|
|
|
KNOWLEDGE
Learn more about acupuncture and live a healthier
life.
Why five seasons?
Acupuncture is based on the philosophy of five seasons or five phases.
Understanding the five seasons and phases helps us restore our health
and harmony in connection to other natural cycles.
Like the ancient Greek theory of four elements, the Chinese system of five phases is a way to put everything in correlation with everything else. Five elements (or ways) make up the universe. Every moment, object, or phenomenon can be organized according to this system. The annual cycle of the year corresponds to the development of any phenomenon, including projects and lifespans: birth or beginning, growth, peak, decline, and death or ending.
The table below shows the five seasons and five
elements and how they relate to food, sounds, tastes, direction, sounds,
and emotions.
The Chinese view of the year includes an extra season. Late summer, as it is often translated, represents that part of the year when, following the tremendous growth of summer, we stand on the cusp between the blazing heat of summer and the chilling rains of fall.
One of the oldest tomes on Chinese medicine, the Yellow Emperor’s Classic on Internal Medicine (Huangdi Nei Jing), instructs us how to stay in tune with the yearly movement of the heavens. Even though most of us live and work in climate-controlled buildings and spend many of our waking hours in front of a computer, we are still part of nature. Our health improves when we recognize our connection and responsibilities to the natural world.
One way to stay in tune with nature is to eat, rest, work, and play in ways that are appropriate to each season. Learn how by signing up to receive the complementary updates on the Five Seasons and Health Notes.
December 2004: No pain, no brain
May 2005: Acupuncture proven to help osteoarthritis
July 2005: The Benefits of Sleep
Channels or Meridians. There are 12 main acupuncture lines or passageways, through which qi flows. Each of them is associated with an organ system, or “zangfu:” Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Warmer, Gall Bladder, and Liver. The Chinese did not think of organs as hunks of meat fixed in a particular space in the body; organs were conceived more in terms of function than form. If an organ had a form, it was more like an orb that moved around in the body performing its functions. For example, the Liver meridian is associated with eyes, menstruation, patience and planning, and ensuring the smooth flow of qi everywhere in the body, to name just a few of its areas of responsibility. From that example, you can see that we can’t directly translate the meridian names to what we know of the organ from a biomedical point of view. In fact, one of these “organs” has no material equivalent: the Triple Warmer meridian refers not to any one organ but to the entire process of metabolism.
Cups are just that: bamboo, glass or plastic cups that are applied upside-down to the skin, out of which the air is pumped, so that the cups adhere by suction or vacuum. The cups may be stationary or may be moved over a broad area, such as the back. In general, people who like strong stimuli such as deep massage tend to enjoy the sensation of cupping. Cupping is indicated for pain, colds and other upper respiratory conditions.
Extraordinary Vessels are considered to be reservoirs of qi for the 12 main meridians. The extraordinary vessels are the first to develop in a fetus. There are 8 extraordinary vessels. Each of them has its own specific functions and activities, but in general they are called upon to maintain the symmetrical structural integrity of the body.
Gwasha refers to stroking the skin with a rounded-edged tool that brings qi and blood that is stuck to the surface, where the body can more easily release and circulate them.
Magnets used in acupuncture are small and very strong. They are placed strategically on indicated acupuncture points and may be left on with adhesive tape for 3-5 days to prolong the effects of the in-office treatment. Proper use of polarities (north/south) is important in achieving the desired effects.
Moxibustion involves burning the herb moxa (Artemisia vulgaris, also known as mugwort) near or on certain acupuncture points. Someone receiving moxibustion may feel warmth but will not be burnt or hurt. Moxa is by nature a warming, tonifying and moving herb. You may notice a smell like that of marijuana in the office; this is moxa smoke.
Non-insertive needles are held on the surface of the skin at acupuncture points. They are not inserted into the skin. These needles are often made of or coated with precious metals. Since qi flows on the surface of the skin and acupuncture points are apertures or crevices that allow us access to the flow of qi within the body, it is not always necessary to penetrate the skin with a needle. Not just for those of us who are very fearful of (inserted) needles, non-insertive needles are effective for many people, including children and more sensitive individuals (people whose qi tends to be more reactive).
Tuina is
a type of massage that concentrates on stimulating the meridians and acupuncture
points. Tuina is excellent for musculoskeletal disorders and stress-related
conditions. I perform tuina using unscented oil directly on the skin.
Tuina can be applied to a specific area of the body (for example, neck
and shoulders) or to the whole body. After tuina, people often feel aerated,
relaxed, and more centered in their body.