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DoctorGetWell's Monthly Column
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Dr. Alex Tatevian has maintained a monthly acupuncture column in
the health section of the Federal Hill Gazette since 1999.
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Federall Hill Gazette; December 2001
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Acupuncture Techniques Part 1
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Question:
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I have found the definition of acupuncture that it is inserting fine, disposable needles in strategic points on the body to correct and balance the flow of energy or "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), stimulating the bodies’ own ability to heal itself.
But I know that there are other modalities of acupuncture. What are they?
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Answer:
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You are absolutely right; acupuncture is not only about needles. Needle is the most common tool for acupuncture, sort of a “trade-mark”. That’s why the title for this column is “Pains & Needles”, not “Pains & Needles&Moxibustion&Cupping&Hundred Other Things”.
Acupuncture point can be engaged by needling or by other means of physical stimulation: thermal (heat – moxibustion), electrical (electro-acupuncture), barometric (suction -cupping), magnetic, mechanical (acupressure, massage), light (laser acupuncture), etc.
I will try to give you brief description of these modalities:
MOXIBUSTION is a technique in which a Chinese herb called Moxa (mugwort or Artemesia Vulgaris) is used to apply heat to an acupuncture point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. Moxa can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle, allowing deeper penetration of heat.
Some “experts” claim that Moxa smells lake marijuana. I cannot be a judge of this statement, but this explains the information signs about the source of the odor that you can see on the walls in many acupuncture offices.
HEAT LAMP is special infrared reflector, which produces heat radiation that covers local areas, groups of points. Advantages: it doesn’t smell.
In the next issue I will continue this topic if you find it interesting.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Alex Tatevian, DA
You can ask your questions on our website DoctorGetWell.org or email them to getwell@doctor.com or send them to:
Alex Tatevian, DA
Acu Well Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine
141 Airport Road, Warwick, RI 02889
Phone (401) 738-9355
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This page last updated: 8-Sep-2010
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