"What is an Acupuncturist?"
By Faith K. Newell, L.Ac.
Dipl. Ac. & C.H. (NCCAOM), Dipl. NBAO
As we hear more about acupuncture in the news, in magazines, and from friends and acquaintances, we may begin to wonder what it's all about. What really is an acupuncturist and what do they do?
First of all, an acupunctuist does more than just acupuncture. Acupuncture is only one aspect of Oriental (sometimes called Asian) Medicine, just as antibiotics is only one aspect of Western Medicine. Although training may vary between individuals, an acupuncturist is usually proficient in the other basic modalities used in Oriental Medicine which include oriental herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and Tui Na (a form of massage and manipulation). However, in practice, not all acupuncturists routinely utilize all these modalities.
Here in the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements. In California, standard training involves 2 to 4 years of college plus the completion of a 4 year program at an accredited oriental medical school. The
training includes the different aspects of Oriental Medicine as well as classes in Western Medicine and medical sciences. Upon graduation most oriental medical schools grant the degree of Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. Although some oriental medical schools also offer a Doctoral Degree, the Masters Degree is currently the highest accredited degree in the field here in the United States. The prospective California acupuncturist must then pass the California State Board Exam before getting a license to practice acupuncture. An acupuncturist is considered a primary heathcare provider and therefore can be seen without a referral from a M.D. Acupuncture is regulated under the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Acupuncture Board and can be contacted at www.acupuncture.ca.gov.
The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the body in an attempt to balance the energy flowing through the body. Acupuncture is based on the theory that the energy of the body, known as Qi (pronounced "Chee"), travels through specific pathways called Meridians or Channels. There are specific locations along these Meridians where the Qi comes to the surface of the skin and can be influenced by the insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles. These locations are called acupuncture points. When the energy flow in the body becomes disrupted, illness can occur. An acupuncture treatment can rebalance this energy flow in the body. It's like giving your body a "tune-up". A popular alternative to acupuncture is called acupressure. This is acupuncture without the use of needles. In this case, acupuncture points are stimulated with finger pressure or a ball shaped instrument specifically designed for this purpose.
Moxibustion involves applying heat to specific acupuncture points and is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Moxa (artemisia vulgaris or mugwort leaf) is the herb that is used for performing moxibustion. When burned, moxa produces a very penetrating heat that can remove obstruction in the Channels.
Cupping is another frequently used modality. Cupping stimulates acupuncture points by applying suction through the use of "cups" made of glass, metal or wood, in which a partial vacuum has been created. Cupping stimulates blood circulation and is often used for low back pain, sprains, swelling and soft tissue injuries.
Tui Na is a form of massage/manipulation that can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and orthopedic problems. Tui Na is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Oriental Herbal Medicine is often thought of as the most important aspect of Oriental Medicine and is used to treat most conditions as well as for health maintenance. Herbal medicine comes in a variety of forms such as pills, powders, tinctures, raw herbs from which tea is made, or plasters to apply topically.
At this point you may be wondering how the acupuncturist decides which modality or combinations of modalites should be used to best treat each patient. Are all patients with similar conditions treated the same? This is a very important question since it brings up the one thing that is most unique about Oriental Medicine, its theory. The various modalities of Oriental Medicine are just tools that are used to bring the body back into balance, the acupuncturist must first determine what imbalances are present and then determine the best course of action to take in order to corrrect the specific imbalance(s). This is where Oriental Medical Theory comes into play.
Oriental Medical Theory is the foundation and basis for Oriental Medicine. Without it, correct diagnosis and determination of the best treatment options would be impossible. In examining a patient for the first time, an acupuncturist will first do a complete history and intake. Principally, this includes what is called the Four Examinations. The first is called Inspection. This includes taking note of a person's appearance, vitality, facial color, temperment, posture, gait, and appearance of the tongue color and coating. The second is Listening and Smelling. This involves taking note of the quality of the voice and respiration, speech patterns, cough, and any unusual body odor. The third is Inquiring. This involves asking the patien about subjective sensations of pain, heat or cold, patterns of perspirations, elimination, thirst, appetite, sleep patterns, reproductive history, physical activity, emotions, general medical history, etc. The fourth is Palpation. This primarily involves feeling the pulse on both wrists. The pulse gives the acupuncturist information on the general condition of the body and various organ systems.
