Center for Health, Integrative Medicine

 and Education (CHIME)

Traditional Chinese Medicine:  Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical health system of China, which looks at the patient as a whole; the balance of the person’s body, mind, and spirit and the harmonious relationship with its environment. Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the balance of energy in health and in disease.  It consists of a group of techniques and methods which includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, oriental massage, moxibustion and qigong.

Observation of the tongue and pulse and thorough questioning helps the practitioner determine the pattern of disharmony.  Health in TCM is defined as the free and unimpeded flow of energy or qi (pronounced chee), blood, yin and yang in the body.  When there is an excess, deficiently, stagnation of qi blood, yin and yang, there is imbalance resulting to pain or illness.  TCM works to regulate the flow of qi, blood and yin and yang to restore balance and health.  TCM can work solely or in conjunction with Western medicine. 

Acupuncture, a Chinese traditional medicine dating from 3000 to 2000 BC, involves stimulating specific points in the body to achieve balance in energy, release of toxins, tonify and effect cure. Puncturing the skin with a needle is the usual method of application, but acupuncturist may also use heat, pressure, friction, suction or impulses of electro magnetic energy to stimulate acupuncture points. Stimulated acupuncture points alter the chemical neurotransmitter released, and therapeutic effects result from the associated changes in the chemical and electrical balance of the body.  Acupuncture is one of the most thoroughly researched and documented alternative medical practices.  In 1998 an NIH panel reviewed scientific studies of acupuncture and concluded that the technique is effective at relieving nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and surgical anesthesia.   There are numerous studies and articles demonstrating how acupuncture can effectively treat other acute and chronic medical conditions such as:  pain, acne, allergies, asthma, anxiety, addiction, high blood pressure, depression, common cold, diabetes, digestive issues, fatigue, fibromyalgia, headaches, heartburn, impotence, infertility, insomnia, menopause, menstrual cramps, sinusitis, skin disorders, smoking cessation, stress and weight control.

Acupuncture needles are disposable, sterile and very thin needles that come in various lengths. Some feel a slight pinch while others feel nothing at all when the needle is inserted.  Once the needles have been applied you might feel a slight tingling or an electrical sensation known as de qi.  This is the therapeutic effect of the treatment. One might feel a heaviness or tingling or even warmth traveling along the acupuncture channel.  Most persons feel relaxed during the treatment and usually have a burst of energy afterwards.  The number and the size and depth of the treatment needle as well as the treatment time depend on the size of the patient, the patient’s current condition and the treatment location.  A typical treatment visit can last from 25 minutes to 1 hour.  

Some patients ask “How many times will I need to come in for treatment?”  The answer is it depends on the severity of the problem.  Acute disorders respond quickly to acupuncture and may need only two to three visits.  However, chronic disease may require a longer course of treatment, such as one or two visits per week for a few months. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to visit us at CHIME’s office at 1044 N Mozart Ave, Suite 403, located in the Professional Building of Norwegian American Hospital or call us at 773-227-2446 (CHIM).  

Allow us to assist you in your healing and wellness needs.