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WHAT
IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a health science, which is used to successfully
treat both pain and dysfunction in the body.
Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. Authorities
agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Acupuncture
did not become known throughout the US until 1971 when diplomatic
relations between China and America were relaxed.
The basic
theory of acupuncture is that we have a “life force”
that energizes all of the body systems. This life force (“Qi")
is always moving and flowing. When the flow of Qi is unimpeded,
we are healthy. When Qi is blocked, we have pain and eventually
disease. The strategy of the acupuncture practitioner is to find
the areas of blocked energy remove those blocks and help the body
return to its natural healthy state.
Early
Chinese physicians discovered this energy network (“Qi")
traversing just below the surface of the skin, which communicates,
from the exterior to the internal organs and structures over 1,000
"Acupoints" on the body. This energy works in harmony
with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary
and all other systems of the body. All of these pathways of Qi
(meridians) flow through all organ systems in our bodies. Each
organ system has a specific corresponding channel (i.e. Lungs,
Heart, Liver, etc.). These pathways of Qi are comparable to complex
networks of freeways, intersections and streams flowing together.
When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect
in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation
of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the body
may restore harmony to the affected area.
Acupuncture
adjusts the flow of Qi throughout these channels and networks.
Each organ has a gate, which acupuncture can either “open”
or “close” depending on the diagnosis and therapeutic
principle of the treatment. Opening a gate of energy may allow
vital energy and replenishment into a weakened organ, while closing
a gate of energy may expel noxious substances from an organ that
has been invaded by a pathogen.
These imbalances of
yin and yang (the two elements that form the universe, and are
present in every living thing, ideally existing in harmony.) may
cause the rivers of energy in our body to become uneven, leading
to a breakdown in the functioning of our body systems, producing
illness or disease.
The goal of acupuncture
is to restore the harmony of yin and yang, allowing our bodies
and spirits to function at their optimal level. Through this process
the causative factor behind the illness or disease can be adjusted,
leading to restored health and balance.
Acupuncture encourages
the body to promote healing, to improve its functioning and ultimately
to bring about optimum health.
HOW
CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP?
Acupuncture is not a substitute for conventional medical advice,
medication or treatment. As a complement to conventional medicine,
acupuncture can treat both acute and chronic problems such as
digestive and elimination problems, headaches, migraines, sleeping
disorders, chronic pain, smoking and much more.
Acupuncture can help
to reduce or eliminate the need for medications for many conditions
including narcotics and other pain-relievers, but your family
doctor must always be consulted in such instances.
When you enter our
office, the doctor will meet with you and do a comprehensive intake.
We are interested in all your symptoms and medical history, which
in part helps us to determine our treatment strategy. The acupuncturist
is often very effective in treating hard to diagnose problems
since it does not rely on having to know the “medical”
reasons for your condition, which is often unknown, particularly
where blood tests and MRI's are normal. Even when blood tests
show imbalances, it oftentimes is not known why this is happening.
This difference in
perspective means that the acupuncturist can often make sense
of illnesses that Western medicine has difficulty treating. In
cases where Western medicine may be limited to prescribing medication
for symptom management, acupuncture may be able to intervene and
encourage the body in a self-healing process. Acupuncture is currently
the fastest growing healing modality in the country.
MODERN
ACUPUNCTURE DIAGNOSIS: ELECTRO-MERIDIAN IMAGING:
In 1951, Yoshio Nakatani MD, PhD developed a method of examining
the meridian systems of the body through electronic measurements
that altered the way acupuncture would be practiced throughout
the world. Referred to as ryodoraku by Nakatani, its use would
become international within 25 years of discovery.
Around 1957, a medical
delegation from the People's Republic of China (PRC) visited Japan
and became fascinated with Dr. Nakatani's discovery. The Chinese
delegation visited Nakatani's clinic, making detailed observations
into the procedure. They were amazed at both the theory and therapeutic
effects. Following the delegation's return to the China, the newspapers
published several articles concerning ryodoraku examination and
treatment together with case studies of treatment. Requests were
made of Dr. Nakatani to visit the PRC; however, due to political
concerns, Nakatani declined all invitations. Ultimately, reports
of ryodoraku and electronic evaluation of the meridian system
would cease coming from China. It is agreed by authorities that
needle/electronic analgesia developed in China was initiated by
Nakatani's original work.
