| Choices in Wellness | |
An Exploration of Acupuncture
by Dr. Angila Jaeggli, Newsletter Volunteer; from the July 2007 newsletter
Wellness is formally defined as ‘being healthy in body and mind, especially due to deliberate effort.’ While it may be tempting to define your own wellness as an absence of symptoms, optimal wellness tends to lie beyond our status quo. This new series, “Choices in Wellness,” will reflect on varied approaches to optimal wellness, and how these approaches may best benefit you. As a naturopathic physician with experience as a primary care physician in family medicine, I have had the opportunity to train with some of the best physicians in traditional ‘western’ medicine, in addition to the most amazing herbalists, nutritionists and spiritual teachers. Whether under the care of eastern or western medicine, the astounding ability of the body and spirit to heal is quite evident, even under the direst of circumstances. And when given the right tools and encouragement, this ability can be phenomenal. Over the next few months, we will explore different avenues of healing, beginning with acupuncture and ranging through chinese medicine, tai chi, chi gong, chiropractic, naturopathic medicine, herbal medicine and massage.
Acupuncture has gained rising media attention over the recent years, mostly for its ability to relieve pain and discomfort. Although gaining in popularity, the practice of acupuncture began over 5,000 years ago. Acupuncture is based on the thought that an energy force, Qi or Chi (pronounced Chee), runs throughout the body on energetic pathways called meridians. Qi represents all of the spiritual, physical, emotional and mental aspects of life and is comprised of two aspects, yin and yang. Illness results when Qi becomes blocked or stagnant. Acupuncture, via the insertion of fine, small needles, releases these blockages, alleviating stagnation and restoring balance. The insertion of needles can also be combined with electricity or heat derived from the burning of specific herbs, called moxibustion. Typically the combination of electricity or heat deepens and intensifies the treatment, strengthening the movement of stagnant Qi. This may only be appropriate if the patient is not too depleted or exhausted, as it may exacerbate the condition if this is the case. Diagnosis by an acupuncturist is typically acquired through a thorough history and examination of the tongue and pulses. A wide range of conditions can be treated by acupuncture, including (although not all-inclusive): allergies, back pain, muscle spasm, headache, arthritis, anxiety, depression, and addiction to nicotine, alcohol and other drugs.
Many practitioners of acupuncture will also incorporate or recommend other forms of traditional Chinese medicine in addition to acupuncture to restore balance. These additional forms include Chinese herbs, therapeutic bodywork (e.g., massage), tai chi and chi gong. This method is used by two local Moscow practitioners, Meggan Baumgartner, L.Ac. and Lauri Mckean, L.Ac. Both approach healing by addressing all levels: the emotional, physical, spiritual and mental. In addition to assessing chi, an individual’s nutrition, body structure, and emotional and spiritual wellness are also considered when developing a treatment plan. Likewise, Pullman-based physician, Paris Kharbat, DO, DABMA, often notes that when a patient has not addressed an emotional issue, improvement with acupuncture is often minimized. She finds addressing the whole person to be key to lasting wellness. As a physician-based acupuncturist, Dr. Kharbat is able to bridge Western and Eastern medicine, incorporating traditional medical training with Eastern philosophy. Another local practitioner, Karen Young, L.Ac., has offered her acupuncture services over many years in Moscow.
Whether working through a chronic illness or working on improving your vitality, acupuncture should be considered as part of a well-balanced plan for optimal health.
|
Copyright: Copyright on articles, recipes, and
images are jointly held by the Moscow Food Co-op
and the respective authors, except were otherwise noted. |
For additions or corrections to this page, please contact the Webmaster.
