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• What is Acupuncture?

• How does acupuncture work?

• Acupuncture frequent Q & A

• What medical conditions could be treated with Acupuncture?

• What is Toyohari

• Shonishin-Pediatric Acupuncture

• Stress Management / Qi Gong

• Pain Management

• Acupuncture Role in Medicine

• What should I expect of my Acupuncture Treatment?

OM and Acupuncture: The timeless Art of Self-Healing.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an Ancient Oriental Medical Practice that works as a “First Line of Defense” in this hectic world, seeing the “Person as a Whole”; Preventing and Treating many ailments and conditions; Being the right answer for many people who have walked multiple avenues without finding the desired relief or improvement.

Acupuncture stimulates the body's Homeostasis (Self-Regulating mechanisms), harmonizes the function of the Nervous system (Master control of all processes and functions) and modulates the activity of the Immune system (Defensive mechanism), allowing the body to re-stablish self-recovery and self-healing.

Acupuncture is a “Very safe physiologically based Health Care Approach”, which utilizes a comprehensive medical model, that is internally consistent with strategies for harmonizing the Body’s Vital Force (Qi) and Blood (Xue). It addresses both, the Root (Cause) of the problem, as well as the Branches (Symptoms).

At Health & Hope Institute, this Healing Art is applied thru stimulation of various receptive sites along the body, “Ashi and Acupuncture points”, utilizing highly skilled and precise Anatomical Point Location, light touch and /or very gentle insertion of Gold, Silver and Stainless Steel, Single-use disposable, Pre-sterilized and Very Fine Acupuncture Needles and Tools.

The treatments also include adjunctive modalities, like Auricular Medicine, Moxibustion (burning of the herb Artemisia Vulgaris on needed areas), Cupping (suction with sterilized cups), Acupressure (sustained pressure, vibration or tapping), Tui Na (Chinese Meridian Massage), Heat/Cold Modalities, Electrical Stimulation, Homeopathy and Homotoxicology, Qi Gong (Cultivation of Vitality), Breathing and Relaxation Techniques, Nutritional Counseling and Herbal Medicine.

There are several processes that explain how acupuncture works.

The Gate Control Theory of Pain

According to this theory, pain signals must pass through a number of high-traffic "gates" as they move from the area of injury upward through the spinal cord into the brain. Like a road or highway, these nerves can handle only a limited number of nerve signals at one time. The pain signals travels very slowly. We can generate other signals which move faster. The faster signals crowd out the slower ones because of the limited capacity of the nerves. (Remember the time sitting in traffic near a construction zone, where the two lanes merge into one. The fast cars on the merging lanes go further and merge ahead of the slower ones, making it nearly impossible for the slow traffic on the lane to move forward. Now think about the pain signals are the slow ones sitting there waiting for an opening to move through. If one can produce enough fast signals, it can effectively crowd out the pain signals.) Acupuncture generates competing stimulus and effectively blocks the slow pain signals from reaching the brain. The result: the brain is distracted and we “do not experience/perceive the pain".

Electrical Theory of Pain

The body continually generates tiny but detectable electrical discharges. This electrical field influences the growth, maturation, and functioning of some types of cells. It is known that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals concentrated in regions of low electrical resistance. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the electromagnetic fields in the body and the channels or meridians. So, this electrical theory of acupuncture suggests that acupuncture works by influencing the body's electromagnetic fields. Acupuncture points have certain electrical properties, and stimulating these points alters chemical neurotransmitters in the body, starting the flow of endorphins—the body's natural painkillers.

Other theories talk about the:

• Release of Opioid Peptides. Opioids are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that have an analgesic effect. The release of these opioids plays a significant role in the reduction of pain. There has been considerable evidence to support that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, releasing these chemicals.

• Alteration in the secretion of Neurotransmitters and Neurohormones. Acupuncture is said to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and thereby alter secretion of these chemicals. These particular chemicals play a direct role in the sensation of pain as well as the activity of an organ or organs. Evidence has shown that acupuncture alters this secretion in a manner that reduces pain. Documentation has also shown that acupuncture positively affects the Immune Functions in the body.

