Integrative MedicineEast Meets West

Risa Silverstein, LAc.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Yin and Yang

Describes the dynamic opposites that exist within the body and all of nature.

The part cannot be separated from the whole.

Describes how things function in relation to one another and the continual process of natural change

The emotions and physical body are constantly affecting one another.

Qi

Qi corresponds broadly to energy or life force.

A balance of yin and yang must be maintained so that qi is not disrupted.

When qi is disrupted disharmony, pain, and illness result.

Acupuncture

The acupuncturist focuses on meridians.

The meridians are pathways along which Qi flows in the body.

Acupuncture points are located on the skin where the meridian comes closest to the surface of the body.

The points are like gates that correct energetic imbalances and restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

Meridians

The Meridians are named for the organs they pass through.

Each organ and its corresponding meridian has a different function.

Each corresponds to a particular emotion.

Yin organs Yang organs Five Emotions

Liver Gall Bladder Anger

Heart Small Intestine Joy

Spleen Stomach Worry

Lung Large Intestine Sadness and grief

Kidney Urinary Bladder Fear

The Meridians

Mind Body Medicine

There is always an interaction between the mind and the physical body.

ie. Emotion associated with the liver is Anger. The function of the liver is regulating the smooth flow of qi through the body.

When a person feels anger, frustration, and/or resentment, qi is disrupted. This may manifest as pain or have an effect on the function of another meridian.

The qi of the stomach should flow down. If it goes in the wrong direction, a person has acid reflux. This can result from the impact that the liver has on the stomach. The emotion of the stomach is worry, which can also have an effect on the stomach to cause acid reflux.

Disharmony

Balance also holds true for health. When a person is out of balance, disharmony exists.

Disharmony manifestations

Pain along a meridian

Allergies

Upset Stomach/ Acid Reflux

Anxiety and Depression

Acupuncture and Disharmony

Rebalances the energy of the body

If there is pain it regulates the flow of qi

If there is allergies, it calms the system down and increases energy and tissue regeneration.

The Autonomic Nervous System Theory

& Neurotransmitter Theory

Autonomic Nervous System

Acupuncture normalizes the autonomic nervous system

Reduces pain and regulates emotions

Releases norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opiodes.

Neurotransmitter System

Influences the immune system and antinociceptive system by the release of neurotransmitters

Stimulates the release of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord

Vascular Interstitial Theory

Acupuncture can manipulate the electrical system of the body

The Gate Theory

The brain is where pain is registered.

Acupuncture changes the message to the brain.

Effects of AcupunctureMSKCC

Immune system

Circulatory system

Digestive system

Urinary system

Nervous system

Pain Management

Increase antibodies IgG, IgA, IgM

Improve RBC count and hemoglobin

Improve absorption and mobility in small intestine

Facilitate urination

Helps recover peripheral nerve damage

Modulate sensory pain center in brain producing analgesic effect

Control allergic reactions- decreasing IgE concentration

Help intestinal peristalsis and emptying

Treat incontinence

Improve neuromuscular function after injury

Help release neurotransmitters

Points to help bladder contract

Points to help bladder relax

Hot Flashes

Caused by an imbalance of yin and yang

Yin is water

Yang is fire

Women who are menopausal are yin deficient and heat signs flare up.

Symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and a red tongue with no coat.

1 Acute lower back pain

2Rheumatoid Arthritis

Neck Pain

Conclusion

We are all effected by our external and internal environments.

While acupuncture helps to rebalance energy in the body, living a balanced lifestyle is the ultimate goal.