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Writer's pictureD. Hughston Armstrong

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture - a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may, it has been theorized, correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin.


The practice of acupuncture to treat identifiable pathophysiological (disease) conditions in American medicine was rare until the visit of President Richard M. Nixon to China in 1972. Since that time, there has been an explosion of interest in the United States and Europe in the application of the technique of acupuncture to Western medicine.


Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. All rooted in Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM), has a variety of styles that have evolved in the modern day to provide multiple filters to address a variety of pain and Illness. At AcuPillar Performance, you will find up to three styles utilized based on the patient's symptoms, constitution, and plan of care.



APM

Acupuncture Physical Medicine Incorporates trigger point therapy, pioneered by Janet Travell. This Western blend style was developed by Mark Seem to address physical and emotional pain patterns of the Body-Mind, or Somato-Visceral, connection. Trigger points are "muscular knots" that are tight, tender to touch and cause a referral pattern that travels beyond the local area touched.


KM

Kiiko Matsumoto utilizes clinical experiences of her masters and her own practice with a focus around Hara (abdominal) palpation to reveal and resolve reflexes. This palpation based style offers immediate, systemic feedback and utilizes distal release points, points not local to pain/complaint, to provide relief.


TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine evolved in China from CCM, emphasizing tongue and pulse diagnosis. These are only two of the tools used in observation and intake. TCM patterns use a different vocabulary to explain the energetic conditions within the body and individualizing point palettes according to the patients signs/symptoms.



Because these styles are rooted in CCM, there are often overlapping protocols and integrating of techniques to provide the greatest relief for each individual patient.


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