• Acupuncture points may have representation in areas of the Brain. Thus Influencing/Effecting direct changes and/or Modulation of body functions and mechanisms (Physiology, Kinesiology, Pathology…). Brain MRI studies have shown diminished Oxygen and Basal requirements and changes in blood flow on specific sites of the brain while acupuncture points are being stimulated.

It has been proven that a positive patient’s attitude and the power of prayer might be great assets when looking for enhancement of wellbeing and/or recovery of health; however, Patient’s belief is not required for Acupuncture to be beneficial.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is the insertion of very slender sterile needles into the acupuncture points on the body. The needles are solid and approximately the width of a human hair as opposed to hypodermic needles which are much larger and hollow. Therefore, acupuncture needles do not elicit the pain associated with hypodermic needles. Needle insertions during acupuncture treatment go unnoticed by some while others describe sensations of tingling, numbness, heaviness, dull ache, warmth, or energy movement. Once inserted the needles are left into place from 20 to up to 45 minutes. Most people feel very comfortable and relaxed during treatment and may even fall asleep!

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe when conducted by a licensed practitioner. At Health & Hope Institute, only pre-sterilized, disposable stainless steel, silver or gold acupuncture needles are used. Needles are disposed of after one use. 

How Many Treatments will it take to treat my condition?

The number and frequency of treatments needed depends upon the nature, intensity, and duration of your complaint. Generally, acute conditions may only need a couple of treatments where, as more chronic conditions may be favorably resolved with a course of 6-12 treatments. Conditions that are particularly severe or degenerative may need several treatments before improvement and may require many treatments over time.

Initially, treatments are scheduled as often as three times a week (for crisis situations) or as little as twice a month (for mild-chronic conditions). The frequency of treatments needed decreases as symptoms improve and the patient recovers his/her strength/vitality.

At Health & Hope Institute, nutritional recommendations, suggestion for moderate physical activity/exercise, and other lifestyle modifications may be provided in order to accelerate your healing process.

What should I do before, during, and after a treatment?

Drink plenty of Purified or Distilled Water 2 to 3 hours Before and 2 to 3 hrs. after the treatment. It is advised not to receive acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach, immediately after consuming a large meal, or if extremely fatigued.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing. During treatment it is best to relax, and please feel free to talk to your Health & Hope Institute physician about any questions or concerns you may have.

Do not forget to turn your cell phone and/or pager off. You deserve to have quality time and peace of mind to concentrate in your healing process.

Directly after receiving acupuncture treatment at Health & Hope Institute, it is recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity. You may serve your body better if you could return to work, school or your normal activities remaining peaceful and calm. Remember to breath slowly with emphasis on a prolonged and effortless exhalation. Also it is great if you could go for a nature walk or take a nice nap.

What should I expect of my Acupuncture Treatment?

At Health & Hope Institute the Acupuncture session is a very serene experience and patient’s discomfort, if any, is minimized as possible.

Most patients realize after the first Acupuncture needle or two, that there is No Pain during the insertion. A very mild pinprick sensation, like the one caused by a mosquito bite, could be felt in areas of highly innervated skin (like the feet and fingers). On these sensitive areas of the body, there could be tickling, tapping or massaging around the Acupuncture point to distract the brain from the slight pinprick sensation.

Emphasis is placed on Breathing and Relaxation techniques to assist patients who are apprehensive.

Soft music that enhances the body’s Healing Processes is played. Soft lights invite you to relax and indulge in much needed Self-Care and Self-Love. Healing Essential Oils could be applied/prescribed for treatment of specific Acupuncture points depending on your Physical and Emotional needs.

As an Acupuncture Physician, the patient and I work together in identifying contributing factors to the disease process in an effort to Recover Health, Promote Vitality, Restore Balance and Self-Awareness, Diminish Pain intensity, Increase Functional Level of Activity/Mobility and Enhance Well-being.

