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Looking at Acupuncture Through the Eyes of a New Patient

I know nothing about acupuncture. I write a lot about “Health and Wellness” as well as medical conditions and medications. Acupuncture along with chiropractic trips me up a bit, particularly acupuncture.

Why is acupuncture confusing?

It is hard to believe that sticking needles in a person can ease or relieve pain and even get rid of an illness.

However I found an article by a woman who didn’t believe in acupuncture but was suffering from hand and wrist pain. Later she suffered from several illnesses. She hates needles.

The way that acupuncture began for her was that she had a friend that was studying it.

First the needles are very small. Apparently you don’t feel much when they go in. Sometimes you don’t feel anything.

The science of acupuncture is based on “Qi” which is pronounced “chee.”

According to acupuncture Qi flows in identifiable and specific patterns throughout the body. When a person has a medical problem it is because the flow of Qi is disrupted.

This smacks of chiropractic which suggests that the body’s stability and wellness is rooted at least in part to subluxations to the spine.

The sciences of chiropractic and acupuncture are considered by most medical people as being alternative medicines.

What types of conditions were treated by the author of the referenced article?

First what led her to the acupuncturist to begin with was pain in her hands and arms along with tendonitis. She had the condition for over a year and had tried cortisone shots and anti-inflammatory drugs.

After experiencing acupuncture she went to a person who was both an acupuncturist and a chiropractor. She attributes her recovery ultimately to chiropractic.

Ten years later she had a “total body shutdown.” This included digestive problems, food and chemical sensitivities, skin rashes, anxiety and insomnia to name a few.

Over a short time she had many successes with the treatment of acupuncture.

What are we to make of acupuncture? Is it real or not?

I don’t believe that modern medicine is the only answer to illness.

I saw a film about a tribal custom in Africa where a sick child is surrounded by the tribe that begins singing. Soon he begins to run with the aid of a couple of people and after a bit is truly cured.

While I am not suggesting acupuncture for fertility is mind over matter, there is no doubt that people that take a placebo sometimes become well because they believe they are being treated.

I’m sure if I had bad enough pain or was sick enough and wasn’t getting relief the “standard” way I would have no problem trying acupuncture.

Acupuncture and allergies: preventative medicine for rising pollen counts in Boulder

Do you suffer from itchy eyes, a  watery nose, sneezing, and low energy? You may be among the 50 million Americans suffering from allergies.  Allergies cost our health care system billions of dollars each year, cause more missed work days, and are just uncomfortable.  

Spring has sprung in Boulder, Colorado. Allergy counts are moderate today but will hit highs this weekend. It is time to prepare and to act preventively. If you are suffering with allergies, it is best to find out which allergens are triggering your reactions. Many people think that this is just something they have to live with or they try “quick fix” over-the-counter Western medications. It is important that you refrain from self diagnosing and self medicating as this can be dangerous and expensive. By consulting an allergy specialist, you can be tested to see what you are allergic to which will help you to decrease your exposure.  For example, if you have a specific pollen allergy, you can research which hikes to avoid if there is an abundance of a certain type of flower along that trail, or, if you have dust mite allergies, it may be a good idea to buy hypo-allergenic linens and wash them often.

Fortunately Boulder, Colorado boasts a plethora of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) health care practitioners and some even offer seasonal discounts for allergy treatment. You will find that CAM is more accepted and recommended by Western doctors who practice in Boulder. This makes it easier knowing that you are supported and encouraged to try more than one option for treatment. Combing Western and Eastern medicine can be especially beneficial when treating allergies, eventually leading to reducing or completely eliminating your Western medications with your doctor’s assistance.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture offer allergy sufferers relief from allergies.

How does acupuncture treat allergies?
Acupuncture treats the imbalances that occur in the body that cause the body to react to allergens. It also treats the actual allergy symptoms by inserting fine needles into points along pathways/meridians. The theory is that by creating a micro trauma in the specific point, the body’s natural healing process will be stimulated. This acupuncture process can erase the memory cells which may have caused the inflammatory response to the allergens.

In addition to acupuncture, herbal therapy is another effective medicine used to treat allergies. Herbs are daily medicine that may be used to support your immune system, drain dampness, decrease inflammation, and will support your acupuncture treatments.

Try yoga to keep your sinuses clear. Fluid breath and movement tonifies and strengthens the lungs and open up your sinuses. Yoga also supports the nervous system which can get overstimulated during an allergic attack. Even better, do a sinus cleanse or use your neti pot, then head to your favorite yoga class. Bring tissues.