Integrative MedicineEast Meets West
Risa Silverstein, LAc.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Yin and Yang
Describes the dynamic opposites that exist within the body and all of nature.
The part cannot be separated from the whole.
Describes how things function in relation to one another and the continual process of natural change
The emotions and physical body are constantly affecting one another.
Qi
Qi corresponds broadly to energy or life force.
A balance of yin and yang must be maintained so that qi is not disrupted.
When qi is disrupted disharmony, pain, and illness result.
Acupuncture
The acupuncturist focuses on meridians.
The meridians are pathways along which Qi flows in the body.
Acupuncture points are located on the skin where the meridian comes closest to the surface of the body.
The points are like gates that correct energetic imbalances and restore the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Meridians
The Meridians are named for the organs they pass through.
Each organ and its corresponding meridian has a different function.
Each corresponds to a particular emotion.
Yin organs Yang organs Five Emotions
Liver Gall Bladder Anger
Heart Small Intestine Joy
Spleen Stomach Worry
Lung Large Intestine Sadness and grief
Kidney Urinary Bladder Fear
The Meridians
Mind Body Medicine
There is always an interaction between the mind and the physical body.
ie. Emotion associated with the liver is Anger. The function of the liver is regulating the smooth flow of qi through the body.
When a person feels anger, frustration, and/or resentment, qi is disrupted. This may manifest as pain or have an effect on the function of another meridian.
The qi of the stomach should flow down. If it goes in the wrong direction, a person has acid reflux. This can result from the impact that the liver has on the stomach. The emotion of the stomach is worry, which can also have an effect on the stomach to cause acid reflux.
Disharmony
Balance also holds true for health. When a person is out of balance, disharmony exists.
Disharmony manifestations
Pain along a meridian
Allergies
Upset Stomach/ Acid Reflux
Anxiety and Depression
Acupuncture and Disharmony
Rebalances the energy of the body
If there is pain it regulates the flow of qi
If there is allergies, it calms the system down and increases energy and tissue regeneration.
The Autonomic Nervous System Theory
& Neurotransmitter Theory
Autonomic Nervous System
Acupuncture normalizes the autonomic nervous system
Reduces pain and regulates emotions
Releases norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opiodes.
Neurotransmitter System
Influences the immune system and antinociceptive system by the release of neurotransmitters
Stimulates the release of beta-endorphins and enkephalins in the brain and spinal cord
Vascular Interstitial Theory
Acupuncture can manipulate the electrical system of the body
The Gate Theory
The brain is where pain is registered.
Acupuncture changes the message to the brain.
Effects of AcupunctureMSKCC
Immune system
Circulatory system
Digestive system
Urinary system
Nervous system
Pain Management
Increase antibodies IgG, IgA, IgM
Improve RBC count and hemoglobin
Improve absorption and mobility in small intestine
Facilitate urination
Helps recover peripheral nerve damage
Modulate sensory pain center in brain producing analgesic effect
Control allergic reactions- decreasing IgE concentration
Help intestinal peristalsis and emptying
Treat incontinence
Improve neuromuscular function after injury
Help release neurotransmitters
Points to help bladder contract
Points to help bladder relax
Hot Flashes
Caused by an imbalance of yin and yang
Yin is water
Yang is fire
Women who are menopausal are yin deficient and heat signs flare up.
Symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and a red tongue with no coat.
1 Acute lower back pain
2Rheumatoid Arthritis
Neck Pain
Conclusion
We are all effected by our external and internal environments.
While acupuncture helps to rebalance energy in the body, living a balanced lifestyle is the ultimate goal.