Back in 1972, The World Health Organization of the United Nations and The National Institutes of Health, created a list of many medical conditions for which Acupuncture is appropriate. The following is a Partial List of these conditions:

• Mental and Emotional: Addictions to food, tobacco, alcohol or drugs, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Stress.

• Musculo-Skeletal and Neurological: Arthritis, Back Pain (Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbo-sacral), Sciatica, Neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bursitis, Fibromyalgia, Headache/Migraine, Sprains, Muscle tightness/Spasms, Tendonitis, and Pain Management.

• Infections: Bronchitis, Colds and Flu.

• Dermatological: Acne, Eczema, and Herpes Zoster.

• Genito-Urinary and Reproduction: Impotence, Infertility, Morning sickness, Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual cycle Irregularities, Menopause symptoms and PMS.

• Internal Systems: Asthma, Chemotherapy, Nausea, Chronic Fatigue, Colitis, Constipation, Decreased Immunity, Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, High Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcers and Thyroid disorders.

• Eyes/Ears/Nose/Throat: Allergies, Dizziness, Earache, Poor Eyesight, Ringing in Ears, Sinus Infection and Sore Throat.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine have offered safe and effective therapeutic results to hundreds and hundreds of people all over the world; for the above mentioned and many other medical conditions, with the added benefit of not producing any negative side effects that could worsen general health and affect well being.

The therapeutic approaches offered at Health & Hope Institute, may be the right answer for many people who have not found improvement in their physical and/or emotional conditions or relief for their symptoms.

Toyohari Japanese Acupuncture is a style that strengthens the self-regulating healing powers of the body.  During the Toyohari treatment, the Japanese Meridian system is brought step by step back into balance while avoiding over stimulation.

The practitioner 'feels' the patient’s Vital Force (Qi) moving and changing throughout the body and treatment efficacy is monitored constantly by checking the pulse, and palpating the abdomen and meridians.

Toyohari Acupuncture is very effective, and it is special  for People who are very Sensitive or Deficient, because the techniques are subtle, gentle, Pain-Free (Most techniques involve No piercing of the skin) and patient’s vitality is protected at all times.

In several countries there are sighted and Non-sighted Acupuncture Physicians certified by the Toyohari Medical Association of Japan, who receive ongoing teaching with training methods that ensure the consistency, quality and effectiveness of Toyohari treatments.

Shonishin Acupuncture works both as a Healing Protocol and as a Preventative Treatment Modality. As a Healing Protocol, Acupuncture Stimulates and Modulates the function of the Immune System and helps your child's body to fight off infection and disease by enhancing the production of "Neuro-Chemicals and Endorphins" - natural substances and hormones the body produces to support the healing process, reduce inflammation and diminish the perception of pain. Acupuncture affects the nervous system and may cause a gentle lowering of pressure in the blood vessels and also creates an overall feeling of wellbeing, which is essential to health.

"Acupuncture is Fun"

Acupuncture also works preventatively by treating "Lurking Pathogens" - the imprint of an illness which has come and gone. These Lurking Pathogens move deep into the body and can disrupt the Auto-Immune system later in life when the child is exposed to situations of trauma, stress or anxiety, and can cause long-term, chronic illness such as Fibromyalgia, Lupus, MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, or other Non-specific Autoimmune disorders.

Children respond very well to acupuncture. According to Oriental Medicine, children are very Yang - their energy is right on the surface and easy to access, which is why they tend to heal faster than adults.

Children find Shonishin very relaxing and often look forward to their treatments.

Acupuncture is a universal treatment protocol that can be used to treat many chronic and acute conditions commonly found in children: Earaches, headaches, fevers, allergies and asthma; digestive problems in newborns including colic, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; musculo-skeletal pain and trauma; nightmares and sleep problems, and bedwetting.

Because children respond so quickly to acupuncture, Shonishin, when begun immediately at the onset of symptoms, can be considered as an alternative to the overuse of antibiotics.

