Acupuncture: An Introduction

Chinese Medicine The Point of Well-Being

The following is one persons example of an introduction to acupuncture
seminar. Each slide includes a number of bullet pointed items for you to
personalize your seminar. Insert these when lecturing.
Slide #1
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome and thank you very much for your interest in Traditional
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. (Introduce yourself as the resident acupuncturist on board
and tell your testimony-where you are from, where you went to school-years of education). The
concept of having an acupuncturist on a cruise ship may sound strange, but when you think
about it, this is the perfect environment for healing. We are determined to be a part of making
your cruise experience an unforgettable event with lasting feelings of well being.
We will be offering 3 lectures through the duration of this cruise: (TBA)

Slide #2
For the last twenty years America has become increasingly interested in alternative medicines.
Chinese Medicine is the fastest growing alternative therapy in the United States today.
Has anyone seen a commercial advertising Acupuncture?
If there are no advertisements touting the benefits of Chinese Medicine why is it the fastest
growing movement in Health care today?
There are several factors that contribute to Americans interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine
including patient autonomy, societys changing view of health, and the growing recognition of
conventional medicines limitations. We spend far more, per capita, on health care than any
other society in the world, and yet statistics for obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease
continue to rise and plague our nation. Chinese medicine can be a viable option for people that
have exhausted conventional therapies, finding them without benefit or fraught with too many
risks and side effects.
Slide#3
Even though acupuncture has risen in popularity there are still those that dont want to try it
because they are afraid of needles. Does this describe anyone in the audience? (Get an
audience member to come up on stage for a demo. Before inserting the needle, show the
audience a sample and compare it to a human hair. Inform them that our needles are so thin, 45 of them can fit into the head of a hypodermic needle. Also, emphasize the fact that needles
are used once and then disposed of-single use needles only)
Slide #4

In the West, Chinese medicine is almost entirely associated with acupuncture. Perhaps the
reason for this is because acupuncture is the most exotic and unique aspect of Chinese
medicine. However contrary to popular belief, acupuncture is not synonymous with Chinese
medicine, but rather just one aspect of it. Chinese medicine being the primary healthcare
system in China for over three thousand years is a very comprehensive and complex system
that involves a variety of modalities. In fact there are five main branches and all are considered
important aspects of healing.
The first branch is acupuncture-which is the insertion of micro-fine needles into points along
pathways on the surface of the body called meridians. The second branch is Chinese herbology.
This is the use of natural plant and mineral substances to treat illnesses. The third branch, is
nutritional therapy, utilizing the concept of food as medicine
Manipulative Therapy includes massage, tuina, and stretching. Traditionally this also included
adjustments as seen in chiropractic, however in the United States this is not in our scope of
practice. The fifth branch consists of what we consider qi exercises, otherwise known as tai chi
and chi gong. These are static and moving meditations that harmonize the body and breath.
These exercises are very revered in China. In fact, up until a few years ago, it was common in
China to find a park full of people of all ages doing tai chi together at sunrise. It is believed that
these exercises prevent osteoarthritis, stimulate immunity, hold the secret to longevity, and
promote an overall sense of well being. Modern research is validating these beliefs. Although
there are only five branches, treatment is not limited to these modalities. An acupuncturist may
also recommend lifestyle changes if necessary.

Give and example of a patient you have treated with pain and have used all five of
the branches to complement the treatment.

Slide #5 (Brief History)

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a term describing a traditional healing system with Acupuncture
being a central component coming to us from China, Korea and Japan. It was the primary
healthcare system in China for over 4000 years. It is a time tested medicine.
1996 the FDA bestowed the class 2 status of medical tools to acupuncture needles. This
changed their previous classification of experimental device. This change of classification
means that needles used for acupuncture will be subject to FDA approval to ensure quality
control and single use only labeling, and it could make the treatment eligible for coverage
under insurance policies which exclude alternative medicine. Most significantly the FDA ruling
indicates that acupuncture is a safe and effective medical treatment.
In 2003 acupuncture was practiced on cruise ships for the first time in history. It was initiated by
two executives of two major cruise lines that found relief from their Sciatic pain through
acupuncture. They invited the acupuncturist on board to do a lecture on Chinese medicine and
after the lecture the guests wanted treatments. The demand became great enough for the
cruise line to set up a temporary space for acupuncture. After the cruise, the guests wrote in and
thanked the cruise line for having acupuncture on board. They were grateful to be able to enjoy
their vacation pain free. This was the beginning, now this service can be found on over forty
ships worldwide. Some of you may wonder why something as ancient as acupuncture would
end up on something as modern as a cruise ship. Its actually a perfect place for it. In fact we
attribute the success of this program to the fact that people heal faster when they are on
vacation. Conditions that usually take months to resolve take only a few treatments on the ship

because people are away from all of the things that are usually making them sick in the first
place. For this reason results are better and are longer lasting. Conditions that may have taken
months to resolve on land can take between 3-5 treatments on the ship because we are able to
see you everyday and are not competing with your everyday stresses.
Slide #6
The World health organization has a list of over 40 conditions that acupuncture has proven to be
effective for. Listed are some of the more common symptoms, however there are many more
not listed. (read conditions listed)

