A: The Acupuncturist and the patient will sit and discuss health history and lifestyle. The patient will be asked a number of questions which should be answered honestly and openly. All information is kept confidential. The Acupuncturist will observe, listen and palpate the pulse on both wrists. A diagnosis is then made and the patient will lie down for approximately 30 minutes, depending on what needs to be accomplished during the visit. The Acupuncturist will select points to insert the needles, which are usually located on the arms, legs, hands and feet. During a follow-up visit we will review my findings and diagnosis. A treatment plan will be explained, along with what is expected of the patient. The patient should be empowered concerning his/her own health and treatment. Q: Will improvement from acupuncture be long lasting? A: Many people who have been helped by Acupuncture may retain their improvement for months or even years. Those people whose symptoms return may be helped again with just a few additional treatments. Q: What are the side effects of acupuncture? A: One of the great advantages of acupuncture is that it is highly successful in treating internal medical disorders with minimal side effects. This is in contrast to many potent Western medicines, in which severe side effects may be worse than the disease being treated. Q: Do the treatments hurt? A: Some people have said that acupuncture is painless, but that is not entirely true. The needles used are extremely fine and a skilled acupuncturist will cause a minimum of pain. The amount of pain felt is usually less than that of a mosquito bite and dissipates rapidly. The needle is not felt as it enters the skin; however, when it reaches the correct spot under the skin, there may be a feeling of soreness or heaviness. It can be said with confidence that you will feel relaxed and peaceful for the duration of the treatment. Q: What are the chances of being helped? A: No doctor can cure all the people who come to him or her, and no individual can be assured success with a particular medicine or type of treatment. Acupuncture is not a panacea for all ills and only works in a certain percentage of cases. Work in Europe and the United States seems to indicate that in many conditions in which pain is being treated, up to two-thirds of the patients may be helped.

	About the Acupuncturist


		Genevieve Tomlinson, M.S., L.Ac.
Graduate Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Postgraduate Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy Undergraduate University of Connecticut Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM)* Diplomate in Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM)* *National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Four Principles of Treatment:

1. Root and Manifestation of Disease: In order to minimize side-effects of a treatment, it is very important for the acupuncturist to determine which aspects of a disorder are most significant. This is distinguishing between the Manifestations of a disorder from its Root Cause. The strength of the pathogenic influence is the Manifestation and the strength of a patient’s constitution, their normal Qi, is the Root. Examples of pathogenic influences are viral, wind, dryness, dampness, bacterial, pollen or wind-heat. In the clinic, most treatments involve treating both root and manifestations simultaneously.

2. Contrary Treatment: This applies to the hot/cold theory. When a patient presents with a heat disorder, such as hot flashes or high fever, then you clear the heat with points that reduce heat signs and also prescribe cold-natured herbs to decrease the heat in the body and balance body temperature.

3. Different Treatments for the Same Disease: Same Treatment for Different Diseases: Chinese herbal medicine is not disease-oriented like Western Medicine, it is strategy-oriented. The treatment STRATEGY is based upon the underlying CAUSE of a disease.

4. Treating Disease According to the Season, Environment and Individual: Treatment must be adapted to the time of year, the environment in which the patient lives, and the specific characteristics of the individual (such as a strong or weak constitution).

FACT:
Did you know? There is a 1 in a 1,000,000 chance of dying from using herbs, but a 1 in 2,000 chance of dying from the improper use of Western medicine.

Directions:

From 84 West:
Take Exit 44, Prospect Ave. and Oakwood Avenue. At the end of the exit ramp, take a Right onto Kane Street. Proceed to the first stoplight and take a Left onto Prospect Avenue. Continue straight on Prospect for approximately 1 ½ miles. 566 Prospect Avenue is on the right-hand side, across from a sand-colored brick fire station. There is a FREE parking lot in the rear, or you can safely park on the street.

From 84 East:
Take Exit 44, Prospect Avenue. At the STOP sign, proceed straight to the street light up ahead and take a LEFT onto Prospect Avenue. Continue straight on Prospect for approximately 1 ½ miles. 566 Prospect Avenue is on the right-hand side, across from a sand-colored brick fire station. There is a FREE parking lot in the rear, or you can safely park on the street.

Treatment Pricing:

Acupuncture

Initial Visit $105.00
Follow-up visit
$75.00 - 1 hour

Chinese Herbal Consultation $55.00

* We offer discounts to United Healthcare patients