Acupuncture: Ancient Medicine for a Modern World

1. Acupuncture: Ancient Medicine for a Modern World Abbye Silverstein, L.Ac 303-588-4663 abbyesilverstein@gmail.com

2. 3 Benefits to Improve Your Health & Life

3. 60% of the American population wants a natural solution to western medical treatment. Www.nih.nccam

4. Lost productivity and medical costs: Back pain: $61 billion/yr lost productivity www.ninds.nih.gov. Headaches: $50 billion/yr cost of absenteeism & medical expense Health.howstuffworks.com/.../headaches Insomnia: $63 billion/yr lost productivity m.webmd.com/.../about-1-in-4-usworkers Anxiety: $300 billion/yr lost productivity due to low morale & chronic absenteeism Anxiety disorders assoc. of am Did you know ?

5. Acupuncture treats Back,shoulder, neck, hip, knee, leg, arm,elbow, wrist, ankle, joint, & sciatic pain Respiratory, cardiac, circulatory, gastro-intestinal and urinary conditions, symptoms and diseases Headaches, insomnia, fatigue, auto-immune conditions, fibromyaglia, rheumatoid arthritis Anxiety, depression, PTSD, general stress Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, male sexual dysfunction, diabetes, addiction, Cancer pain, chemotherapy symptoms, stroke symptoms, Bell's Palsy, TMJ

6. Relieve pain Increase energy Maintain health Benefit #1

7. Qi (pronounced chee) is the vital life force in all living things. Qi is in every cell, tissue, muscle, gland, & organ in our body. Qi =Energy

8. Qi = Energy Qi is: • the combination of all energies mixed together: air, food and our DNA. • the power we use to accomplish everyday activities. • vital for our growth, development, movement • regulates of our bodily functions • protects against illness and disease.

9. Qi & Meridians Qi flows through invisible pathways energizing, nourishing, and supporting every cell, tissue, muscle, organ, and gland in our body. These pathways are meridians that flow through our body like a network of rivers. The meridians are associated with blood vessels and nerve pathways.

10. Qi & Meridians There are 14 meridians traversing our entire body, head to toe, front to back and both sides of our arms and legs.

11. Qi & Meridians 12 meridians, each corresponds to a specific organ (Heart, Small Intestines, Pericardium, Triple Heater, Liver, Gall Bladder, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine,Kidney,and Bladder). 2 main meridians support the 12 organ meridians traveling through the center of the front and back of the body (Conception and Governor meridians).

12. Meridians

13. Meridians

14. Meridians

15. Qi & Our Health When our Qi flows freely we • have No pain • increased energy • optimal health When our Qi is blocked, we have pain decreased energy comprimised health

16. Scientific theories explaining acupuncture Autonomic Nervous System Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the release of norepinephrine,acetylcholine, serotonin & several types of opoids affecting changes in the autonomic nervous system, and reducing pain. Anatomy of Neuro-Anatomical Acupuncture, Volume I, Wong, Dr. J., pg 34,

17. Scientific theory explaining acupuncture Nervous System Theory: Nerves and nerve fibers convey the acupuncture stimulus to local and global nerve centers, providing analgesia and relief of muscle tension. Shaozong C. Modern acupuncture theory and its clinical application (Chapter 5 The Morphological Relationship between Points and Nerves). International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture. 2001;12:149-157. Specific neural features of acupuncture points help to explain the bioelectric characteristics associated with acupuncture points. Croley TE and Carlson M. Histology of the acupuncture point. American Journal of Acupuncture. 1991;19:247-253.

18. Scientific theory explaining acupuncture Somato-autonomic reflexes produced by the somatosensory stimulation of acupuncture needling influence a multitude of functions, including cardiac, gastrointestinal, circulatory, cerebral, genitourinary, endocrine, and immune system activity. Kimura A and Sato A. Somatic regulation of autonomic functions in anesthetized animals--Neural mechanisms of physical therapy including acupuncture. Jpn. J Vet. Res. 1997;45:137-145.

19. Scientific theory explaining acupuncture By beneficially influencing several neurophysiologic pathways either simultaneously or in series, acupuncture produces physiologic effects that help the individual maintain or restore health. Kendall DE. The Dao of Chinese Medicine--Understanding an Ancient Healing Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002; pp. 1-15.

20. Scientific theory explaining acupuncture By beneficially influencing several neurophysiologic pathways either simultaneously or in series, acupuncture produces physiologic effects that help the individual maintain or restore health. Kendall DE. The Dao of Chinese Medicine--Understanding an Ancient Healing Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002; pp. 1-15.

21. Benefit #2 Acupuncture treats the body, mind & spirit

22. Body-Mind-Spirit They are interconnected, interdependent and inseparable. Each part of us plays an integral role in our healing and wellness.

23. Mind-Body Medicine Mind-Body Medicine focuses on the interactions between mind and body and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors can directly affect health. Mind-Body Medicine uses the power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical health. As Hippocrates once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”

24. Mind-Body Medicine Most ancient healing practices, such as Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, emphasize the links between the mind and the body. Western medical views were shaped by systems of thought that emphasized the opposite -- the mind and body are separate. Mind-body medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/mindbody-medicine#ixzz2ymvOR3v6

25. Treats the body Our body holds the cellular memory of our life experiences. This cellular memory responds to our emotions and physical pain by sending neurohormones to every cell.

