The Power of the Needle
December 29, 2006
Tamiko Wong does not like needles, but that does not stop her from sitting still as intern Ethan Haas uses a silver probe to examine her ear. Based on the symptoms she describes, Haas looks at an ear diagram and shortly after inserts tiny needles into various parts of her ear.
“I’m really afraid of needles, but I’ve heard that they can be effective and thought I’d give it a try,” said Tamiko. “Ever since I’ve started acupuncture a few months ago, I’ve noticed a positive change and improvement in my condition and now I try to go regularly.”
The San Francisco resident is just one of the many patients who attends the local Community Ear Acupuncture Project (CEAP), run by the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“Western doctors don’t listen to what’s going on in your whole body, they just treat the symptoms and give you a pill,” she continued. “Acupuncture looks deeper and treats the whole person.”
CEAP utilizes auricular (ear) acupuncture, where four to five very small needles are inserted into points corresponding to specific areas of the body. The acupuncture needles increase the flow of endorphins — morphine-like hormones — that induce a deep state of relaxation and lessen the sensation of pain.
“Pain management is one area that acupuncture is extremely effective at addressing,” said Pam Olton, ear clinic coordinator. “For some of our patients, it is what gets them through their week.”
Acupuncture can improve the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids, which brings fresh oxygen to body tissues. This increased oxygen flow eliminates waste products from inside the body and enhances recovery from diseases.
Treatment sessions typically last between 20 and 60 minutes, and are performed in a group setting while patients relax in a chair. Each day, the clinic treats an average of 30 to 50 patients of all ages and ethnicities. People are seen on a drop-in, first-come, first-serve basis.
The project was started in 1989 as a donation-based community clinic and to this day remains free of charge.
“We don’t turn anyone away,” said ACTCM Clinicial Dean John Kolinda. “This is a good place for visitors to get comprehensive initial care.”
The program is aimed to help those without access to affordable health care.
In 2004, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 46 million Americans did not have health insurance and 7 million of those are California residents.
Mary Yee said she likes going to the clinic because the staff members are very “knowledgeable, diligent and helpful.” She likes the casual setting.
Free herbal tea is available at a table near the entrance.
Wilma Wong was skeptical about acupuncture, but decided to give it a try.
“I had an injury in my right leg that did not fully heal after years of physical therapy,” she said. “With consistent acupuncture treatment my pain went away completely and made me a believer!”
Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over 43 conditions.
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