Understanding
Acupuncture
If there is an imbalance of energy flow, such as deficiency, excess or stagnation, disease occurs.
Preventing the body from having such pathogenic factors is the key to a healthy life.
One of the remedies to keep the human body in balance is Acupuncture.
The 5 Pathogens
Imbalance of energy flow may be caused by 5 different pathogens that attack the body externally and internally.
These pathogens are the natural occurrences:
wind
heat
cold
dry
damp
These different pathogens all exist in nature and attack our bodies on the exterior, causing an imbalance of energy.
However at the same time, our own body can produce these same pathogens from its interior due to excess or deficiency in function of different organs.
The 5 Emotions of Disharmony
Just as 5 different pathogens can attack the body from the exterior and interior, there are also 5 different emotions that cause disharmony within the body. They are…
anger
joy
sadness
grief
FEAR
One has the ability to produce these emotions from within oneself, as well as external factors can also project these emotions upon oneself.
A disruption in these emotions can cause energy to be stagnant, deficient, or in excess, thus causing a disruption of energy flow within the body, and therefore illness and disease.
Summarizing all these, you can see that human body is constantly under attack by these pathogens and emotions, which cause diseases.
TCM’s 8 Principles
Based on the information above, TCM developed a diagnostic system called the Eight Principles. This system divides all pathogens into eight categories:
Combining this system with pulse and tongue diagnostics, a TCM practitioner can determine which combination of points and methods of treatment can be used.
The Technical Side
of Acupuncture
Simply put, Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting needles into different points on the body in order to promote healing of a whole range of ailments. It may seem like very easy thing to do. However, in reality, there is an intense amount of training and precision that goes into every single prick.
Every needle is inserted very carefully into a specific point with mindful consideration. It is not only the spot that affects the outcome of treatments, but also how deep the penetration goes and at what precise angle. It is because of this that acupuncturists must undergo many years of training before they can practice.
Sterile, filiform, one-time use needles specifically made for acupuncture are used when practicing this form of therapy. These needles come in different thickness and lengths, all of which must be attentively chosen by the acupuncturist. The combination of needle depth, angle, type, and precise location all affect the outcome of one’s treatment, and its overall effectiveness.
“I am amazed at what one year seeing Dr. Arkadiy has done for helping me manage an autoimmune disease.
“I am very thankful for acupressure and acupuncture with Dr. Arkadiy. I never would have imagined how impactful these sessions could be.”
— Patient