Acupuncture can have an air of mystery to many of us:
What’s the reasoning behind putting a needle in a certain spot?
Why does one needle feel more sensitive than another?
Does it matter if I lay on my back or my stomach?
You may have reaped the benefits of acupuncture, but do you really know why it worked and what the intricate experiences meant during your treatment?
Dr. Graves is taking the enigma out of acupuncture by answering some of the questions you may have always wondered, but never asked him!
Watch as he explains:
When getting ready for a treatment, you generally allow the client to pick whether they lay face up or face down. Is one position better than the other? Which one should a client select?
Dr. Graves: Either is fine for the most part, however, it depends on what is being treated.
If someone is coming in for back pain, then I obviously tell them to lay on their stomach and vice versa if they are needing treatment for digestive issues.
However, many conditions can be treated on either the back or front as there are general meridian points that can be located on either side. If there is not a specific reason for laying one particular way, then I recommend that a client pick which is most comfortable to him/her.
Why does a certain acupuncture needlepoint hurt more than others?
Dr. Graves: Chinese medicine believes that it is likely where energy (or qi, pronounced, “chi”) is stuck.
Many times, it is due to an imbalance of energy between sides and after a minute or two, the dull ache subsides because energy is being released and moved. If it doesn’t, a client should always tell me.
You don’t talk much about about energy and qi – do you still use this perspective or do you prefer something different?
Dr. Graves: I tend to talk about acupuncture in more western medicine terminology because our culture is more apt to understand it, although I do use eastern medicine philosophy when performing a treatment.
Eastern medicine ideology involves energy that moves along a variety of meridians in the body. These meridians run like highways for qi, slowing down and getting backed up from things such as improper diet, stress, lack of exercise, trauma, injury, etc. Needle points are put in certain spots to clear these highways and to allow for better energy flow.
I always say, “Where there is stagnation, there is pain.”
Western medicine doesn’t necessarily refer to energy balance, but rather that the needle is creating micro trauma to stimulate the body’s healing systems such as the release of endorphins and enkephalins, and activates the para-sympathetic nervous system (to rest and restore).
I don’t necessarily believe one perspective is better than the other – it’s simply about conducting a treatment that will help relieve and heal, communicating it in the most effective way.
How do you know where someone’s energy is stuck?
Dr. Graves: There are a few ways such as taking a pulse, checking the tongue, and analyzing someone’s symptoms.
Why does the body and mind tend to calm towards the end of a session?
Dr. Graves: This is the body going into para-sympathetic mode. Cortisol levels drop, heart rate decreases, and the mind slows down. This is one of the greatest benefits of acupuncture and can last for days after treatment.
Can someone continue to balance his/her energy on their own?
Dr. Graves: Yes! There are many ways to keep your energy balanced after acupuncture such as:
– exercising
– eating a healthy diet; eliminating sugary and processed foods
– journaling/processing emotions
– meditating
– hydrating
– massage
in addition to other self-care techniques.
Do you have more questions? Dr. Graves is ready to answer them!
For those living in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, or the greater Denver metro area and are interested in acupuncture or have additional questions to ask, please contact us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves.
Acupuncture is a fascinating subject and one that doesn’t need to be mysterious. Its effects have been witnessed by countless clients over the years. Are you ready to be one of them?
Additional information about acupuncture:
Acupuncture for acute and chronic pain
Acupuncture for weight loss / gain
Will acupuncture work for you?
What is acupuncture?
Why we offer a free acupuncture consultation
How does acupuncture work?
Success stories and reviews
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