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Classical Acupuncture.....
Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is perhaps the oldest medical system in the world. It has developed through continuous practical experience over thousands of years. Acupuncture is used by one third of the world as a primary health care system and has been endorsed by the World Health Organization of the United Nations.
Traditionally a preventative medicine, acupuncture was used to correct small imbalances before they became more serious disease. The Chinese paid their acupuncturists when they were well, and stopped paying them if they became ill.
Classical Acupuncture is a powerful healing discipline based on nature. It uses the natural energies inherent in all living things to promote the body's ability to heal itself. It restores the balance of natural energy within a person, and in so doing harmonizes the person's relationship to the world. Treatment is individual, and takes into account the marvelous complexity and potential of each person.
How it works.....
Chinese philosophy teaches that life energy, called qi (pronounced chee), flows through the body in channels called meridians. When the qi in the body is abundant, of good quality and flowing freely, a person is healthy. When the qi is weak or obstructed a person becomes susceptible to disease. The symptoms of disease can manifest not only within the physical body, but also in mental clarity, enthusiasm for life, and sense of purpose. Classical Acupuncture is a means of assessing the condition of the life energy and restoring its proper balance.
Classical Acupuncturists evaluate a person's state of health from their complaints, their appearance, and by reading the six energy pulses in each wrist. Classical Acupuncturists are rigorously trained to detect these subtle qualities.
Points along the meridians are used to balance energy flow. With needles and moxa, energy is brought where it is needed and dispersed from blocked and congested areas.
Needles.....
Acupuncture needles are very fine - approximately the thickness of a human hair - and have a flexible shaft. They are made from the finest quality surgical stainless steel, and are pre-sterilized and discarded after each use. They bear no resemblance to hypodermic syringes.
During treatment, Classical Acupuncturists use very few needles, in order to interfere as little as possible with the movement of life energy. The average number of needles used in a single treatment is six.
When a needle is inserted at a meridian point, a very slight prick is felt. When the needle contacts the qi in the meridian, the patient may feel various sensations. Descriptions range from sharp to tickling, from a warm breeze to an electric current. The sensation varies from patient to patient, from day to day, and from one meridian point to another. Often the patient feels other sensations such as a sense of calmness and inner well being, sudden clarity of vision, or the surfacing of an emotion or memory.
Moxa.....
Moxa is an herb (Artemesia Vulgaris Latiflora) that is rolled into a small cone and burned on an acupuncture point to gently warm the energy. Done before needling, it enhances the movement of energy.
Acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions, including.....
Because Classical Acupuncture balances the life energy of the whole person, clients frequently report improvement in health problems other than those for which they entered treatment.
Course of treatment.....
The course of treatment frequently begins with a brief consultation to determine if a person is a candidate for acupuncture.
The initial visit begins with an extensive interview about a person's health and history, followed by a physical examination. A person's current state of health is often a continuation of earlier conditions that may not seem at all related except in the context of Classical Acupuncture. The purpose of the interview and examination is to fit current symptoms and treatment goals into the pattern of a person's entire health and life. This initial interview usually lasts about two hours.
The first few treatments may last two hours also. Subsequent treatments last about one hour, although a person's condition determines the actual treatment time.
Initially, visits will be once or twice a week in order to create an energy balance that can be maintained between treatments. This energy balance will last for progressively longer periods of time, and treatments will be spaced farther apart until they are necessary only as seasonal maintenance.
Frequency of treatments varies with each individual. Although some conditions can be alleviated very rapidly, many conditions that have taken years to progress can only be relieved with slow steady treatment.
The first signs of healing are often changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, eating habits and desires, energy levels, and general zest for life. Most people will know within approximately eight treatments if acupuncture will benefit them.
To enhance treatment.....
To gain maximum benefit from treatment, respect your mind and body and care for yourself. This includes adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise, as well as minimizing excesses such as worry, fear, sugar, alcohol, coffee, tobacco, and processed foods.
With the clarity you gain from treatment, you are encouraged to examine how you live, think, feel - to evaluate your life style in order to understand the cause of your condition.
Medical care and medication.....
Classical Acupuncture can be used in
cooperation with other care you are receiving. Continue any medication
exactly as prescribed by your physician. After a period of time, and if
and when it is appropriate, you may make arrangements with your physician
to reduce or stop your medication.
About Sandra Lillie.....
Sandra LIllie is a fully qualified Classical Acupuncturist and adheres to strict codes of practice and ethics. The qualification as a Classical Acupuncturist in the United States requires at least three years formal training, with rigorous theoretical and practical examinations. Qualification also requires possession of sound character and a deep motivation to set high standards of practice.
Qualifications.....
10% of all fees collected by the office
are donated to the education of Classical Acupuncture, or to the Nature
Conservancy and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
To Reach Me.....
Phone: 303-440-3492
Email: Liver5@qwest.net
Last Updated: April 2, 2002
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