Nakatani first developed
the procedure of electronic evaluation of the meridian system
by measuring skin conductance at the yuan (source) points of the
wrist and ankle. By doing so, he created one of the most significant
acupuncture diagnostic methods ever created in the history of
acupuncture. When one compares the findings of learned Asian masters
of acupuncture using pulse and tongue diagnosis with the findings
of ryodoraku, the meridians shown to be involved are identical.
Masters of acupuncture are known to palpate the 12 pulse positions
for as long as 15-30 minutes per wrist. Electronic evaluation
of the 12 yuan points takes less than five minutes regardless
of the complications of the case.
When one finds an
elevated or deficient meridian on ryodoraku, the treatment approaches
are tailored to specifically tonifiy or sedate the acupuncture
points that are known to replenish or deplete biomagnetic energy.
By doing so, this action will balance the meridians. Electronic
measurements are ascertained by examining the 24 specific yuan
points of the wrist and ankles for three seconds per point.
An Acupuncturist that
measures the source points with an instrument designed specifically
for this purpose practices ryodoraku. The practitioner develops
a base average. The status of the meridians may be determined
by being too high or too low in relation to this base average.
In the 1980s, the art of electronic evaluation for diagnostic
purposes in acupuncture entered into high technology by incorporating
computer enhanced evaluation.
One of the most significant discoveries of ryodoraku was the discovery
of split meridians, which had never before been seen or described
in the history of acupuncture.
Because ryodoraku
evaluation utilizes measurements of the yuan points bilaterally,
it often reveals especially in severe cases, the meridians exhibiting
a split in numerical value between left and right sides of the
body. As ryodoraku measures the yuan points of both sides of the
body, it is able to detect a diagnostic situation that was virtually
unknown until ryodoraku's invention. By utilizing the luo point
of the split meridian, a correction can be made in a split (left-to-right)
meridian. Luo points classically and traditionally are used to
link coupled meridians, such as Lung/Large Intestine.
Evaluation of the
musculotendinous meridians seen in orthopedic conditions is ascertained
by the same procedure but using the tsing (jing-well) points.
Yuan and tsing point evaluation are two entirely different examinations
of two different meridian systems.
The system of ryodoraku
was renamed electro-meridian imaging (EMI) by Dr. John A. Amaro
in 1982. Internationally it has changed the way acupuncture is
being used both diagnostically and therapeutically.
EMI has become “state-of-the-art”
allowing the trained acupuncturist to conduct this evaluation
in less than five minutes. EMI allows the patient to take home
printed copies of their graphic interpretation, diagnostic criteria,
specific Acupoints and involved meridians. The patient may use
this information at home to accelerate the clinical response.
HOW
DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The human body's energy flow courses over twelve meridians (channels)
that are normally balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists,
it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in
the body. Correction of the balance corrects the problem. This
is the acupuncturist goal - to restore normalcy to the body's
energy balance by utilizing a combination of Acupoints located
on the twelve meridians. This maybe accomplished by a variety
of means including Laser, Teishein and/or needles.
In this country and
many others, medical research continues to attempt to explain
in western scientific terms what the ancient Chinese described
seventy centuries earlier. Today, many theories have been postulated
as to why Acupuncture is so effective in pain control. However,
as more discoveries are made, more research is indicated.
THE ACUPUNCTURE
TREATMENT:
The treatment, at our office, consists of an initial consultation,
which includes a comprehensive evaluation. After the consultation,
an electro-meridian imaging (EMI) test is performed. Then an architectural
blueprint, or treatment plan, is created by the doctor, which
will determine the acupuncture points & methods to be utilized.
It is best to wear
shorts or loose clothing so that the arms and legs below the elbows
and knees, as well as the abdomen are accessible. It is also best
not to eat a heavy meal or engage in strenuous activity just before
or after your treatment. It is important, however, that you have
eaten something the day of your treatment so that your body has
energy to work with.