As well, the earlier you can begin treating a potentially life-long condition, the more likely it is that condition can be controlled so that it does not become a Lurking Pathogen, and lead to problems later in life. By treating asthma, ADD, ADHD, or allergies with a combination of acupuncture, diet, and lifestyle changes, your child has a greater chance of becoming a healthy adult.

Shonishin is a unique and painless approach to acupuncture that does not use insertive techniques. Special Needles/Tools designed specifically for children are used. These needles are not inserted, but instead may be either held precisely over the acupuncture point, or brushed gently along the acupuncture pathways over the body using Pressing, Rolling, and Tapping techniques. Pediatric Acupuncture is a very gentle and relaxing experience for the child and for the parent.

Since Chinese Medicine considers human touch to be an essential part of the healing process, parents are encouraged to be present with their child during the treatment. Infants especially can be held in their parent's arms while the treatment proceeds.

Because children respond so quickly, treatments often take a quarter of the time it would take to treat an adult - usually no more than 15-20 minutes.

Children, like adults, should come for treatment at the onset of symptoms or soon after a Western diagnosis has been established. Often, though, parents will bring their child in for Shonishin when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Preventatively, parents can bring their child for monthly "tune-up" treatments as they do in Japan - on or around the full moon. In Japan, it is traditional for children to have monthly preventative treatments on or around the full moon to keep their child's immune system healthy and to prevent Lurking Pathogens from leading to chronic problems later in life.

Parents love Shonishin. Not only can they see almost immediate results for some conditions, but they can participate themselves in their child's healing process. Certain simple techniques can be taught which the parent can do with as simple a tool as a toothbrush - and kids often really enjoy having their parents treat them right before bedtime.

Laugh.
If you're laughing, it's hard to hold on to stress. Your facial muscles get a natural workout that relaxes them. A Loma Linda University study showed that even the anticipation of laughing at a funny video significantly decreased men's stress. Other studies found that laughter can boost immunity, reduce pain and stress, and even lower the incidence of repeat heart attacks in patients who watch 30 minutes of funny videos daily.

Put on a happy face.
Research by retired psychologist Paul Ekman, PhD, at the University of California, San Francisco, has given new life to the old question, "If you're so happy, why don't you tell your face?" He learned that 40 percent of people have "smile muscles," and the act of smiling sends a message to your brain that you are happy. If you're one of the lucky 40 percent, an upward tug of those facial muscles changes your mood.

Whine (within limits).
This last quick-fix tool is more likely to appeal to women. Men call it complaining, but I call it debriefing and letting go. Humorist Loretta LaRoche, calls it Power Whining. To practice it, call a friend and tell her that you're stressed and just need 2 minutes or so to unload. Their  job is just to listen without interrupting. When you're done, reciprocate. When both of you are finished, wrap up with a 1-minute monologue each, describing the things for which you're most grateful.

It's this last bit that helps put everything into perspective by reminding you to be grateful for all the many things that aren't stressing you out. Like, perhaps, the fact that your house didn't really burn down and that you have someone you love who loves you, good friends, and another day of life to appreciate all the beauty around you. Works for me.

Instant Chill Out Tips: Go to Loretta Laroche & Company and browse the selection of hilarious audiotapes and videos.

Treat yourself with Aromatherapy.
The olfactory structures of the brain that process smell are wired into our Emotional and Learning centers. Keep a bottle of  your favorite Therapeutic Essential Oil handy.

Many of the Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils from Young Living have very powerful Healing, Oxygenating and Relaxing properties. Ask your Acupuncture Physician for the best prescription to soothe your personal needs.  When you're stressed-out, use a drop of your Therapeutic Essential Oil to touch your acupuncture point prescription, or use our Ultrasonic Aromatherapy Atomizers to diffuse your Essential Oils and create the healing and relaxing environment you deserve.

