"There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional medicine."

-National Institutes of Health, 1997, Consensus of Acupuncture

Chinese Medicine as a Complement to Conventional Medicine

Acupuncture, a complex branch of Chinese medicine, Acupuncture refers specifically to the gentle insertion of extremely thin, sterile stainless steel needles into certain specific points on the body for the purpose of re-establishing metabolic harmony and balance. The principle focus of acupuncture is to activate the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.

At Acupuncture My Way, we have a healthy respect for conventional medicine and believe that it has a very important place in our society. We recommend that our patients also look to their Western primary care practitioner (i.e., MD) for medical care and routine check-ups. We believe that all medical systems have their own intrinsic strengths. Currently Alex is working alongside a Medical Doctor treating adults with various medical conditions. Although Oriental medicine is fundamentally different than conventional medicine, both systems can be very effective in helping individuals to feel better and healthier. Ultimately, the two systems combined together have the greatest potential to support, strengthen, and nurture an individual back to health and well being.

Interestingly enough, thousands of years after the inception of Chinese medicine, modern research lends support to many Chinese herbal recommendations, showing that certain herbs do indeed have antibiotic effects or in vitro inhibitory effects against viruses. Even though these herbs were initially prescribed long before viruses were discovered, pharmacological and clinical research has shown that they have antiviral and antibiotic properties. Similarly, the key ingredient in Tamiflu, a drug made by Swiss drug giant Roche aimed at treating bird flu, is derived from the seeds of star anise, a star shaped fruit which is a household Asian spice.

Advances in science have helped us to better understand the human body and disease. However, ancient medical systems have sought to understand and explain the human body and disease for thousands of years, and with remarkable success. In recognizing the similarities and differences between the medical systems of today and those of eons ago, we gain an appreciation for valuable scientific advancements and also for the wisdom and intelligence of medical practitioners of the past who lacked both the tools and constraints of the modern scientific revolution for which they laid the foundation.

In terms of diet, eating a wide variety of different foods is considered optimal. For instance, even though many people in the west regard beef as unhealthy, it is deemed an important part of a healthy diet from a Chinese medicine viewpoint. However, beef is only seen as beneficial when consumed in moderation and balanced with other healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods can only be considered healthful when consumed within reasonable limits and in the context of a balanced diet.

Why we have a hard time getting and staying healthy. Perhaps it is more appropriate to view health not so much as a destination but as a very personalized journey. There are myriad social and psychological influences that affect how we view health and acknowledging these forces (which we may have never acknowledged previously) can help us to gain clarity in our own personal journey.

In an age when advances in technology and medical knowledge have improved longevity and disease treatments, it is easy to see why so many think that health comes from the doctor or the drugstore. We have in many ways become a reactive society, calling the doctor or taking a drug when diseases have taken hold, rather than a proactive society, taking preventative measures that may eliminate or reduce risks before problems arise. In adopting this reactive mindset, we ultimately relinquish responsibility for our health to others. Yet it is important to see that there is no one more responsible for your own health than you.