When you think of acupuncture and its possible effects, it is normal to be a little apprehensive about scheduling that first appointment. After all, the idea of being stuck with needles all over your body doesn’t seem too pleasurable. And while no one would recommend trying this on your own at home, when done professionally, acupuncture actually provides a great deal of relief. Furthermore, many people who try it once become huge advocates of its benefits because they realize that it is so much more than being “stuck” with needles repeatedly.
According to Jenny Lee of The Healing Lab Acupuncture Clinic, which offers both acupuncture and acupressure to Palo Alto residents, nothing about acupuncture is left to chance and no pressure points are chosen at random. Some people have a hard time believing in the amazing effects that acupuncture can offer, however, because they don’t understand Chinese medicine.
Whereas Western medicine is very analytical and involves dissecting things into very small parts, Chinese medicine puts all of the signs and symptoms together, piece by piece, until the necessary information is gathered to create the picture of a whole person. Similarly, while Western medicine tends to promote the idea that the mind and body are separate, Lee explains, those who practice Chinese medicine believe that mental, emotional, and physical illness are all closely related.
If you take a minute to think of your current medical regimen, you probably digest or inject medicines that you are unfamiliar with into your body because your doctor tells you to and because you believe that he has your best interests in mind. An acupuncturist, who also goes through schooling and certification courses, uses pressure and needles to provide some of the same results without introducing foreign substances into your system.
Realistically, Lee understands that her new patients aren’t going to begin the process without any reservations. Therefore, she takes the time to explain the ideas behind acupuncture treatments.
The acupressure and acupuncture that The Healing Lab Acupuncture Clinic offers is based on the concept that there are 12 meridians in your body, each representing a major organ, such as the liver, kidneys, stomach, and so forth. Each meridian then has five points that represent the five elements of Chinese medicine—fire, water, air, earth, and metal. Each of these elements represents a certain condition, Lee explains. For instance, fire points would be the areas that are inflamed.
When you come in for your treatment, your acupuncturist will check each fire point in each of your 12 meridians to determine which channels are blocked. The meridians in your body connect to one another much like a freeway, Lee says. Therefore, if you are able to open up the blocked channels, all of the channels will be receptive and you will feel complete body relief. After the blocked channels are identified, acupressure is used to open the meridian. Following a very effective Japanese technique of body reflexology, the fingers are used to apply pressure to the points. When Lee treats her patients, she can use her left hand to press on the point and send energy through the area. At the same time, her right hand can be used to open up the Hara, or organ point.
Once all of the meridians are properly opened (Lee says about 80%), then acupuncture, using needles and precise points, is applied. Using acupressure before acupuncture makes the treatment very mild. Applying pressure with the fingers opens up the channels and then acupuncture opens them up completely.
While this combination of acupressure and acupuncture is used as a treatment plan for a number of conditions and ailments, Lee says that it is also a great stress reliever. In fact, she says that 99% of clients who come to The Healing Lab Acupuncture Clinic are stressed, which means that their liver meridian is blocked. By opening up this specific meridian, patients are able to leave the office feeling much more relaxed.
If the idea of body reflexology still seems a bit confusing, Lee encourages you to call or meet with a professional acupuncturist in your area who will be able to walk you through all of the details as they specifically pertain to you.