To support the individual
patient’s specific needs, follow-up visits are usually recommended.
Consistent acupuncture
treatments given over a period of time provide a cumulative and
prolonged healing to the body’s own fundamental essences
and life force. This ultimately builds and regenerates an abundant
storehouse of reserve of our most precious three treasures, shen
(spirit), jing (essence), and Qi (life force).
The intention is to
support the “righteous Qi” of the individual, and
create a state of serenity and balance in the body. Disease simply
cannot thrive in a state of bliss.
Very often, the process
of Acupuncture serves as a catalyst, which can awaken the spirit,
and lead to growth and fulfillment in all facets of one’s
life.
HOW
DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL?
One would assume inserting a needle into the skin would be painful
since most of us can relate to being stuck with a pin or having
a hypodermic injection. However, four or five acupuncture needles
can easily be inserted into the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle.
Because of the extreme slenderness of the needle, most people
compare the sensations to "less than a mosquito bite."
A phenomenon referred to as "TEHCHI" occurs when the
energy is contacted. This sensation is felt as a mild to moderate
heaviness or tingling.
The process of inserting
the acupuncture needles goes completely unnoticed to some patients.
And to others, it may feel like a mild pinch, sometimes followed
by numbness, tingling, ache, warmth, and/or movement traveling
adjacent to the area of the needle. This may endure throughout
the treatment, or it may subside within seconds or minutes after
the insertion of the needles.
Every needle used
in our clinics is a STERILE, SINGLE USE NEEDLE. Each needle is
used ONE TIME and then immediately placed in a biohazard container.
WE DO NOT REUSE NEEDLES.
Needles obviously
have their place in clinical practice. However, due to the fact
that many people simply are terrified of needles, we also employ
electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoints with equal effectiveness
as the needle. Both of these procedures are painless and are quickly
becoming standard worldwide.
Another procedure
that we frequently utilize is a tapping needle called a "teishein”.
The teishein is not really a needle, as it does not pierce the
skin. It produces only a mild to moderate sensation. It is often
said to feel like a ballpoint pen taping on the skin. This form
of stimulation has been used successfully for centuries. Thumb
pressure is also often used and not painful.
The experience of
acupuncture varies from patient to patient, but the majorities
of patients look forward to their acupuncture visits, and often
feel a deep sense of relaxation and calmness throughout the treatment.
Sometimes the effect
is immediate and instantaneous; the patient may feel a noticeable
improvement in the condition being treated immediately after the
needle is inserted. Sometimes, this positive improvement may be
felt during and even after the treatment. The patient may feel
subtle to noticeable changes occurring even days following the
Acupuncture visit.
As Acupuncture provides
a cumulative effect, follow-up treatments will accelerate the
healing and overall improvement of the condition.
WHAT
CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Acupuncture treats disorders related to the disharmony of yin
and yang energy throughout the body. Imbalances related to either
deficiencies or excess of the major organ systems: lung, large
intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, kidney, urinary
bladder, pericardium, triple energizer, liver and gall bladder
all may be treated through acupuncture.
THE WORLD
HEALTH ORGANIZATION:
In the hands of a well-trained acupuncturist, acupuncture has
had significant success with pain relief and pain management.
However, acupuncture has much broader applications beyond pain.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture
in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesses including:
o Acute sinusitis
o Acute rhinitis
o Common Cold and Flu
o Acute tonsillitis
o Acute bronchitis
o Bronchial asthma (Most effective in children and uncomplicated
conditions.)