With this information obtained through the examination, the acupuncturist is able to determine the current imbalances in the patient's body by applying the concepts of Oriental Medical Theory. The kinds of imbalances that the acupuncturist looks for include determining whether the condition is external or internal in nature, hot or cold, deficient or excess, too much dampness or dryness, etc. Often times a diagnosis will include the mention of a specific organ, i.e. "Liver Qi Stagnation". In these cases, it does not mean that there is something wrong with the patient's physical organ. In Oriental Medicine an organ is thought of on an energetic level as being associated with specific functions within the body. For example, the Liver is said to be responsible for the free flow of Qi throughout the body, it stores blood, it controls the tendons, manifests in the nails, and opens to the eyes. Therefore, if a person has dry eyes and blurry vision, the diagnosis, depending on the other signs and symptoms, may involve the mention of Liver in association with Blood Deficiency. There are various acupuncture points and herbs that can be used to treat Liver Blood Deficiency that, in this case, may be the cause of the dry eyes and blurry vision. Notice that what is treated is the imbalance, not the resulting condition. When the imbalance is corrected, the condition will improve or be eliminated.
It is also possible for many different conditions to have the same diagnosis, and for one condition to have many possible diagnoses. For example, headaches can be caused by several different imbalances such as "invasion of pathogenic wind", "deficiency of Qi and Blood", or "Liver Yang Rising". However, these three imbalances can each be associated with a large number of other conditions. Therefore, the imbalance(s) causing a specific condition must be determined correctly or the treatment may be ineffective.
Oriental Medicine with its associated medical theory is thousands of years old. It has been continually developed and refined down through the centuries by its practitioners and has become a very cohesive and all encompassing system of medical treatment. It is important that the general public become informed about Oriental Medicine and what it can do for them. Here in the U.S., Oriental Medicine is beginning to take a more prominent place in the healthcare arena alonside Western Medicine. Dependable information on Oriental Medicine can be hard to find. One recommended source is a book called "The Web that Has No Weaver" by Ted Kaptchuk. It gives detailed information on the basic fundamental concepts of Oriental Medicine and can often be found at the public library. You can also find information online at www.acupuncture.com which has a wealth of information for the general public as well as for the student and practitioner of Oriental Medicine.
Whether you need help with a specific condition or are interested in health maintenance, you are encouraged to seek out a qualified licensed acupuncturist in your area and experience the benefits of Oriental Medicine for yourself.
Dipl. Ac. & C.H. (NCCAOM), Dipl. NBAO
As we hear more about acupuncture in the news, in magazines, and from friends and acquaintances, we may begin to wonder what it's all about. What really is an acupuncturist and what do they do?
First of all, an acupunctuist does more than just acupuncture. Acupuncture is only one aspect of Oriental (sometimes called Asian) Medicine, just as antibiotics is only one aspect of Western Medicine. Although training may vary between individuals, an acupuncturist is usually proficient in the other basic modalities used in Oriental Medicine which include oriental herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion, and Tui Na (a form of massage and manipulation). However, in practice, not all acupuncturists routinely utilize all these modalities.
Here in the United States, each state has its own licensing requirements. In California, standard training involves 2 to 4 years of college plus the completion of a 4 year program at an accredited oriental medical school. The
training includes the different aspects of Oriental Medicine as well as classes in Western Medicine and medical sciences. Upon graduation most oriental medical schools grant the degree of Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. Although some oriental medical schools also offer a Doctoral Degree, the Masters Degree is currently the highest accredited degree in the field here in the United States. The prospective California acupuncturist must then pass the California State Board Exam before getting a license to practice acupuncture. An acupuncturist is considered a primary heathcare provider and therefore can be seen without a referral from a M.D. Acupuncture is regulated under the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Acupuncture Board and can be contacted at www.acupuncture.ca.gov.
The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific areas of the body in an attempt to balance the energy flowing through the body. Acupuncture is based on the theory that the energy of the body, known as Qi (pronounced "Chee"), travels through specific pathways called Meridians or Channels. There are specific locations along these Meridians where the Qi comes to the surface of the skin and can be influenced by the insertion and manipulation of acupuncture needles. These locations are called acupuncture points. When the energy flow in the body becomes disrupted, illness can occur. An acupuncture treatment can rebalance this energy flow in the body. It's like giving your body a "tune-up". A popular alternative to acupuncture is called acupressure. This is acupuncture without the use of needles. In this case, acupuncture points are stimulated with finger pressure or a ball shaped instrument specifically designed for this purpose.
Moxibustion involves applying heat to specific acupuncture points and is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Moxa (artemisia vulgaris or mugwort leaf) is the herb that is used for performing moxibustion. When burned, moxa produces a very penetrating heat that can remove obstruction in the Channels.
