Lokahi Acupuncture - Unity of Mind, Body & Spirit


		Acupuncture is literally the insertion of hair thin, sterile, disposable needles into the skin. Many of us fear needles from previous experiences in the doctors’ office, but few realize that acupuncture needles are extremely thin and solid. Hypodermic needles in hospitals are hollow to allow blood and medicines to be injected or extracted from the body. Acupuncture needles, on the other hand, are solid and extremely sharp, allowing virtually painless insertion.

		A brief search on the web reveals some of the mountains of anecdotal evidence that Acupuncture is effective for various different types of illness. But despite many efforts and proving that it does actually work, Western science has never been able to put a finger on exactly how Acupuncture works. Since Acupuncture is based on Daoist (Taoist) theories like Meridian theory, concepts of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, a Chinese diagnosis may seem strange and unscientific to Western physicians. In fact, a Chinese diagnosis is extremely comprehensive as it focuses on the whole pattern and on the root cause of the disease rather than simply on the symptoms themselves. Acupuncture needles are inserted into points on the body that correspond to a pattern of disease or to pain in a certain area. These points run along energetic channels or Meridians. Using the theory of Meridians allows an acupuncturist to insert needles into areas of the body that appear to have no direct relation to the problem area itself, yet still have a strong effect. The advantage of this is that in some cases such as sprains and strains, the area may be swollen, bruised and sore. Acupuncturists can then use the theory of Meridians to put needles where they are effective but in places that cause the least amount of discomfort to the patient. It is important to understand that Acupuncture (and Traditional Chinese Medicine in general), is not "folk medicine". It is a highly developed, systematic, recorded, researched, and peer reviewed form of medicine with several disciplines that continues to evolve. It has a massive amount of real-world data to justify the application of techniques based on several thousand years of human trials.

		Although Acupuncture can be dated back to the Stone Age in China, it is relatively recently that it has become popular here in the United States. In 1916, Sir William Osler, M.D. wrote an article recommending acupuncture for treatment for lumbago in the "Principles and Practice of Medicine" and Franklin Bache, M.D. a great grandson of Benjamin Franklin, wrote an article, "Case illustrative of Remedial Effects of Acupuncture" showing the benefits of the art. However, despite the occasional article, Acupuncture remained rare until 1971 when James Reston, a reporter for the New York Times accompanied President Nixon on a trip to China where they witnessed an appendectomy (removal of the appendix) using Acupuncture Anesthesia. Since then, there has been a massive movement towards the use and exploration of Traditional Chinese Medicine as a viable, safe and effective form of healing. Now we are seeing everyone from movie stars to high profile basketball players tout the benefits of acupuncture and of a more holistic approach to health.

		The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is suitable for treating the following: 1. Nervous System and Muscular Disorders Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, and inflammation of the nerve endings 2. Respiratory Disorders Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults. 3. Gastrointestinal Disorders Digestive Tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery caused by certain bacteria. 4. Eye Disorders Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina, uncomplicated cataracts 5. Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, earaches, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness. Acupuncture has been used in China to treat many other problems such as knee pain, sprains & strains, and most genealogical complaints.