Give an example from each of the columns of conditions you have treated
successfully.

Slide #7
The great mystery that faces Chinese medicine today isnt whether or not it works-that is well
established-its why it works. Of course the Chinese have their theories as to why acupuncture
works but these explanations can be difficult for Westerners to grasp. The TCM explanation
uses concepts such as chi and meridians-words and concepts that are truly foreign to the
western world. Although I will touch upon these concepts, chances are they will remain as
elusive as they sound. For this reason I will outline, from a western perspective, using scientific
terminology reasons for its effectiveness. The following are the five prevailing theories posed by
the western medical community. These are based upon studies performed before and after
acupuncture, using blood draws to measure the biomedical changes in the body.
Slide #8
The Augmentation Theory- Acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones,
prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels.
This is why acupuncture can treat disorders relating to immune deficiencies.

Raising WBCs can help every patient. According to research, more and more
conditions are being linked with a weak immune system. Whether or not you are
immune compromised, you want your immune system as strong as possible and
this is a positive bi-product of all acupuncture treatments. If you have
experienced working with immune compromised patients, speak of how
acupuncture helped.

Slide#9
The "Endorphin" Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the
body (specifically Enkaphalins). Endorphins are our bodys natural pain killers. They are 1000
times stronger than morphine.

Give example of immediate pain reduction with acupuncture.

Slide #10

The "Neurotransmitter" Theory states that certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Seratonin
and Noradrenaline) are affected by Acupuncture. This is why acupuncture is so successful with
depression and mood disorders. This is also why people feel so amazing after a treatment.

Speak of weight loss treatments and how low serotonin levels may cause
cravings for sugar-serotonin levels are affected by sugar intake.

Slide #11
The "Circulatory" Theory: this states that Acupuncture has the effect of constricting or dilating
blood vessels. This may be caused by the body's release of Vasodilaters (such as Histamine), in
response to Acupuncture.

Give an example about how acupuncture can resolve edema and heal chronic
injuries-fresh supply of RBC and WBCs in an area that has scar tissue build up
and blockage.

Slide #12
The Gate Control Theory-According to this theory, pain signals must pass through a number of
high-traffic "gates" as they move from the area of injury upward through the spinal cord into the
brain. Like a road or highway, these nerves can handle only a limited number of nerve signals at
one time. Acupuncture generates competing stimulus and effectively interrupts the
neurotransmission of the pain signals from reaching the brain. The result: we never "experience
the pain".
This theory can be exemplified with a story about how acupuncture came to this country. In1972
President Nixon opened the doors to China. A New York Times journalist, James Reston, was in
China at the time and had an emergency appendectomy. The doctors at the hospital used
acupuncture to assist with his post-operative pain from his surgery. James Reston was
fascinated by his experience with acupuncture and explored this medicine within the hospital,
finding a whole wing dedicated to Chinese medicine. Here he witnessed surgeries being
performed using acupuncture as the only anesthetic. Imagine that, receiving open heart surgery
or brain surgery and being awake during the surgery but feeling no pain. This theory helps to
explain how acupuncture anesthesia works. By interrupting the transmission of pain,
acupuncture can be so powerful it can replace an anesthetic!

Explain how this is used for acupuncture anesthesia

Slide #13
(Read slide and elaborate on concepts)

Oriental Medicine is not a substitute for Western Medicine, it is complementary. Western