26. Treats the body Physical symptoms are related to our conscious and unconscious emotional imbalances Our mind interprets our emotions/spirit into words Physical symptoms (pain) are our wake up call to act when our health is in danger. Some people need a gentle nudge, like neck pain others need a major disease (diabetes). It is important to ask ourselves, “Is this physical symptom/pain isolated?”

27. Treats the mind Mental concepts, thoughts, beliefs, values affect how we feel (spirit) and how our body reacts to the stresses of life. Our mind drives our behavior, how we act out our pain. By identifying our beliefs and thoughts, we can connect our physical pain with our emotional pain

28. Treats the spirit Spirit is expressed by our Emotions Emotions are energy in motion Emotions are constantly changing in response to our actions and thoughts Our emotions are coded in our cellular memory and alert our body when we are in pain Giving ourselves permission to explore our spirit/emotions frees our energy to create our wellness. Withholding our emotions creates physical, mental, and spiritual pain

29. 5 Patient types 5 Patient types are based on 5 Element Acupuncture personality theory

30. Hopeful about the possibilties of life Believe in the mystery of the unknown Trust your inner self Know the truth will guide you You can only control yourself Water Fearful of the unknown Sceptical of new things Mistrustful of people Needs concrete proof Desire to control situations

31. This patient needs to be reassured with subject matter knowledge, research, competency, and wisdom on the part of the practitioner. Water

32. Water Organs: Kidney and Bladder Structural issues: hair, bones and teeth- growth, strength, and integrity Conditions: reproductives issues, kidney stones, bladder infections, back pain, anxiety symptoms, and general stress symtpoms

33. Inner vision of a better quality of life Flexible- try new things Take action & responsibilty to get relief Express and own frustration and anger Wood Resignation of situation Inflexible – tried things but didn't work Accept pain, live with it Frustration & anger turned inward

34. Wood This patient needs to be heard and told what to expect from treatment,and how and what they can do to relieve their pain.

35. Wood Organs: Liver and Gall Bladder Structural issues: ligaments, tendon, and muscle pain, eye disease Conditions: digestive issues, menstrual & reproductive issues,headaches, joint pain, eye issues, fatigue and anxiety/stress

36. Fire This patient is very family oriented and views the practitioner as an intimate member of their extended family. The patient-practitioner relationship is built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. This patient thrives on love as part of their healing experience.

37. Fire Organs: Heart, Small Intestines, Pericardium & Triple Burner Structural issues:functions of the Heart, controls blood, veins and arteries, houses the Mind and manifests in the complexion. Conditions: blood circulation & pressure, body temperature, insomnia, digestion, anxiety, depression and stress

38. Secure yet anxious, able to cope Responsible for self & others Stands up for themselves, tough Earth Worry, insecure, Obsessive thinking Compliant, don't ask for what they need Stuck in their pain

39. Earth This patient wants to share their feelings and experience but not burden. They seek understanding and compassion from their practitioner. This relationship has a warm, friendly quality where the patient feels safe. The quality of the relationship is as important as the treatment.

40. Earth Organs: Spleen & Stomach Structural issues: controls muscles,blood, digestion, mouth & lips, cognitive process, and energy levels Conditions: muscular pain( back,neck, arm leg), fatigue,TMJ, digestive issues, anxiety, stress

41. Lofty, spiritual inspiration, Seeker of wisdom and the truth Able to let go of the past by acknowledging the grief Metal Rigid, unable to let go Grief, deep sadness Live in the past Attention to detail used to mask grief

42. Metal This patient is fascinated with the theory and philosophy of the medicine. They are curious about the practice details of the medicine. This patient has an intuitive understanding of their energy. The spiritual aspect is as important as the physical treatment. This patient may have a daily spiritual practice (meditation, pray, yoga, walking)

43. Metal Organs: Lung & Large Intestines Structural Issues: skin, mouth, throat, lungs Conditions: allergies, skin, digestive,and respiratory conditions, anxiety, depression

44. Benefit #3 Acupuncture is a safe, natural and drug-free medical system based on a partnership between patient and parctitioner

45. Safe Acupuncture is safe: 1997, the FDA approved acupuncture needles as a safe medical device The needles are stainless steel, solid state, and disposable. They are used once and disposed. In the past 30 years, no clear trend has been reported for adverse acupuncture-related incidences.

46. Natural Acupuncture is a natural healing process. Healing occurs when the body, mind and spirit release and rebalance our energy. Releasing, retraining and redirecting energy blocks along our neurological pathways restores and maintains health.

47. Drug-free Acupuncture is a drug-free healing process. The healing process uses no artifical, chemicals or synthetic man-made drugs. All healing occurs within our body-mind-spirit.

48. Partnership Role of the Practitioner: Guide and teacher navigating the patient's health plan Role model: walking the walk and talking the talk Conduit of the healing process: connecting the integration of the body-mind-spirit

49. Partnership Role of the Patient: Take responsibility for their health Be committed to following health plan Be aware of the changes/progress of treatment Keep their scheduled appointments

50. Partnership The Therapeutic Alliance is: an unspoken bond based on unconditional love, trust, mutual respect, understanding and acknowledgement. a partnership based on a wellness model supporting the patient's well-being with both the patient and practitioner playing an active role in the process.