Issue #7

2000

By Dr. Michael Sun, Dr. of TCM

Acupuncture is an important element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been practiced in China for more than 5,000 years. These techniques practiced by practitioners of TCM trigger the body to promote natural healing and improve function, thereby preventing disease.

Doctors of TCM see the body and mind as one inseparable unit. Mental and physical symptoms are manifestations of underlying energy imbalances of the being; it is therefore necessary to treat not only the symptoms of mental or physical ailments, but the entire mind and body of a person.

The practice of TCM is based on a unique and profound theoretical system. The acupuncture theory of TCM explains how channels of energy run in certain orderly patterns throughout the body. Energy flows through the meridians to irrigate and nourish the internal organs and tissues. Any obstruction of this energy flow results in reduced energy, depletion of nutrients, and poor nervous signal transmission. Prolonged degradation within these vital pathways will lead to poor health and disease.

Acupuncture involves the detection of energy blockage and imbalance in the individual. This is achieved through a unique system of diagnosis followed by systematic stimulation and/or suppression of specific energy centres within the body. Successful treatment results in unblocking and the re-balancing of energy. The most common type of acupuncture used today is through the insertion of tiny, disposable, stainless steel needles into specific energy centres.

In TCM the concepts of Yin and Yang are used to represent the complimentary energies, which reside within the body. A healthy person is one in whom the Yin and Yang energies are in balance. Disease is manifested when the Yin and Yang energies are out of balance.

In a modern context the Yin can be thought of as negative "-", while Yang is positive "+". Contemporary science has referred to the electrons within body cells as “bioelectrons”. It has been found that the movement of bioelectrons follows the energy meridians described in 1CM. In general cells act abnormally when positive and negative charges in the bioelectrons are out of balance. In 1CM, this is viewed as the imbalance of Yin and Yang, which results in disease. Physical, mental, and genetic factors may all play a part in an imbalance of bioelectrons. Acupuncture can force the bioelectrons to resume their normal movement patterns thereby restoring Yin Yang balance.

The ancient Chinese terminology of acupuncture is difficult to translate into modem language. The acupuncture points along the meridians were named for specific reasons, which date back thousands of years. Unfortunately the traditional names and meanings are largely ignored in western teachings and the essence lost. For example, the western referenced point Du20 is traditionally known as “Baihui”, meaning “the meeting point of all Yang meridian channels” where Yang energy meets and is concentrated. The Du20 “Baihui” is therefore used when the Yang energy is deficient and the Yang energy is to be summoned to achieve Yin-Yang balance. The greater description of the meaning of “Baihui” provides an understanding of the significance of the point. The point Du20 may be a location on a map of the human form, but it has no further significance without the traditional meaning. For this reason it is important for the acupuncture practitioner to be trained with a respect for authentic meaning within 1CM.

As with any discipline, 1CM, including acupuncture, has it’s own unique modeling and terminology, such as “Yin-Yang” and “five elements” and many others. The terminology of 1CM, once interpreted, can sometimes make otherwise familiar words take on different meanings from our common understanding. All of this is to be expected as we try to grasp a new language or discipline. Acupuncture practitioners, trained in 1CM are required to master the intricacies of concepts and language for proper diagnosis and treatment of the individual.

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Some additional benefits are that they do so in an effective, economical, non-chemical, holistic, safe manner and without chemical induced side effects or costly application. Recent research has proven the effectiveness of acupuncture in both disease prevention and improvement to the immune system.

Dr. Michael Sun, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM at the Chang Chun Institute of TCM.

He practiced TCM and researched music therapy at Beidaihe Sanatorium and Beijing General Hospital before spending five years in Germany practicing acupuncture and music therapy. Michael is currently living in Toronto practicing acupuncture and music therapy at Thuna’s Wholistic Centre.

 Design News2News.com • Toronto • 2000