Cupping is another frequently used modality. Cupping stimulates acupuncture points by applying suction through the use of "cups" made of glass, metal or wood, in which a partial vacuum has been created. Cupping stimulates blood circulation and is often used for low back pain, sprains, swelling and soft tissue injuries.
Tui Na is a form of massage/manipulation that can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and orthopedic problems. Tui Na is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.
Oriental Herbal Medicine is often thought of as the most important aspect of Oriental Medicine and is used to treat most conditions as well as for health maintenance. Herbal medicine comes in a variety of forms such as pills, powders, tinctures, raw herbs from which tea is made, or plasters to apply topically.
At this point you may be wondering how the acupuncturist decides which modality or combinations of modalites should be used to best treat each patient. Are all patients with similar conditions treated the same? This is a very important question since it brings up the one thing that is most unique about Oriental Medicine, its theory. The various modalities of Oriental Medicine are just tools that are used to bring the body back into balance, the acupuncturist must first determine what imbalances are present and then determine the best course of action to take in order to corrrect the specific imbalance(s). This is where Oriental Medical Theory comes into play.
Oriental Medical Theory is the foundation and basis for Oriental Medicine. Without it, correct diagnosis and determination of the best treatment options would be impossible. In examining a patient for the first time, an acupuncturist will first do a complete history and intake. Principally, this includes what is called the Four Examinations. The first is called Inspection. This includes taking note of a person's appearance, vitality, facial color, temperment, posture, gait, and appearance of the tongue color and coating. The second is Listening and Smelling. This involves taking note of the quality of the voice and respiration, speech patterns, cough, and any unusual body odor. The third is Inquiring. This involves asking the patien about subjective sensations of pain, heat or cold, patterns of perspirations, elimination, thirst, appetite, sleep patterns, reproductive history, physical activity, emotions, general medical history, etc. The fourth is Palpation. This primarily involves feeling the pulse on both wrists. The pulse gives the acupuncturist information on the general condition of the body and various organ systems.
With this information obtained through the examination, the acupuncturist is able to determine the current imbalances in the patient's body by applying the concepts of Oriental Medical Theory. The kinds of imbalances that the acupuncturist looks for include determining whether the condition is external or internal in nature, hot or cold, deficient or excess, too much dampness or dryness, etc. Often times a diagnosis will include the mention of a specific organ, i.e. "Liver Qi Stagnation". In these cases, it does not mean that there is something wrong with the patient's physical organ. In Oriental Medicine an organ is thought of on an energetic level as being associated with specific functions within the body. For example, the Liver is said to be responsible for the free flow of Qi throughout the body, it stores blood, it controls the tendons, manifests in the nails, and opens to the eyes. Therefore, if a person has dry eyes and blurry vision, the diagnosis, depending on the other signs and symptoms, may involve the mention of Liver in association with Blood Deficiency. There are various acupuncture points and herbs that can be used to treat Liver Blood Deficiency that, in this case, may be the cause of the dry eyes and blurry vision. Notice that what is treated is the imbalance, not the resulting condition. When the imbalance is corrected, the condition will improve or be eliminated.
It is also possible for many different conditions to have the same diagnosis, and for one condition to have many possible diagnoses. For example, headaches can be caused by several different imbalances such as "invasion of pathogenic wind", "deficiency of Qi and Blood", or "Liver Yang Rising". However, these three imbalances can each be associated with a large number of other conditions. Therefore, the imbalance(s) causing a specific condition must be determined correctly or the treatment may be ineffective.
Oriental Medicine with its associated medical theory is thousands of years old. It has been continually developed and refined down through the centuries by its practitioners and has become a very cohesive and all encompassing system of medical treatment. It is important that the general public become informed about Oriental Medicine and what it can do for them. Here in the U.S., Oriental Medicine is beginning to take a more prominent place in the healthcare arena alonside Western Medicine. Dependable information on Oriental Medicine can be hard to find. One recommended source is a book called "The Web that Has No Weaver" by Ted Kaptchuk. It gives detailed information on the basic fundamental concepts of Oriental Medicine and can often be found at the public library. You can also find information online at www.acupuncture.com which has a wealth of information for the general public as well as for the student and practitioner of Oriental Medicine.
Whether you need help with a specific condition or are interested in health maintenance, you are encouraged to seek out a qualified licensed acupuncturist in your area and experience the benefits of Oriental Medicine for yourself.