o Acute conjunctivitis
o Central Retinitis Myopia (in children)
o Cataracts (without complications)
o Toothache
o Post Extraction Pain
o Gingivitis
o Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
- Gastrointestinal
Disorders
o Spasms of esophagus
o Hiccough
o Gastroptosis
o Acute and Chronic Gastritis
o Gastric Hyperacidity
o Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
o Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
o Acute and Chronic Colitis
o Acute Bacillary Dysentery
o Constipation
o Diarrhea
o Paralytic Ileus
- Neurologic
and Musculoskeletal Disorders
o Headache and
Migraine
o Trigeminal Neuralgias
o Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)
o Pareses Following a Stroke
o Peripheral Neuropathies
o Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)
o Menieres Disease
o Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
o Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)
o Intercostal Neuralgia
o Cervicobrachial Syndrome
o Frozen Shoulder
o Tennis Elbow
o Sciatica
o Low Back Pain
o Osteoarthritis
o Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
o Back and Knee Pain
o Fibromyalgia
o Chronic Fatigue
o Sports Injuries and Pains
- Reproductive
& Gynecological Conditions
o Premenstrual
Syndrome
o Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
o Spotting and Excessive Bleeding
o Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)
o Impotence
o Infertility
o Incontinence
o Prostatitis
- Mental
Emotional Problems
o Stress
o Anxiety
o Depression
o Insomnia
The World Health Organization
Interregional Seminar compiled the above list of illnesses that
may benefit from acupuncture treatment. The list is only a partial
list and is based on clinical experience, and not necessarily
on controlled clinical research. The inclusion of specific diseases
is not meant to indicate the extent of acupuncture's efficacy
in treatment, since all conditions may vary in severity and response.2,3
HOW
MANY TREATMENTS ARE USUAL?
The numbers of treatments vary with different conditions and individuals.
Chronic (long standing) problems generally require more treatment
than acute (recent) ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement
after the first treatment, whereas others many not notice any
effect until the seventh or eighth visit. It's been my experience
that a majority of patients receive maximum benefit up to three
months following a course of therapy.
A small number of patients
will receive a temporary increase of symptoms; this is due to
the body's energies returning to normal. This is normal and no
need for alarm. It is followed by improvement. Researchers internationally
agree the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen.
The usual frequency of the treatments is between two and four
times a week.
Patients are urged not to enter an acupuncture program with the
thought of "taking a few treatments" to see what will
happen. Even though it is possible to achieve quick success, a
program of eight to ten visits would have a better chance for
success. Patients are encouraged to be tolerant with the healing
process. If the treatments are recommended and results occur in
less than the recommended number of visits, the doctor may elect
to discontinue treatments or continue their use to stabilize the
condition.
THE
NIH CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON ACUPUNCTURE
In 1997 the U.S. National Institutes of Health published a Consensus
Statement on the use and effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety
of conditions.
Acupuncture as a therapeutic
intervention is widely practiced in the United States. While there
have been many studies of its potential usefulness, many of these
studies provide equivocal results because of design, sample size,
and other factors. The issue is further complicated by inherent
difficulties in the use of appropriate controls, such as placebos
and sham acupuncture groups. However, there are other situations
such as addiction, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia,
osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma
where acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an
acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management
program. Further research is likely to uncover additional areas
where acupuncture interventions will be useful.
View the full Consensus.
http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm
John A. Amaro D.C.,
FIAMA, Dipl.Ac., L.Ac. Carefree, Arizona http://www.iama.edu/
2,3 NIH, Acupuncture,
Nov. 3-5, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 5 2. World Health Organization. Viewpoint
on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization,
1979.World Health Organization Interregional Seminar on Acupuncture,
Moxibustion and Acupuncture Anesthesia was held in Beijing (Peking)
in June 1979.
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Dr.
John Heiligenthal |
Dr.
John F. Heiligenthal Jr. was born in 1962 in Illinois at
Lake Forest Hospital, and graduated from Waukegan West High
School in Waukegan, Illinois. He attended Western Illinois
University and received a Bachelors of Science Degree in
Anatomy and a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Palmer
College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1992. He graduated
summa cum laude, was an honorary member of the Pi Tau Delta
Fraternity and was selected to Who's Who in American Colleges
and Universities.
He
has been practicing in Eustis at Lake Health Care Center
for greater than 14 years and has successfully nurtured
thousands in the community back to optimal health. In 2003
he received a Master of Science in Human Nutrition from
The University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. In 2005 he
received a prestigious fellowship in acupuncture through
the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
Dr. Heiligenthal
and his wife Cindi live in Eustis and have four children. Brent,
Kelly, Kiley and Joey. "Dr. John" is an avid sports fan, enjoys
exercising and listening to music. |
