by Lorene harris,L.Ac.
Q & A
Longevity defined in the west, means merely the quality or long duration of life. It doesn’t necessarily consider the quality of the long life lived. As we age, our bodies naturally become more depleted . Tissues thin, digestion declines, and strength may begin to diminish. This usually is the time when we really start to listen to our bodies. Waking up stiff and achy, feeling exhausted early in the day, or waking up in the middle of the night for no apparent reason, are just a few of the problems that arise for many as they age. This natural depletion may also be complicated by a struggle to metabolize medication and dealing with the side effects.
All disease falls into four categories, the first three, genetic disease, infectious disease, and trauma, account for about 10% of the cost of the treatment for all disease in America today. The forth, degenerative disease, accounts for about 90% of all health dollars spent. These include heart disease, most cancer, adult-onset diabetes, stroke, HBP, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, autoimmune disease, glaucoma, Alzheimer’s, etc. Degenerative disease and how it impacts a particular person depends on many factors, but lifestyle choices and dietary intake could aid or derail a person as they age.
From a TCM ( Traditional Chinese Medicine ) point of view, longevity refers to a person who lives a long time, and enjoys a good quality of life. This is determined by their constitution, life style choices, and emotional stability. Chinese medicine emphasizes our unity and connection to the universe. Like the landscape of the earth, the human body is affected by the elements and climactic changes. The nurturing of the body also follows this elemental ideology, with proper food choices for the season and for the individual. Chinese tradition embraces the natural balance between the mental activity, emotional responses, and the body’s ability to cope with change. It also believes that with depletion may come stagnation, which can be improved through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary changes, qi gong, and other proactive treatments. Through boosting and increasing the free flow of "Qi" (vital energy), the health of the body can be maintained and be free of pain and illness.
What is Acupuncture and why should I consider using it?
Acupuncture is a system of healing, and a part of the larger system know as Traditional Chinese Medicine, which has been practiced in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although it is often referred to as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illness. It’s focus is to improve the overall well being of a patient. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, acupuncture can stimulate the body’s own healing response and help restore it’s natural balance. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors including emotional stress, poor nutrition, weather, heredity, infection, poisons, and trauma.
Who gets Acupuncture?
Many people come to acupuncture for specific problems. These may include anxiety, arthritis, back pain, circulation problems, depression, facial paralysis, HBP, migraines, sciatica, skin conditions, chronic pain, and many other stubborn conditions. Many people receive acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution. It can also be used in conjunction with conventional medicine, and to help with quicker recover after surgery.
What does Acupuncture feel like?
The sensation one experiences when receiving acupuncture generally can be described as a tingling sensation or dull ache. Sometimes there is a pulling or warming sensation, or burst of energy felt elsewhere in the body. Needles are usually left for 20 minutes during which the patient is encouraged to relax as much as possible, and not to move once needles are placed.
What will happen at my first visit, and how often will I need treatment?
First visits to an acupuncturist are usually longer than follow-up treatments. The acupuncturist will assess your over-all health and medical history. They will review your dietary choices, how your digestion is working, sleep patterns, emotional state, and any other concerns you need to address. The assessment will be made by questions that may seem unrelated to your problem, but are specific for pattern assessment in Chinese medicine. Confirmation of a diagnosis is made by pulse palpation and tongue structure and coating assessment. The acupuncturist will insert needles according to the pattern diagnosis, and may supplement with moxa, electro-stimulation, or other adjunct therapies. Number of treatments required depends on the individual, but in general, chronic condition take a longer time to resolve than acute conditions.
Should my doctor know?
If you are receiving treatment from a doctor for a certain condition, you should keep them informed of your choice to receive acupuncture. Acupuncture may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your doctor should be consulted regarding any change in prescription.
Degenerative diseases are not necessarily the outcome of aging, but rather aging combined with many stressors, and lifestyle choices. Western society unfortunately encourages a faster and more convenient lifestyle. This can be reckless and hard on the body, and signs of aging will be seen and felt much earlier in life. Making positive food choices, moving the body regularly, de-stressing, and finding a purpose that stimulate your mind will go a long way to aging gracefully. A life should be lived fully, but not to extremes, should seek out joy, but not to excess, should find a balance between mental & physical activities, and always address ones spiritual/emotional needs. The results of regular acupuncture treatments has been shown to relieve pain, increase energy levels, improve appetite, and help people get better sleep. With better sleep, the body has time to heal itself.