QI GONG (ENERGY WORK / ENERGY CULTIVATION)

At the end of a hectic day do you have a twinge in your back, knot in your stomach, or pounding in your head? The Chinese believe that aches and pains are the result of a blockage in Vital energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee"). That's why they developed qigong ("energy work"), a series of simple postures and fluid exercises that work to open up muscles, joints, and tendons so that the energy in your acupuncture meridians can flow unimpeded throughout the body.

Qigong was created thousands of years ago--some historians say as long ago as 17th century B.C.--by Chinese peasants who imitated the movements of wild animals to counteract the physical effects of their damp mountain climate. Although the practice has ancient roots, its slow, meditative movements are increasingly relevant to our modern lifestyle because of their ability to counteract the damaging effects of stress.

"Qigong is an extraordinary tool for reducing the harmful effects of stress.” The three pillars of qigong practice are body, breath, and mind. If your body is relaxed your breathing will slow down. When your breath is slow, you feel more centered, calmer, and more in touch with yourself" .

When we're stressed, Qi (Vital Energy) gets blocked like a dam on a river.  

To experience the restorative effects of qigong for yourself, try a short daily routine prescribed for your specific needs. You don't have to have any equipment and you don't need to change clothes.

Practice the following easy, but powerful exercises standing with the knees soft and feet shoulder-width apart:

Neck circles
Bring your palms together behind your back with your fingers pointing down. Begin slowly rotating your head in a circle to the right: Lower your right ear toward your right shoulder, bring your chin toward your chest, then bring your left ear toward your left shoulder. Move the head back through the vertical position to start again. "Don't let your head fall too far backward during the transition, as this can compress the joints in the spine". Repeat 5-10 times in each direction.

Low back stretch
Place your thumbs or index finger knuckles on your lower back an inch away from either side of the spine. As you inhale, press in with your thumbs and bring your hips forward. As you exhale, bring the hips back to vertical. Move your thumbs or knuckles half an inch down and repeat until you've worked your way through the whole lower back (5-10 times).

Shaking exercise
Begin shaking your wrists and hands. Next, shake your shoulders and elbows. Then bring movement into the entire body by bouncing up and down on your heels, "as if you were trying to shake the spine loose" Keep the head, neck, and shoulders relaxed as you allow the vibration from the shaking to move throughout your body.

As you bounce, inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth, visualizing tension leaving the body. After 1-2 minutes, stand still and notice if your body feels looser and more vibrant. "Shaking promotes circulation, clears stress that's stored in the body, and opens all the joints".

Wave breathing
Place one hand on your lower abdomen and one hand on your chest. On each inhale, breathe deep into the lower abdomen first, then into ribs, then all the way up into the chest. Exhale from top to bottom, releasing the air from your chest, then the ribs, and finally the abdomen. At the bottom of the exhale, actively squeeze all of the air out. Continue breathing this way for 1-2 minutes.

Holding up the Earth
Bring your hands in front of your abdomen, palms facing up. As you inhale deeply, move your hands all the way over your head, keeping the elbows soft and the palms facing the ceiling. On the exhale, float your hands back down to the starting position. Continue for 1-2 minutes. This exercise increases your lung capacity, which becomes hindered by stress.

At Health & Hope Institute we want to show you how Qi Gong practice combined with a Grateful-Sharing attitude could help you create "Miracles in your Life"; and hand in hand with proper Nutrition, achieve your Healing Goals.

At Health & Hope Institute, many effective approaches, such as, Acupuncture, Acupoint Injection Therapy, Qi Gong, Homotoxicology - Homeopathy, and Herbal Medicine; as well as Physical Modalities, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Breathing - Relaxation Techniques and Therapeutic Oriental Massage, are directed toward diminishing a person's perception of pain and eliminating or diminishing the External (toxicity, environment, diet) and Internal (physical and emotional imbalances) causes of it.

We will listen attentively to your needs, complaints and symptoms and evaluate your condition to provide the most comprehensive plan of treatment to help you improve and restore your Physical and Emotional Health and hopefully in the end, enjoy a Pain-Free Life.

