About Acupuncture

By Ethne Munden R.N., D.I.Hom, Dr. Ac.

About Acupuncture... Acupuncture is a component of the ancient art of Chinese Medicine. It has been practiced throughout the Eastern world, including India, Japan and Ceylon for well over 4,500 years and has become part of many Traditional healing practises. Philosophy: The foundations of Acupuncture are based on the union and balance of two polar principals, YIN and YANG, a regulatory concept of health and disease. Harmony in this union means health, disharmony leads to disease. The strategy of Acupuncture is to maintain or restore harmony. Acupuncture works by affecting points along a web of pathways(meridians) that link together all parts of the organism, based on the understanding that energy known as "Qi", courses these pathways. Science recognizes but has not fully explained "Qi", but it has proven that Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release natural and powerful chemicals that have a positive psycho-psychological impact. Six different effects of Acupuncture have been recognized: Analgesic (the most commonly known) Sedative Homeostatic Immune -enhancement Psychological Motor recovery Acupuncture "diagnosis" is made according to the "external" signs of disharmony (disease). A lengthy examination is often required to establish a clear picture. Methods used are unique to the traditional disciplines such as, tongue and meridian pulse diagnosis, eye diagnosis, noting sound of voice, color of the skin, smelling, palpation of specific points upon the body and body reading. Treatment involves the gentle insertion of hair-fine needles into specific points on the surface of the body called "men" or "gates" to infuence the body's own healing. Though needles are the normal method of stimulating the points, laser, electricity, vacuum stimulation (cupping) and heat (maxibustion) can also be used effectively. Tui-Na ( a form of massage) may also be used. Placement of the needles may not be noticed, but can feel like a small pinch and may be followed by a sensation of tingling, numbness, achiness, warmth or heaviness. Sensation may even be felt distant from the site of placement. Needles, if used, are generally left in for 20 to 30 minutes while the patient lies quiet. Most feel that this is a very relaxing experience. About Homoeopathy. Though recognized by Hippocrates as early as (460-350 B.C.), the scientific foundations and rapid revival of Homeopathy as a system of medicine are credited to the German physician Samuel Hahnemann, " The father of Homeopathy". Philosophy: The symptoms of an illness are in fact attempts on the part of the body to heal itself and as such should not be suppressed. Homoeopathic remedies are prescribed according to the " Law of Similiars", meaning that you would give to an ailing patient, that remedy which would be capable of causing a similar symptom picture in a healthy individual. Taking the remedy would be like introducing an "artificial disease" which would interface with body's energetic system to overpower the "similar or existing disease". A lengthy interview may be needed to obtain a "totality of symptoms" and in order to recommend a correct remedy. Homoeopathic remedies can be made from plant, mineral, animal and other sources and can be given in many forms. These remedies are very dilute in their preparation and their effect cannot be simply explained, though Scientific testing is now validating efficacy. Acupuncture and Homoeopathy can be used in the treatment of all psychological and physiological conditions and can be used alone or as complementary to Medical and Chiropractic care. About Back Problem Management. Our back pain care program, known as "Body Balancing" is a uniquely designed, alternative and complementary intervention program. It is effectively used as a preventative, rehabilitative and supportive therapy. This "hands on" program offers an indepth assessment of musculoskeltetal balance and when indicated, Traditional assessment of wellness. Treatment may incorporate a personal exercise prescription, precisely for the individual's musculoskeletal configuration, and depending on patient requirement, Tui-Na, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Nutritional support and Stress Management. This programs avails of a multidisciplinary referral network and has proven helpful in medico-legal situations. About Iridology. Iridology is the Science and art of analyzing physical ailments from changes in the iris of the eye. Iridology enables us to know the tissue strength of various parts of the body. Iridology is the Science and art of analyzing physical ailments from changes in the iris of the eye. Iridology enables us to know the tissue strenght of various parts of the body,it does not "name" diseases. It is utilized at this clinic as a complementary to other methods of assessment and thereby promote a more thorough traditional evaluation of wellness. Very often irid signs offer the first indication of the onset of disease and its use is a great complement to any traditional or conventional health care practise. Frequently asked questions: Q. How long does treatment(s) last? A .With all health care programs at Back to Health, the number of treatments required and the length of time between them is determined solely by individual patient response. Time required: Initial assessment - 11/2 hours. Follow-up treatment - 1 hour. Q. Is a doctor's referral required? A. Though it is not essential for initial treatment, patients considering our services are encouraged to consult their personal medical physician or chiropractor to ensure cooperative, optimal care. Q. Is the service covered by insurances? A. In some cases depending on policy. EAP support by specific companies. Insurance in motor vehicle accident cases. Q. What are your hours of practice? A. 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - weekdays,       10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon - Saturdays for special cases. The NL Wellness Guide/Directory would like to thank Ethne Munden for the above information. Ethne can be reached at:

Back to Health Inc. Heritage Health Centre 47 Leslie Street St. John's, NL A1E 2V7 Phone: (709) 738-0158 Fax: (709) 722-5527 Email: emunden@healthbridges.com Web: www.heritagehealthcentre.nf.ca

• Back to Articles