The True Spirit of Acupuncture

Article submitted by Howard Reynold, M.S. M.Ac Lic. at Acupuncturist of Healthy Visions Wellness Center.
For more information, he can be reached at 623-876-0808.

The true spirit of Acupuncture is preventive, and is a call for each of us to get back in touch with Nature. According to Chinese Medicine there is a Life Force throughout all of existence that is called Chi. When Chi is blocked in the human body, pain is created and emotional and physical symptoms develop. The task of the acupuncturist is to determine where this blockage is taking place and to insert tiny, hair-thin needles at the acupuncture points to release this universal life force once again. Acupressure, the use of gentle pressure through the fingertips at the acupuncture points, can be substituted if necessary instead of the needles.

Five Element Acupuncture is the oldest most widely practiced system of medicine in the world today. The Five Elements correspond to the Five Seasons of the year. Within our human nature, each of us has a Winter, Spring, Summer, Late Summer, and Fall. If we internally reflect the energy of the seasons at the appropriate times, we are balanced and in good emotional and physical health. If we are not in touch with the seasonal elements within us, then disharmony develops and more serious disease may follow. It is an ever-increasing challenge in our fast paced culture to reconnect with Nature manifested in the seasons of the year. This system of medicine assists us in reestablishing this vital link back to the earth and our basic elemental nature.

One of the primary goals of Five Element Acupuncture is to develop a healthy, trusting relationship with the client. Therefore, the first treatment, called the Traditional Diagnosis, lasts an hour and a half. It is a time to get to know the client and to determine the main reason for the visit. A personal, social, and medical history is taken followed by a physical exam to determine the cause of the main complaint. After the initial session, most clients come back for four to eight, hour-long treatments. At the end of this series of visits, a re-evaluation takes place to determine if any additional treatments are needed and to determine a timely maintenance -protocol for the client.

Together, the acupuncturist and the client create strategies to implement and promote healthier life choices between treatments. This in-between-time is a continuation of the treatment and builds momentum for the next visit.
Some insurance companies, including Medicare, will reimburse the client. The cost of treatment is dependent on personal income and is reflected in a sliding scale from fifty to seventy-five dollars an hour. If a person is truly interested in receiving acupuncture treatments we will do everything in our power to be flexible financially and to work with your personal situation.

Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has tremendous potential to restore, revitalize, and regenerate individuals back into a happier and healthier way of living. It is a gentle, subtle, and yet powerful way to be more fully present to life and the natural flow of the seasons within each of us. It is a call to celebrate who we are and to allow that life flow and force to touch and to assist others along the way.