Role of Acupuncture in Traditional Oriental Medicine

Ancient Orient believed that we are "fueled" by Three Treasures: Qi (Chi or Ki), Shen, and Jing. Qi is Vital Energy or Vital Substance; Shen is the Mind, Emotions and Spirit; and Jing is the Substantial Essence of Life.

Qi is both the Life Force (or vital substance) and the organizing principle flowing through all things and establishing their interconnectedness. Everything in the Universe is Energy and has Qi. In the body, Qi is found in the Heart and Lungs, in circulating Blood and Oxygen.

Shen is the treasure that gives brightness to life and is responsible for consciousness and mental abilities. Sometimes it is compared to soul. Within the individual Shen is manifested in personality, thought, sensory perception, and the awareness of self.

Jing is responsible for growth, development and reproduction. Jing represents a person's potential for development (comparable to Western concept of Genetical Inheritance). Chinese believed that everyone is born with a “finite amount of Jing”. As we go through life, we use or consume our Jing little by little. Once we lose Jing, it cannot be replaced. It is gone forever. We lose Jing if we choose a wrong or careless living. Acupuncture nourishes Essence, Blood, Fluids and Qi and can reduce the loss of Jing.

According to the philosophy of the Dao (derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine) “the path” or “the way of life”, the role of the Acupuncture Physician is to maintain and/or restore your health and enable you to live in harmony and balance, closer to the principles of Nature and the Universe, in an effort to preserve your Life Essence (Jing) allowing you to enjoy a long and fruitful life. Moderation in all areas of Life is essential to preserve our Life Essence. Living a life of excess can contribute to the depletion of Jing; drinking too much alcohol, exaggerated emotional reactions, working too hard, excessive sexual behavior, malnutrition/overeating, poor sleeping patterns, etc. all were believed to result in the depletion of Jing. Balance in all things is considered the key to good health and long life.

In order to increase their understanding of the Dao, the Chinese developed two concepts that together form the basis of their thought: The Yin and Yang Principle and the more detailed system of the Five Elements.

Yin and Yang.

It is the principle of the opposites that together function and express the “wholeness” of an aspect of the Universe (example: Day/Night, Heat/Cold, Health/Disease, High/Low, Fire/Water...). Opposites that attract, enhance, balance, produce or counteract each other.

The Five Elements

The Yin and Yang philosophy was further refined into the system of the Five Elements to gain a deeper understanding of how the Body, Mind and Spirit connection work and how Acupuncture can help maintain their balance and integration.

The microcosm of the body is linked to the Universe and is affected by the daily and seasonal cycles of nature. (Think about the seasonal affective disorder which manifests itself in winter or when the light is not sufficient). Every individual and the World are changing constantly. But these changes occur in certain order and in cycles. (We can think about these like our economic cycles or agricultural cycles. A period of growth is always followed by a period of stagnation or unemployment. In the stock market, a bull market is always followed by a bear market etc.) In the same way, a seed planted in spring blooms in summer, seeds itself in late summer to autumn, dies in winter, and a new seed grows again in spring. It is part of a never-ending cycle and each phase has its role to play in maintaining the balance of Nature. The same process of change occurs within the body. Cells grow and die to make way for new cells, and body systems depend upon each other in a similar way to the seasons, working together to ensure its balance and proper functioning and its interdependence with the Mind, Emotions and Spirit to maintain a healthy flow of Vitality and Energy through the whole person.

Oriental Medicine recognizes Five distinct Elements of cyclical change called water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. These five elements can be related to our four seasons (with a fifth late summer season) as shown in the table below. The elements can also be related to different colors, emotion, taste, voice, internal organs and body tissues. The Five Elements or Phases can also be related to the selection of Food as Therapy and Medicinal Herbs. (Notice the correspondence between the Chinese philosophy and the underlying Indian-Ayurvedic philosophy, which also classifies everything in the Universe under earth, water, fire, air, and ether).

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