The Philosophy Key principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are that both wellness and illness result from an imbalance of yin and yang. Yin refers to the feminine aspect of life: nourishing, lower, cool, deficient, inside, receptive, protective, soft and yielding. Yang is the male counterpoint: hard, dominant, energetic, upper, hot, excessive, outside and creative. The movement between these opposite forces, named Qi, is considered to be the essential element in the healing system of TCM. It is best thought of as energy becoming manifest, a vitalistic force that flows ceaselessly through the meridians, or energy channels of the body. Imbalances in the flow of Qi among the meridians, organs and five elements is the cause of disease, pain and susceptibility to illness. The Art The practice of acupuncture consists of inserting fine, solid needles (usually 32 to 36 gauge) into selected body locations (acupuncture points). Classic texts describe 361 regular points located in systematic fashion on meridians or channels of energy flow that are mapped onto the surface of the body. Most people feel little if any discomfort besides a slight aching sensation at the site of insertion. Despite usual apprehension about pain, needle treatments are comfortable and relaxing for most patients. The patient typically lies on an examination or massage-type table while as few as one needle but occasionally up to 30 needles are commonly inserted on the extremities, trunk, ear or other selected points. A typical treatment session is 20 to 40 minutes. Visits typically start at weekly intervals or more often and as improvement occurs are spaced further apart. Patients may experience a mild euphoria or drowsiness, especially after the first treatment, and should be advised not to drive or operate machinery immediately after the treatment. Bleeding or bruising, pain on needling, and aggravation of symptoms occur in 1 to 3% of patients. Patients are also advised to avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy meals, alcohol intake or sexual activity for up to 8 hours after a treatment. A series of 4 to 10 sessions is generally considered an adequate initial trial of therapy. The Science Preclinical studies have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine. It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects by the conduction of electromagnetic signals at a greater-than-normal rate, thus aiding the activity of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and affecting the parts of the central nervous system. Additional Resources: The Practitioners Wang holds licensure both as a Western Medical Physician and a Traditional Chinese Physician in mainland China where he practiced in a hospital for 10 years before coming to the United States in 1995. He is currently the Dean of Oriental Medicine at the American Institute of Oriental Medicine in Columbus where he designed the first masters degree program in acupuncture in the state of Ohio. He is a clinical assistant professor in the OSU College of Medicine and Public Health where he has taught as part of the complementary medicine module for several years. Hailing Zhang, R. Ac, Dipl. AC, OMD / MD (China) Dr. Hailing Zhang has training and experience in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western medicine . Her career has included the practice of medicine, medical education and medical research. She practices Acupuncture with the OSU Center for Integrative Medicine in the Department of Family Medicine. Dr. Zhang is a member of various national and international Chinese Medicine professional organizations. She has taught and lectured extensively on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture. She has published numerous articles, books and research studies.
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