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MOUNTAIN LAKES CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC (435) 674-1926 St George, UTAH Dr. Vradenburg has earned his Fellowship to the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture |
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History of Acupuncture Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body. Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Its use spread throughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire and later into Western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China told of the amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed. Acupuncture did not become known on a national level in the US until 1971 when diplomatic relations between China and America were relaxed. Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures by over 1,000 "Acupoints" on the body. This energy works in harmony with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other systems of the body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the body may restore harmony to the affected area. Historians have stated, "More people have benefited from Acupuncture over the course of fifty centuries than the combined total of all other healing sciences, both ancient and modern.” Meridian Therapy Meridian Therapy is the accepted name employed by those who practice the same principles of Acupuncture without the use of a penetrating needle. Since Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique, there are many ways to stimulate an Acupoint other than a needle. Many practitioners use electronic stimulation, laser beam or pressure massage to treat an Acupoint. The principle of Acupuncture does not change. How Does It Work? Far too often in the medical professions, a patient is told after extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong," "It is all in your head," or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it. The examining doctor unable to find the cause of the problem has little else to tell the patient. Today, many physicians are referring their patients for a Meridian Evaluation and Therapy. The human body's energy flows over twelve meridians that are normally balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in the body. The goal is to restore normalcy to the body's energy balance by utilizing a combination of Acupoints located on the twelve meridians. This is accomplished by a variety of means, the needle is just one. Is the Treatment Painful? Needles obviously have their place in clinical practice. However, many physicians certified in Acupuncture and licensed Acupuncturists are employing electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoint with equal effectiveness as the needle. Both of these procedures are painless and standard worldwide. Using a tapping "needle" called Teishein is another example of non-invasive therapy. The Teishein is not really a needle as it does not pierce the skin. It produces a mild to moderate sensation. Compare it to tapping a ball point pen on the skin. This form of stimulation has been used successfully for centuries. Dr. Vradenburg uses disposable needles as well as non-invasive therapies such as cold laser, Teishen instruments, acupatches, and electro-stimulation to treat meridian points. What Conditions Are Accepted? Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization, working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training center of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has indicated Acupuncture is effective in the following conditions. Acute and chronic pain relief, migraine, tension cluster and sinus headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, bed wetting, cervical (neck) pain, and mid-back pain, low shoulder, tennis elbow, post-operative pain relief, gastric problems, asthma, allergies, skin conditions, hemorrhoids, abnormal blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety, neurologic syndrome, various eye problems, etc., etc. This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions Acupuncture has been credited with helping. Meridian Examination? Perhaps the cornerstone of Acupuncture examination is pulse diagnosis whereby the trained practitioner, by feeling the pulse, is able to determine the balance of the twelve (12) meridians. This ancient method of diagnosis is giving way to modern electronic evaluation referred to as "Ryodoraku" or "electro meridian imaging" (EMI). The practitioner places a small painless electronic pen on the skin over specific Acupoints. By way of a sensitive metering device, the electro potential of the point is measured. This examination is extremely reliable and is a standard method of diagnosis internationally. Dr. Vradenburg uses Electro Meridian Imaging to measure and graph your meridian energy. The Electro Meridian Image can be used as a guide for more accurate Meridian Therapy and can determine effectiveness of the therapy on follow up exams.
. WEB: http://www.iama.edu/
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