Acupuncture - Getting the Point

Interview with Dr. Yixiong Wang, Acupuncturist at the Northwest Alternative Healing Center in Seattle 
by Laurie Long

Dr. Wang is a native of China and has studied both traditional Chinese and Western medicine. He is a licensed Medical and Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor in China. For the last eight years, Dr. Wang has been involved in clinical practice, research and teaching of both western and Chinese medicine, acupuncture and Tuina (an ancient form of Chinese therapeutic massage).

When asked about the basic theory behind acupuncture, he explained that Chinese medicine believes that a vital energy called Qi (Chi) surrounds and sustains all living things. Qi flows through the body in regular pathways, called meridians. Each meridian corresponds to a particular physiological system or organ. The meridians of energy connect with the surface of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points. Each point has an effect on the energy passing through it. Science has been able to measure electrical charge at these points. By stimulating these points with acupuncture needles and low electrical charges, blockages in the energy flow that are disrupting the body can be released, and the symptoms resulting from the blockage diminished or eradicated.

Dr. Wang also went on to clarify the Western medical explanation of acupuncture's success. Western medicine believes that the needles stimulate a sensory nerve, triggering electrical impulses to the nervous system, which in turn signals nerve cells to release endorphins (chemicals that mute pain); the midbrain to discharge neurotransmitters (substances that block pain pathways); and the pituitary gland to deliver endorphins and anti-inflammatory chemicals into the surrounding brain tissue and bloodstream.

Dr. Wang pointed out that American medicine is beginning to accept acupuncture for treatment of certain types of pain and nausea. In November of 1997, the National Institute of Health (NIH) endorsed acupuncture for treatment of pain after surgery or dental procedures, and for controlling nausea caused by chemotherapy and pregnancy. In March, 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted acupuncture needles as a respectable medical tool. More studies are being done before the FDA will venture further in accepting acupuncture. The World Health Organization, however, recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine in treating over 200 standard clinical disorders.

When asked about the patients with MS that he sees, Dr. Wang said that most of the patients came to him to relieve pain, numbness, increase-restricted motion and help muscular atrophy. The appointments generally last 45 minutes to 1 hour, at an approximate cost of $55/hr. Many insurance companies will now cover acupuncture and more are adding it since the announcements from the NIH and FDA. Dr. Wang says a course of treatment is 6-8 visits (1-2x/week) after which the patient is evaluated to check their response to the treatment. Then a further course may be added, depending on the symptom response.

Dr. Wang uses electric current with his needles, and uses disposable needles of different sizes. The needles themselves are hardly thicker than a hair, and are barely felt when they are placed. They are often placed in areas other than the affected area according to the meridian lines for that disorder.

Dr. Wang has also worked with acupressure (pressing certain points and lines to relieve tension and pain) and believes that acupuncture, acupressure and other Oriental medicine can be used to complement Western medicine and provide more options for those suffering from pain.

Was this information helpful? Then please consider making a donation. We are a small, independent nonprofit agency and are dependent on donations from our supporters. Thank you from all the staff at the MSA.