As conventional Western medicine struggles to deal with chronic health conditions such as stress, poor sleep, troubled digestion and chronic pain, the search for safe, effective, noninvasive and nontoxic methods that support and improve health has been on a dramatic rise. For many, that search has led them to acupuncture.
Acupuncture
Steeped in more than 3,000 years of historical use in Asia, the term acupuncture describes a variety of techniques that involve the stimulation of particular points of the body. The various points are associated with specific organs and systems called meridians. These meridians run through the body like channels, with the emphasis of creating balance and optimal energy flow in all of the body’s systems. While many associate acupuncture only with needles, the treatment can include pressure point activation, palpation or the use of moxa, an herb used to warm a point.
Acupuncture is being used for a whole host of conditions, including chronic pain, headaches, migraines, PTSD, digestive issues, fertility and hormonal imbalances, sleep problems, stress and inflammation, to name just a few. It is also very proactive—one does not have to wait until symptoms of “dis-ease” to receive benefit. The objective of acupuncture is to maintain and optimize balance in all the body’s systems, thereby encouraging health and healing naturally.
Western medicine is most often symptom-based treatment, but the approach of East Asian medicine practitioners is to treat the whole person by identifying what systems may be out of balance, versus just treating the symptom.
Two practitioners in the Lehigh Valley found their calling through their own personal journey towards health. Rachelle Matias, LOM, of Grace Acupuncture Herbal Medicine in Bethlehem, was working in New York City, experiencing a classic burnout. Looking for a meaningful way to contribute and help others, she says acupuncture found her. “I was drawn to it because it is very tactile and allows you to connect with others, not only through touch but through talk as well,” she says.
Lisa Baas, LOM, of Living Arts Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Allentown, says her journey began in college, studying environmental science and experiencing some health challenges. She began to delve into her own personal ecology and health, starting first with nutrition, homeopathy and shiatsu. Then, after three whiplashes, two years of therapies and no results, she had three sessions of acupuncture that alleviated the pain. She knew she needed to learn more and began her study of acupuncture and Oriental medicine.
Who’s the Expert?
There are two licenses to identify practitioners: The designation of LAC is someone who is licensed in acupuncture. Meanwhile, an LOM is a practitioner who is licensed in acupuncture as well as herbal medicine, and can prescribe herbal tinctures. The schooling to become a licensed acupuncturist and licensed herbalist is rigorous, with a minimum of three to four years of postgraduate work. Depending on the practitioner, they may spend additional time interning and studying with various masters.
“When clients understand the amount of study that goes into being a practitioner, there is definitely an increased amount of trust,” says Matias. There are many different schools and styles of acupuncture—all of which use the same foundational texts, but slightly different methods.
It is important to note that acupuncture is just one aspect of Oriental medicine. As practitioners licensed in Oriental medicine, both Baas and Matias are able to prescribe herbal formulas. The herbals provide ongoing support for the body outside of the work done in the office. Matias clarifies that they are not primary physicians, but rather there to support the client’s health along the way.
Will It Hurt?
The most common misconception is that acupuncture is going to hurt. If needles are used, they are extremely thin gauge and nothing at all like hypodermic needles. At most, one experiences a tiny pinch. Matias notes that her study in the Japanese meridian technique uses an even thinner gauge than traditional Chinese medicine, so needles are barely felt. Baas echoes this, saying, “People don’t realize how relaxing it is. If they did, they wouldn’t hesitate.”
Having such a light touch, the question may arise: “Is this doing anything?” There are countless studies showing its efficacy, and that amount of studies continues to grow. When addressing a health issue, Baas recommends to “try going in with a butter knife first, before using the chainsaw.” She adds that it is also a great longevity practice, reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow and turning on all the circuits to send regenerating signals throughout the body.
What Can I Expect?
When seeing a practitioner, both Baas and Matias express that there is a very comprehensive inquiry in order to understand the entire picture of one’s health. Viewing the body as systems—things that may seem unrelated to the patient are very much related in Asian medicine and confirm imbalances in a particular system. Unlike Western medicine, which looks at organs in isolation, practitioners are looking at the interplay of different systems, the cause and the effect.
Feeling your pulse through different points, palpating areas and observing your tongue are just some of the additional diagnostics used to identify any patterns, deficiencies or excesses. Once identified, the imbalances can be addressed. “For every 10 headaches there are 10 different patterns,” says Baas. “So, the work is very individualized.”
Treatment may then involve needles or moxa on particular points that the practitioner has identified, followed by quiet relaxation to allow the body to repair and restore.
How Should I Choose?
An internet search can do some basic screening regarding the practitioner, determining particular areas of specialty and overall philosophies. The most important part after that is the relationship between the patient and the practitioner. “If you are comfortable with the practitioner, the healing starts there,” says Matias. “A good therapeutic relationship, attitude and community support is always the best scenario for an individual to thrive.”
Science is just catching up to the efficacy of this 3,000-year-old practice of treating the whole versus the parts. Addressing the energy systems of the body in gentle yet powerful ways can have a profound affect on one’s health, immune system and quality of life.
