If you are intrigued by ancient health practices like Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) but are afraid of needles, read on, you are in the right place. First, know that you are not alone. I was afraid of needles too before I went to acupuncture school : )! And I quickly decided that the word acupuncture was a misnomer. Here is why: When you hear “acupuncture,” you picture someone inserting tiny needles into the skin. That’s true, but that’s not the whole story. There’s so much more to this ancient practice! So let me help you explore the fascinating world of acupuncture, its additional techniques, and how it can benefit your health, even without needles.
The Five Branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Yes, branches! The acupuncture university I went to in San Jose, CA is called Five Branches University for this reason. Acupuncture is just one part of TCM, which encompasses five key modalities. But before we dig deeper, lets look at what was lost in translation.
The Chinese characters 針灸 (zhēnjiǔ) stands for acupuncture and moxibustion.
Acupuncture (from the Latin “acus pungere,” meaning “needle prick”) indeed involves inserting fine needles at specific points to manipulate Qi, the body’s vital energy.
Moxibustion, often overlooked in translation, uses burning dried plants (moxa) near the skin to dispel cold and invigorate Qi flow. And this is, by far, my favorite thing and a hidden gem of TCM! (will be in my next post)
The five modalities (branches) we studied at Five Branches University that can address different ailments and the need of different patients, like you, are the following:
- Acupuncture — Needlework to restore energy flow.
- Tuina — An ancient form of bodywork using fingers, palms, and elbows to stimulate acupoints.
- Qigong — A combination of movement, breathing, and meditation to cultivate life energy.
- Nutrition — Balancing the body through diet.
- Herbal Medicine — Using herbs to correct imbalances, often complementing dietary therapy.
How These Modalities Work Together
Each modality aims to restore free flow of Qi, vital for health. As we Chinese medicine practitioners say:
- Where there is free flow, there is no pain.
Where there is no free flow, there is pain, and - where Qi goes, blood follows.
Blood plays a crucial role in keeping the body healthy and functioning. It carries oxygen and essential nutrients to every cell, tissue, and organ, enabling them to repair and regenerate. When blood flow is sluggish or obstructed, the delivery of these vital components is compromised. This can lead to stagnation and pain, first temporarily and eventually chronically.
So, your job is to nourishing your body with the right building blocks — such as a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. And TCM works on restoring free flow of Qi and flood, making sure these essential nutrients reach the areas that need healing.
There is a modality for everyone
So, even if the thought of needles makes you hesitant, don’t let it stop you from exploring TCM.
I had patients who responded really well to needles and refused herbal remedies (they are indeed quite tasty!, but don’t worry, they also come in capsules : ) and other patients who refused needles and thrived with tuina (massage), nutrition, and herbs.
The key is finding a practitioner whose skill set and approach align with your needs and comfort level. So, give it a try! Find a TCM practitioner near you, call and ask what modalities they practice and add TCM to your health journey.
Stay tuned for my next blog on navigating your health journey: How to pick the best healing approach.
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