Acupuncture – What is it?
Dating back more than 3,000 years, Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine and is probably the most commonly and widely practiced form of alternative medicine in the world today. Acupuncture is based on working with the energy flows in the body through the insertion of small needles into points in the body. There are different types of acupuncture, and the Balance method of acupuncture is a predominant method of treatment which has been shown to be one of the most effective forms of acupuncture, producing the fastest results for healing and pain relief. Elad Shalev is practicing and teaching the Balance Method of Acupuncture for over fifteen years, and we will explore this method in this article.
What is Balance Method Acupuncture effective in treating?
Acupuncture can improve many conditions including:
- Pain in the joints, back, neck, knees and shoulders
- Any inflammation in the body
- Hormone imbalance, menstruation and menopause symptoms
- Migraines, headaches
- Immune system disorders
- Constipation, hemorrhoids
- Anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, fatigue
- Maintaining general well-being
Benefits of Acupuncture
- No side effects
- No drugs, prescriptions or chemicals involved
- Creates harmony in the body
- Is relatively painless
- Suitable for almost anyone
- Can provide fast relief from pain and symptoms
- Non invasive treatment requiring almost no recovery time
Acupuncture points in the body
Acupuncture is based on movement and revitalization of the flow of Qi (pronounced “Chi”) energy throughout the body. Qi is the Chinese term for the vital force energy in the human body. According to Chinese medicine, Illnesses and disease are most commonly associated to a stagnation of Qi energy in the body.
Thousands of years ago, the Chinese began mapping the Qi flow in the body through channels called meridians. They identified points in these channels and in other areas of the body where the Qi is best stimulated and where it directly connects to organs and specific functions of the body. There are hundreds of acupuncture points throughout the body, each one ranging in size from one millimeter to two centimeters in width, and the depth also varies similarly, according to the location in the body into which the acupuncture needles are inserted.
When needles are inserted into the points in the body, the Qi energy is stimulated and information is carried throughout the body and to the brain. The effect of the stimulation of each point varies according to the points’ location and function.
Acupuncture Technique and Therapist expertise
During an acupuncture treatment, in order that the Qi flow is affected, the way in which needles are placed in the body and the precision of the placement of the needle is very important. A proficient therapist knows how to affect Qi flow by inserting the needle in various ways. Each meridian in the body has a flow direction, inserting the needle in the direction of the flow will reinforce the Qi, while inserting it against the flow will disperse the Qi. Once the needle is inserted, the therapist may gently touch it, move it and turn it until the needle “reaches the Qi.”
With the adjustment of the needle, the patient should feel a sense of current, dim pain or a different sensation indicating the Qi flow has been ‘reached’. Studies show that when the needle reaches the Qi, certain brain areas respond, indicating information is being carried from the point to the brain. This signifies the importance that this occurs for the healing effect to begin in the body.
How Is Acupuncture done?
Acupuncture treatment begins with a diagnosis. The acupuncturist examines the patient to look for imbalances in the body. The examination will typically include inspecting the tongue, measuring the pulse and asking the patient questions about their symptoms and lifestyle related questions.
The patient will then lie down to receive the treatment as the therapist inserts the acupuncture needles. The acupuncturist will usually leave the needles in for anywhere between twenty to sixty minutes depending on the patient. The patient may experience subtle changes and sensations in the body such as energy movement, hot or cool flows or tingling, and are usually accompanied by a feeling of peace and relaxation following the treatment.
Balance Method Acupuncture
After trying many different types of acupuncture methods, Elad Shalev came to the conclusion that the Balance method of acupuncture provided the most effective and holistic approach to treatment. The Balance Method is about creating inner balance between internal organs and their meridians – our body’s energy channels. People seeking acupuncture sometimes question the effectiveness of the treatment due to its seemingly simple process. In Balance Method Acupuncture, this concern is quickly laid to rest as the impact of the treatment is usually visible immediately. Pain is reduced, tension released and flows of energy reinvigorate the body, creating a sense of relaxation and harmony. After only several sessions, the patient will usually see an improvement in their condition.
According to the Balance Method, a damaged meridian can be treated through several other meridians that can balance it. This increases the healing effect and makes for a more holistic treatment. It also means that the treatment is not directly local to the pain or the affected area. The last thing a person with a backache wants is to be punctured where it already hurts, which may aggravate the area further. A needle puncture in their hand or leg would achieve a better, smoother and faster healing, compared to other forms of acupuncture where area of concern.
Where did the Balance Method originate?
Balance Acupuncture was introduced to the world by Dr. Richard Tan. A Taiwanese man of Chinese descent. Dr. Tan learned the skill of acupuncture from his father, which had been passed down in their family for generations. He taught and practiced acupuncture all around the world, promoting the Balance method across the globe. Elad Shalev was fortunate enough to learn his skills in Balance Method acupuncture from the master himself, before Dr Tan passed away. Today, Balance method acupuncture is gaining tremendous popularity across the world as an effective form of alternative medicinal treatment.
People who have tried various forms of alternative treatment or other methods of acupuncture, are often amazed at the results of the Balance Method. It is no surprise that it is practiced by so many therapists throughout the world. The Balance Method is suitable for almost every medical condition, whether it be physical, mental or emotional; reoccurring migraines that cannot be alleviated by other techniques, ruptured discs, body pain, knee, neck shoulder complaints, hemorroids, anxiety, infertility, digestive issues, and the list goes on and on. It is a comprehensive and holistic treatment method with proven results and may just be the solution that you’ve been looking for.
Elad Shalev practices out of the West Edmonton Naturopathic Wellness Centre. Elad Shalev has been practicing Holistic Medicine for the last 20 years. After working with many different methods, he specialized in two powerful ways of healing, Acupuncture and Recall Healing.
Visits with Elad Shalev can be covered by most extended health insurance plans.
For questions or enquiries about your condition or a first consultation, contact the clinic.