Acupuncture

EMI Stimulator HEALING WITH ACUPUNCTURE Traditional Chinese acupuncture is over 5,000 years old. Philosophically, the Chinese system has focused on prevention and balance, while Western Medicine, being only a few hundred years old, has focused on identifying and treating symptoms. In these five thousands years I would think that the Chinese have learned a few things about prevention and maintaining good health that we in the West could all learn from. By strict definition the dictionary states that acupuncture is the “practice of puncturing the body at specific points to cure disease or relieve pain.” Acupuncture is only one part or branch of traditional Chinese medicine. Keep in mind that acupuncture is a philosophy of healthcare that focuses on the stimulation of the meridian system. There are many ways to stimulate the points. You can use needles, electricity, laser, magnets, pressure or tapping, sound waves, heat, etc. All are basically different forms of energy to stimulate the acupuncture points. A simplified form of acupuncture without using needles is called meridian therapy. Here at Life Center, Dr. Ficara uses non-invasive techniques which do not break the skin. Instead of needles he uses low-powered lasers, gentle TENS microcurrent electrical stimulation or magnetic ear pellets. Laser treatment is effective on the ear points, while he primarily uses electrical stimulation for the body points.

Ear Meridian Points Conditions Treated with Acupuncture Here are some of the more common conditions treated with acupuncture. • Neck & Back Pain • Arm & Leg Pain • Headaches • Stress-Related Disorders • Hypertension • Infertility • Gastrointestinal Conditions • Respiratory Problems • Skin Disorders • Addictions, Smoking, Drinking Problems • Circulation Problems Today a tremendous amount of research is being done which is supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture. It’s common knowledge that it reduces pain, but it does much more. In early 2002, ABC News reported that a medical doctor was curing his mild to moderate High Blood Pressure patients with 12 treatments of acupuncture. Another ABC report in 2002 revealed that women who received acupuncture just prior to and after implantation at a fertility clinic had a 50% greater success rate of getting pregnant. That is a significant difference. Both of the stories mentioned above show how stress creates a problem in the body. It also shows the incredible power of acupuncture to reduce stress, thereby allowing the body to return to a more normal state of balance and function. Here is an example of a typical ear. Notice how most parts of the body have a corresponding meridian point somewhere on the ear. There are over 360 points on the body, with about 100 points on the ear. This is a similar concept to the meridian points on the bottom of the feet in Reflexology, where a therapist will massage and press certain points on the bottom of the feet for headaches, neck pain, etc

How Does Acupuncture Work ? Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that there is an energy field surrounding the body and all of the organs. The Chinese call this energy CHI, the Japanese call it KI, and in India it is called PRANA. In the West it is sometimes known as the bioenergy field, the life or vital force. This energy nourishes each cell and organ with informational energy that directs the activity of the body’s cells. Some of this energy is believed to travel through special pathways or channels known as meridians. The intersection or juncture points of this pathway are called meridian or acupuncture points. This system forms a sort of energy template or grid that outlines and overlaps the body and all of its organs. It is an intangible, non-physical scaffolding of energy channels that form a sort of ‘body double’ of our own body. Some of the energy travels along these meridian channels while at the same time some of it radiates outward as a vibrating field. Scientists have used electrical measuring devices to map out this energy field and the meridian points. Modern science is now confirming what the Chinese have known for thousands of years. We are dealing with what is known as the subtle energies of the body, which are very difficult to observe and measure in the laboratory. The frequency range of our cells and biological processes are in the extremely low frequency range (ELF), while our mind-field and awareness is in the extremely high frequency (EHF) range. It is believed that the chi, or energy, at times becomes blocked or congested at the energy meridian point(s). By stimulating theses points, with either tapping, magnets, lasers, heat, needles or electricity, the energy block is removed and the energy once again flows freely. While this stimulation is happening the body begins to release its own natural painkillers called endorphins. When endorphins are released, the pain is blocked, and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. Acupuncture also calms down the autonomic nervous system - allowing the body to return to a more balanced or homeostatic state. This action turns off the overactive stress response, thereby promoting healing and relaxation. Another side benefit is that by reducing stress you improve the immune system and overall functioning of the body. By improving the function of all of these systems and enhancing the overall efficiency of the body, a person is giving their body the best chance to heal and be well.