LEARN THE SECRETS
Public television favorite Lee Holden believes that it takes
only seven minutes to make changes in the body and the mind that will have a
lasting effect throughout the day. more...
General Acupuncture Information
- What is acupuncture?
- How does acupuncture work?
- Is acupuncture painful?
- How many treatments do I need?
- Does medical insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
- What can I expect on the first visit?
Qi Gong
- Where do I start? Which of the Qi Gong DVD programs is best for me?
- I've never tried Qi Gong before. Will I be able to follow along if I don't know what I'm doing?
- Do I have to do all the exercises on the DVD to get the full benefit of the Qi Gong program?
- I struggle with back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain. Is Qi Gong safe for me?
- I have other medical problems. Will Qi Gong help me?
- Where can I find a Qi Gong class in my neighborhood?
General Acupuncture Information
Chinese medicine is a complete medical system originating from China more than 3000 years ago. Acupuncture, a therapeutic specialty of Chinese medicine, applies traditional Chinese medical theory to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being by inserting acupuncture needles at specific points throughout the body.
According to Chinese medical theory, energy or Qi ("chee") runs through the body and along its surface in regular patterns called channels or meridians. These channels nourish and regulate the functions of the body. When the energy flows freely in these channels, health is maintained. When the energy is blocked or depleted, pain or illness results. Needling acupuncture points normalizes the flow of Qi to help correct internal imbalances in the body.
A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles affects the autonomic nervous system, the vascular and endocrine physiology, and the brain chemistry, as well as the body's production of endorphins.
While most people express fear or anxiety of needles before their first treatment, they are surprised by the pleasantness of the acupuncture treatment. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are very fine - about the thickness of a human hair. There should be very little or no discomfort with needle insertion. For your safety, only sterile and disposable needles are used. There are certain transient sensations, not considered painful, associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture which may include euphoria, warmth, tingling, heaviness, distention, or numbness.
How many treatments do I need?
Since each person is unique, the number of treatments will vary. Among the determining factors are the nature, severity, and history of each person's complaint, as well as the general health of the individual. Usually one or two treatments per week are necessary to begin with. Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with acupuncture and herbs. Chronic illnesses may require treatment for several weeks or longer. Acute problems generally respond much faster. As in any form of medical care, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment.
Does medical insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
Some health insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment. You should contact your health insurance company to verify acupuncture coverage. We would also be happy to verify coverage for you. Please call us to discuss the specifics of your situation.
What can I expect on the first visit?
During your first office visit, your practitioner may take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, examine your pulse and tongue, then apply appropriate treatment according to the diagnosis derived from the intake . After arriving at a specific diagnostic conclusion, one or several of the following techniques will be incorporated:
Needles: Thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is generally a very relaxing experience.
Electric Stimulation: Very low level electrical current may be applied to the needle or to the skin. This is often used for muscle spasms and acupuncture analgesia and to enhance point stimulation in general.
Moxibustion: Moxa is a Chinese herb (mugwort) which
is rolled into sticks or cones and burned above the skin. This
aromatic herb creates a sensation which is warming and pleasant and
regulates the qi.
Massage: Massage and body work are often applied in coordination
with needling to release muscle spasms.
Herbs: Herbology is an intrinsic aspect of Oriental medicine. Herbs may be prescribed to reduce acute conditions or as a dietary supplement which will build and strengthen the body.
Qi Gong
Where do I start? Which of the Qi Gong DVD programs is best for me?
You can start with any of the DVD programs. Qi Gong for Beginners has more flowing movements than any of the other programs, so it might be the easiest place to start if you are not comfortable with this form of exercise or if you are not experienced in performing regular exercise. Qi Gong for Upper Back & Neck Pain and Qi Gong for Low Back Pain have more stretching exercises designed to help with easing tension in specific regions of the body. The Qi Gong exercises in the back and neck pain DVD's might be slightly more challenging than the exercises in Qi Gong for Beginners, and if you are not accustomed to stretching, you might prefer to ease into those exercises more gently. The Qi Gong for Stress DVD contains a balance of flowing and stretching movements and might offer a good intermediate step between the Qi Gong for Beginners DVD program and the stretching-oriented Qi Gong for Upper Back & Neck Pain and Qi Gong for Low Back Pain programs.
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I've never tried Qi Gong before. Will I be able to follow along if I don't know what I'm doing?
