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Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force regulates a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health. This vital energy originates from the major organs and flows throughout the body along pathways known as meridians and is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. Yin and Yang are used to explain the continuous process of natural change in life, which causes “disruptions” and must be continually balanced and integrated. Illness results from an imbalance of these forces. By inserting needles into specific points in various combinations, energy flow is re-balanced and brought into harmony.

Based on a system of thought that sees life as an intricate relationship of many parts and that no single part can be understood except in its relation to the whole – when a person is ill, the symptom is always looked at in relation to the totality of the body and whatever imbalance is seen in other aspects of their life and behavior.

"My approach to using this or any ancient healing has always been to find up-to-the- minute scientific reasons why it works."

My approach to using this or any ancient healing has always been to find up-to-the- minute scientific reasons why it works.  During the many years of using acupuncture I've come to understand that it's really just a matter of incorporating modern concepts of neuroscience.  Acupuncture points are places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts the activity of the body's natural painkillers and increase blood flow.  This in turn allows the body to heal and self correct and stimulates the immune system.

Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and is intended to stimulate circulation at the meridian points. The Moxa stick, which resembles a cigar, is made of an herb called mugwort.  Burning it near the acupuncture points warms the blood inducing a smoother flow.  Most practitioners consider it especially effective in chronic conditions and many medical historians believe that it predates the acupuncture needle, which was first introduced as a supplement to moxibustion in the 1st and 2nd Centuries BC. 

Acupuncture became more widely known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.  Today, it is regularly used in conjunction with conventional medical therapies, with many renowned medical centers like the Mayo Clinic, offering it as part of their many treatments.  Programs that incorporate this valuable healing method are not only helping the physical body – but to a great extent, helping the psyche accept the immutable laws of nature.

"Change" is inevitable – whether it's a change that occurs when a “pathogen” enters the body or a change in weather patterns or a change in emotions – it alters a previously existing equilibrium and a new harmony must be found. If the body is seen as holding this delicate balance of two opposing yet inseparable forces: yin and yang – then it's effectiveness in treating many of the ailments it addresses becomes clear.

"Change is inevitable – whether it's a change that occurs when a pathogen enters the body or a change in weather patterns or a change in emotions – it alters a previously existing equilibrium and a new harmony must be found."

Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. It's not hard to extrapolate why high blood pressure or gastrointestinal ailments would respond well.  Achieving a harmonious state is different for each patient, but a general course involves 10 to 12 treatments and acute cases may need 2 or 3 treatments a week in the beginning.

Preventive Medicine Clinic of Beverly Hills has been helping patients find vital combinations of therapies, because we believe it's the only way to fully address the complexity of the human body and spirit.

The following are just some of the conditions that can benefit from acupuncture:

Back pain (upper, mid, and low) Sciatica Neck pain Headaches (including migraines) Hair loss Frozen shoulder Joint pain Fibromyalgia Muscle sprain and strain Eye problems Indecisiveness

Depression and sadness Easily angered Weight gain / loss Indigestion / bloating / gas PMS / irregular bleeding / menstrual cramps Immune deficiency Allergies Weakness / low energy levels Smoking cessation

Dr. Elzinga is a provider for most insurance companies. Please check your provider’s manual.