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Summer 2003 

Acupuncture: Let the Energy Flow
ByMark Giuliucci

It’s all about the chi.

For thousands of years, practitioners of Chinese medicine have believed that blockages in the body’s “life energy” — chi — are responsible for illness and disease. Acupuncture and other traditional Chinese treatments seek to restore the natural flow of chi and return the body to harmony.

Yet you don’t have to believe in ancient theory to believe in the power of acupuncture.  Many Western researchers contend that acupuncture’s benefits can be explained in their terms. Acupuncture needles may stimulate nerve endings under the skin, sending impulses to the brain that result in the release of pain-easing endorphins and other hormones. Some researchers using brain scans have found that acupuncture increases blood flow to the thalamus, which is responsible for relaying pain messages to the rest of the body.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) formally recognize acupuncture as a method of pain relief. An NIH advisory panel has concluded that acupuncture is a useful treatment for fibromyalgia, headache, asthma and other conditions. Hundreds of acupuncture studies are underway to determine just how effective acupuncture may be for conditions ranging from arthritis to CFIDS.

“I have been treating chronic fatigue syndrome with Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, since 1985,” says Maoshing Ni, PhD, DOM, a doctor of oriental medicine in Santa Monica , Calif. “I have seen it work. Certainly, people have different beliefs about how it works, but the bottom line to me is that it is effective.”

Stick-y treatment
The main tool in acupuncture is a hair-thin, flexible needle. Skilled practitioners insert a series of needles in specific points just under the skin. In Chinese medicine, these points are located along meridians, the channels through which chi flows. These points correspond to body systems or organs — the heart, the kidneys or the spleen, for instance — that may be suffering from blockages of chi.

Western acupuncturists use many of the same points; although they may not agree with the meridian theory, practice has shown that the points can be effective for relieving pain and other symptoms. 

The treatment is, by nature, somewhat invasive. Insertion of the needles can be a little uncomfortable for some people, although they rarely cause serious pain. Some patients may also feel mild tingling or burning sensations once the needles are in place.

The placement and duration of the needle insertions varies by symptom. Generally, a dozen or so needles are used during each treatment, and they may remain in place for anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes. Practitioners may move needles or twist them slightly during treatment to achieve desired effects.

Sessions are usually held weekly. A typical series of treatments may last for several months. In some cases, the treatment is ongoing, as in chiropractic regimens.

Putting it together
The first time you visit an acupuncturist, expect him or her to take a thorough medical history. You’ll be asked about your symptoms, current medications and other health conditions that may conflict with treatments.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is practiced in conjunction with a number of other treatments, including herbal remedies, meditation and dietary changes. Dr. Ni says that he devises an individualized program for each patient.

“A typical diagnosis for chronic fatigue syndrome would involve kidney-adrenal exhaustion, spleen-stomach digestion deficiency, liver stagnation and blockage, and then a disturbed spirit,” Dr. Ni says. “Mainly I think we’re looking at the overtaxation of one’s vital energy resources. Treatment with Chinese medicine would involve trying to resolve those issues.”

A typical CFIDS patient would begin a new dietary regimen — including organic foods supplemented with digestive enzymes. Herbal remedies will also be a part of the protocol, as well as meditation and treatment for sleep disorders. Gentle exercise will also be introduced according to the patient’s ability to handle it.

But of all the treatments, Dr. Ni says, acupuncture seems to deliver the most immediate benefit. “The other things take more time. But patients can often feel a more immediate change with acupuncture. After they get off the table, they get more of an immediate energy boost.”

Self-help points
If you’re interested in checking out acupuncture, you can start with a little self-administered routine. It doesn’t involve needles — just a little pressure.

“Not everyone has access to acupuncture, but certainly they have a finger they can use,” Dr. Ni says. “It will stimulate in much the same way as an acupuncture needle.”

Stomach point #36 is located just below the knee. Dr. Ni says he uses it to help increase immune function in his patients. This point is found about three inches below the outside of the knee. Feel for the head of your shin bone, and then apply pressure just behind it. Press steadily for about one minute, just hard enough to feel a little tenderness.

Kidney point #3 is located in the ankle. “This fortifies the kidney-adrenal system, which is so important in people with CFS,” Dr. Ni says. “The kidneys and adrenal systems have virtually become exhausted.” The point is in the inside back of the ankle, between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone. Again, apply firm pressure for about one minute.

The third area, known as large intestine #4, is a common point used to relieve pain. It’s located in the web of the hand, between the thumb and index finger. To find it, make the “OK” sign and feel for the bump of muscle on the back of the hand. Press on that point firmly for about one minute. Dr. Ni says this point helps fight bacterial, fungal and microbial problems as well as pain.

Finding an acupuncturist
There are more than 10,000 licensed acupuncture practitioners in the United States . Licensing is done on a state-by-state basis, and requirements can vary widely. Physicians are permitted to perform acupuncture after receiving proper training. Look for a doctor who has been certified by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture.

Non-MDs — including naturopaths (ND), chiropractors (DC) and professional acupuncturists (LAc) — can receive state licenses for acupuncture after completing training and passing examinations. Because state requirements vary, it’s best to look for someone who has been certified by a professional organization such as The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Some insurance plans will pay for acupuncture treatments with physician referrals. If your doctor can’t recommend a practitioner, Dr. Ni suggests checking with your chiropractor, massage therapist or even friends who have had good experiences with an acupuncturist. 

Several Web sites, including www.acupuncture.com and www.acupuncturetoday.com can help you locate a qualified practitioner as well.