Qi Gong is based on conditions occurring in nature, such as flow and balance. An "all-or-nothing" approach does not belong in the practice of Qi Gong! You might begin by choosing just one section from any of the Qi Gong DVD programs, getting started with only a few of the Qi Gong exercises. If your time is limited, consider setting aside just ten minutes to offer yourself and your body to a relaxing, invigorating Qi Gong health break. Treating your body to even ten minutes of stretching, breathing, movement, and relaxation is better than not doing anything at all. As you begin to enjoy the Qi Gong practice, you will find yourself wanting to do more and more of the exercises in the DVD's and to progress to exercises from the other DVD's, so that you might enjoy as many of the movements and stretches as possible.
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Do I have to do all the exercises on the DVD to get the full benefit of the Qi Gong program?
Qi Gong is based on time-honored conditions occurring in nature, such as flow and balance. An "all-or-nothing" approach does not belong in the practice of Qi Gong! You might begin by choosing just one section from any of the Qi Gong DVD programs, getting started with only a few Qi Gong exercises. If your time is limited, consider setting aside just ten minutes a day to offer yourself and your body a relaxing, invigorating Qi Gong health break. Treating your body to even ten minutes of stretching, breathing, movement, and relaxation is better than not doing anything at all. As you begin to enjoy the Qi Gong practice, you will find yourself wanting to do more and more of the exercises in the DVD's and to progress to exercises from the other DVD's. Over time, you might find yourself wanting to enjoy as many of the movements and stretches as possible.
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I struggle with back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain. Is Qi Gong safe for me?
If you are already experiencing back pain, neck pain, or pain in another region of the body, you should be very gentle with yourself and begin any exercise program gradually. Qi Gong for Upper Back & Neck Pain and Qi Gong for Low Back Pain have stretching exercises designed to ease tension in specific regions of the body. These Qi Gong exercises for back and neck pain might be slightly more challenging than the more flowing exercises in Qi Gong for Beginners, particularly if you are already experiencing pain in one of these areas. If you are not accustomed to stretching or if you are already in pain, you should make sure to use particular caution in easing into the Qi Gong exercises more gently.
Watch the Qi Gong program all the way through at least once before performing the exercises. Watching the program in advance of participating will help to familiarize you with the Qi Gong movements, increasing your overall comfort level and ability to follow along. The Qi Gong stretching programs include exercises appropriate for people at varying levels of fitness and flexibility. Some Qi Gong stretches will be perfect for your level, and some might be appropriate for more advanced Qi Gong participants.
Pick the exercises that feel comfortable and appropriate to your fitness level, and skip the ones that you find difficult until you feel more comfortable with these exercises. Ease gently into the stretches, particularly in your first times through the Qi Gong programs, and do not feel compelled to try everything and "make it" through the whole program.
Don’t do any stretches that are uncomfortable. The Qi Gong programs are designed to work for you over time, and their varying levels of exercise provide room for growth over time. Consider beginning with one section of the DVD at a time and adding more sections as your comfort level with Qi Gong increases.
Don’t do any exercise that feels too strenuous for you. Don‘t push yourself to perform any of the stretches if they are not comfortable, and "listen to your body," as pain is a valuable warning signal. Make sure to do the exercises slowly, and be careful getting on and off the floor if you are not accustomed to regular movement and exercise. As always, you should discuss exercise plans with your physician before embarking on new routines, and you should never push yourself beyond your "comfort zone." If you are unsure of yourself or of your level of fitness, caution, patience, and gentleness are important watchwords!
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I have other medical problems. Will Qi Gong help me?
We believe that Qi Gong represents one component of an integrated practice of strengthening mind, body, and spirit, and improving overall health. Of course, we remind our customers that Lee is not a medical doctor in the western sense, and that eastern healing is not a substitute for western healing. Lee is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and he offers acupuncture, eastern healing, and herbal remedies. Many people report a sense of relaxation, healing, and well-being from Lee’s programs and from Qi Gong in general.
We suggest starting with the Qi Gong Flow for Beginners DVD to make sure you enjoy the exercise and feel comfortable with it. Qi Gong Flow for Beginners is the easiest of Lee’s Qi Gong DVDs, as all of the exercises are done in a standing position. It is possible to modify these exercises so that you can do them from a seated position, from a chair or wheelchair, for instance.
Lee’s other Qi Gong DVD’s would add variety to your practice, addressing a broader range of symptoms across the whole body. The other DVDs do include exercises done while seated and lying on the floor. We recommend watching all of the exercises prior to performing them.
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Where can I find a Qi Gong class in my neighborhood?
There are undoubtedly many wonderful practitioners and teachers of Qi Gong throughout the US, and certainly throughout the world. Unfortunately, we do not have a list of Qi Gong teachers or centers, although we would love to build one. Perhaps try a web search using the terms "Qi Gong" and the name of your town or city. Also, a phone call to a local acupuncturist or to the National Qigong (Chi Kung) Association (1-888-815-1893) might be helpful.
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