AMHERST
ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE MEDICINE
Neil Pregozen, M.Ac., L.Ac.
Serving the Pioneer Valley
(413) 230-9609
What is Chinese Medicine?
Originating in ancient China, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are perhaps the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world and are currently used by one-third of the world's population as a primary health care system.
Chinese medicine is based upon natural laws that describe the flow of life energy (qi), in nature and in the body. This life energy
travels through the body via pathways or "acupuncture meridians" that have specific functions such as breathing, digesting, and eliminating. When the qi in the body is full and flowing, health is promoted. When the qi is blocked, distress signals in the form of symptoms appear. If the underlying problem is not addressed, sooner or later something more serious is likely to develop. Chinese medicine seeks to reestablish the flow of qi, thus treating the underlying cause, rather than just alleviating the symptom.
Chinese Medicine may also be helpful if you are in good health and wish to enhance your vitality, sense of well being, and quality of life. Patients often report increased energy levels, a fuller and deeper sense of themselves, and a greater sense of inner peace.
Additionally, even in those situations that require the special tools and techniques of Western medicine, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be helpful to hasten healing and support recovery.
Five-Element Acupuncture
What is commonly referred to as "Five-Element Acupuncture" is a specific style that was developed to treat the health concerns more prevalent in contemporary society. Five-Element Acupuncture's focus of attention is on the individual's uniqueness and innate constitution, with it's fundamental strengths and challenges, including the emotional and stress-related conditions inherent in living in a modern Western culture.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese Herbal Medicine is an ancient and time-honored method of nourishing and harmonizing the body, and that can be beneficial in many chronic health conditions. It is remarkable in its ability to heal old injuries and balance physiological processes. As Chinese Herbal Medicine can nourish as well as regulate natural bodily processes, it is particularly well suited to address women's health concerns including menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, and infertility. Chinese Herbal Medicines are traditionally brewed as teas but are also conveniently available as tinctures, powders, tablets, and pills, depending upon your needs and preferences. They can be used as an adjunct to acupuncture or as a stand-alone treatment.
Toyohari is a style of acupuncture that was developed primarily by non-sighted acupuncturists in Japan. Most of the techniques are quite subtle and do not involve the actual insertion of needles. Rather, needles and other implements made of silver or other precious metals are held above or touched lightly to the skin to balance the flow of qi in the body. It is effective and ideally suited to highly sensitive or needle-shy individuals, as well as children.
