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"Acupuncture"
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"Acupuncture"

Acupuncture is the art and science of placing tiny, sometimes hair-like, needles into specific points on the body for the purpose of relieving pain, increasing energy, and treating many other ailments. According to ancient Chinese teachings, as well as current medical research, this type of treatment will also increase general well being, even in an apparent healthy person. I prefer to use acupuncture along with homeopathic remedies, nutraceuticals and other therapies because they work synergistically together.

The word “acupuncture” comes from Latin - “acus” meaning needle, and pungere “to prick”. Sometimes other methods are used such as injecting tiny amounts of Vitamin B12 into the point, electrostimulation with small electrical currents, the application of hot or cold , and the stimulation of the points with various colors of light.

Modern Chinese doctors use acupuncture as just a small part of their overall treatment for an ailment or for prevention. They combine acupuncture with good diet, herbs and supplements, and Chinese exercises called Qi Gong, as well as a relatively stress free life style.

Chinese use the term “jing luo” which means a channel, conduit or meridians. According to microcurrent voltmeter measurements, these are invisible channels running alongside the blood and lymph vessels which conduct electricity or “Qi” in the body. The acupuncture points are the locations where the Qi or energy of the channels rises close to the surface of the body and can be measured. There are 12 main meridians which form a network of energy channels throughout the body. We place the needles where Qi is “blocked”.

In acupuncture, each meridian is related to, and named after an organ or function. The main ones are: lung, large intestine, kidney, urinary bladder, liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, heart ,and small intestine, triple heater, and pericardium. There are also eight “extraordinary channels” which are considered to be reservoirs supplying Qi to the twelve regular channels.

When Qi flows easily and freely thru the meridians, the body is balanced and healthy, but if the energy becomes blocked, stagnated or weakened, it can result in physical, mental or emotional ill health. An imbalance in a person’s body can result from or can result in inappropriate emotional responses such as: excess anger, over-excitement, self-pity, deep grief and fear. Environmental factors such as cold, damp, humidity, wind , dryness or heat can also cause imbalances as well as factors such as poor diet, overwork or too much or too little exercise.

In my practice, I use acupuncture in combination with homeopathy for such problems as arthritis, low back pain, hot flashes, fibromyalgia, hypertension, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, sinus problems, asthma, constipation, diarrhea, chronic or acute headaches and drug and smoking withdrawal in people. In animals, I use acupuncture in much the same way as people - including arthritis, trouble getting up and down, ear problems, seizures, chronic gingivitis in cats, and just about any other diagnosis. It is almost always used with homeopathy and herbal supplements.

What does acupuncture feel like? Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Some animal owners report that the dog or cat goes home and sleeps for hours. Many dogs, including my own, get up, shake and start running happily around the house!

Dr. Stolz is a veterinarian, naturopathic physician, and licensed acupuncturist for people and animals. Her area of special interest consists of homeopathic phone consultations for animal patients all over the country, as well as acupuncture for humans and animals in Arizona.

Dr. Judy Stolz is a naturopathic physician and a veterinarian practicing in Casa Grande, AZ.