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Understanding 
Acupuncture 
Historic Technique
The Chinese healing art of acupuncture is one that can be dated back at least two thousand years. Much of the population of the world has been relatively uninformed about acupuncture, its origins, and its capacity to promote and maintain good health. Even today in relatively "advanced" nations such as the United States there are many who hold acupuncture under the stereotype of a new or radical medicine, one which would almost always be a second choice after more familiar Western approaches to handling illness.
 
An understanding of the relationship between the body, yin and yang, and qi is necessary to understand the utility of acupuncture.
Natural Balance: Yin & Yang
One of the most important concepts of Chinese medicine is that of natural balance. From this idea of balance arises the fundamental theory of yin and yang. According to this theory, life takes place in the alternating rhythm of yin and yang:
  • Day and night 
  • Moon waxes and wanes 
  • Heat and cold
  • Activity and rest, etc
Yin and yang was first conceived through patient observation of the forces of nature and finding that yin and yang mutually control each other. This is the basic mechanism of balance in nature and the human body. For example, when the body gets overheated from exercise, the pores open and sweating lowers the temperature. When the body gets too cold due to exposure, the muscles shiver to generate heat. 
 
Yin functions tend to be nourishing, cooling, building, and relaxing and relate to the structure, or substance, of the organs. Yang qualities tend to be energizing, warming, consuming, and stimulating and relate to the functional activity of the organs. 
 
When such a proper balance of forces exists, the body has achieved a healthy circulation of the life force qi (pronounced "chee"). In Chinese medicine it is theorized that the human body, as well as every other living thing, has a natural flow of qi throughout it. Qi is said to travel the body along channels called "meridians," of which there are mainly fourteen. Qi flows constantly up and down these pathways, and when the flow of qi is insufficient, unbalanced, or interrupted, yin and yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur.
 
The conclusion drawn from this theory is that good health entails the balance and harmony of all that is yin and all that is yang within the body.
How Acupuncture Heals
Acupuncture on the basic level can be described as the insertion of metallic, solid, and hair-thin needles into the skin at specific acupuncture points in order to influence the functioning of the body. The acupuncturist may turn or twirl the needles slightly or apply heat or electrical stimulation to enhance the effects.

There are 365 acupoints on the body, most of which have a specific energetic function. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body's natural healing response through the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.

The choice of acupuncture points varies from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment and relies on very careful diagnoses of different kinds. Diagnosis entails the observation of the body through looking, touching, smelling and listening.
 
Sources:
Dr. Sullivan's Recommendations 
I am a fan of acupuncture, as I had an acupuncturist in my old office and have had it done several times. It really helped with my sinus issues as well as a muscle strain that occurred in my neck. 
 
Acupuncture is known to help with many different conditions and illnesses, and can work hand in hand with the benefits of Chiropractic care. Here is a helpful link that includes information on illnesses and conditions that acupuncture may heal.
 
I also recommend that the patient takes into consideration that in addition to researching the acupuncturist's experience, education, training, etc., that they actually call and talk personally with the acupuncturist. It is important to have a good connection with the acupuncturist so that the patient feels comfortable and they can benefit more from the energy healing. 
 
The acupuncturist that I recommend is Sarah Shupe with Acupuncture Alexandria LLC. 703-217-7124
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Note: The material provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein may not always reflect the views of the NOVA Chiropractic, nor do they imply an endorsement. 
In This Issue
Help Dr. Sullivan Spread the Word!
Historic Technique
Natural Balance: Yin & Yang
How Acupuncture Heals
Dr. Sullivan's Recommendations
NOVA Chiropractic Blog Article
Additional Articles
Laser Therapy
Updated HIPPA Notice of Privacy Practices
2014 Office Policy Updates
Healthy Recipes
The Healthy Alternative
Contact Information
 
8992 Fern Park Drive
Burke, VA 22015
703-912-7822
Office Hours
Mon  8:00 - Noon   2:00 - 7:00

Tues  8:00 - Noon  2:00 - 7:00

Wed  8:00 - Noon   2:00 - 7:00

Thurs 7:00 - Noon  2:00 - 7:00

Fri      Closed 
Sat     Closed 
Sun    Closed 
Quick Links
 
  
  
  
  

Laser Therapy
 
The Latest & Greatest at NOVA Chiropractic

The laser has proven to help dozens of patients at 
NOVA Chiropractic! 
Common conditions with current patients that laser therapy is helping to heal are:
  • Herniated discs
  • Knee arthritis
  • Carpel tunnel syndrome
  • Achilles tendinitis 
  • Neck and back pain
  • and much more!
For more information, 
call 703-912-7822 or email info@novachirowellness.com
Updated HIPPA Notice of Privacy Practices
Click Here to Read the Updated Notice to Privacy Practices
Healthy Recipes
2013 Seminars/Events 
Active Release Technique 

Re-Certification Seminar 

Iselin, New Jersey

 

Medicare Seminar

Richmond, Virginia

 

Health and Safety Fair

Fort Belvoir, VA

 

Health Fair at the Naval Research Laboratory

Washington, DC

 

Neurokinetic Therapy Seminar

Washington, DC

 

Active Release Techniques Full Body Seminar

Washington, DC 

The Healthy Alternative
The Healthy Alternative

A guidebook written by

Dr. Sullivan!

  
The Healthy Alternative: 

A Guide For A Pain-Free, Active Lifestyle empowers and educates the reader when confronted with back or neck on the treatment options available and integrating the safest, most effective ways to manage and prevent pain. Order Now!