Medicine is focusing more on acute health problems and on symptomatic treatments and
Oriental Medicine is focusing more on prevention and on the root of a problem. Both have their
strengths and their shortcomings. If someone breaks their leg they should not seek alternative
therapies. However for many chronic issues Chinese medicines approach can have many more
long term benefits than conventional medicine. For example Insomnia patients are given
Ambien or Valium when they cant sleep. Although this will help them sleep, after time they will
become dependent and acquire a tolerance-rendering the medication less effective and their
original problem worse. However an effective short-term solution, the long term consequences
can be detrimental. In Chinese medicine we focus on symptoms and the cause of those
symptoms. In this particular case we would investigate to find out why the patient isnt sleeping.
Are they eating before they go to bed? Are they under a lot of stress? Are they getting enough
physical activity throughout the day? Are they in chronic pain? Is it a side effect from a medicine
they are taking?
Once establishing a root cause, we would address it with lifestyle advice, herbs and
acupuncture, working to restore the patient to their natural sleep/wake cycle without fostering
dependence. Without the treating the root of the problem, in Chinese medicine, the treatment
isnt considered effective-even if the symptoms have disappeared-because without treating the
cause of the problems the patient will have to return for more treatments in the future. Our goal
as TCM practitioners is not only to restore health, but maintain it. The only way to do this is
treat the person as well as their disease.
In China they have learned to integrate both eastern and western medicines, using the
strengths of one to compensate for the weaknesses of the other. What you get, is what I believe
to be a more comprehensive healthcare model. In fact in most hospitals in China it is not
uncommon to find two separate wings-and eastern and western medical wing-and they are
constantly referring back and forth to each other based upon the patients needs.

If you have worked in any complementary clinics/hospitals, give their full name
and speak of your experience there.

Slide #14
This next slide depicts the map of the acupuncture points and meridians on the body that guide
us in clinical practice. The meridians are pathways where acupuncture points lie. These points
help us access and effect different physiological functions within the body. For example we may
select points that most affect the nervous system, stimulating the release of endorphins (bodys
natural pain killers) for someone that is in pain. Or we may select local points near the injury if
we are trying to increase circulation to the area and facilitate healing. Our point selection will
depend on the patient, their condition, and again, which system within the body that we are
trying to effect. This is what makes it a precise art and science.
The meridians are pathways of energy. According to Chinese medicine, in addition to the
circulatory system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system etc, human beings also have an
energy system. Acupuncture not only affects ones physiology, but also ones energy system. A
healthy energy system is flowing and abundant. When there is stagnation or deficiency within
the energy system, other body systems such as the immune system, cardiovascular system etc.
will be affected and disease will manifest. From this perspective most diseases begin on an

energetic level and manifest physically over time. For this reason, according to Chinese
medicine, all diseases can be prevented with an understanding of this energy system. Dr. Oz
stated on the Oprah Winfrey show, that he believes that the energy system is the final frontier
for western science.
This map of the body has remained unchanged for thousands of years and is based upon a
deep understanding of the human body. Although we are constantly learning new ways to
better use these points, the points themselves have not been altered. This is remarkable when
you think about how often our understanding of the body has changed within the brief history of
modern science. Perhaps as science continues to advance it will eventually arrive at the same
conclusions about energy and prove what the ancient Chinese doctors discovered thousands of
years ago.
Slide #15
Health is Balance, balance is health. This is the underlying philosophy of Chinese medicine.
This is a symbol of that philosophy, portraying two opposite qualities coming together to create a
whole. The ancient Chinese philosophers, or Taoists, spent the majority of their time observing
nature and noticed a duality within all aspects of life. For example, man and woman, day and
night, hot and cold, up and down, white and black, soft and hard etc. They used yin to describe
all qualities that were cold, soft, feminine, dark, yielding, down, material etc. Yang conversely
described everything that was hot, hard, masculine, light, aggressive, spiritual, up etc. They
believed that life thrived when there is balance and harmony between these two qualities and
ended when there was separation and discord. For this reason they strived for balance within
all things.
In fact, believing that human beings are microcosms of nature, they believed that we too are
composed of these opposite qualities. When these two qualities are in harmony we have health
and happiness, but when they are imbalanced we have sickness and ultimately death.
Everything can affect his balance within us, including our thoughts, emotions, diet, exercise,
relationships, and environment-enhancing or detracting from our well-being. Here are some
examples:
Slide #16
The first graph shows someone perfectly in balance, they have equal amounts of yang and yin.
This person is healthy, happy, and in a perfect state of well being. However much can effect this
perfect state of well-being. For example if this person steps outside and it is hot-then their
balance will look more like this (show the graph with excess yang). To return to balance, this
person will need to take off their sweater, drink water, eat cooling fruits, and perhaps fan
themselves so that they are comfortable and feeling good again. The opposite is true if they
step outside into a cold environment. Then they will need to put on a jacket, drink hot tea, and
perhaps walk swiftly to return to a balanced state. What happens if this person doesnt adjust for
the cold weather-they may catch a cold. This is a very simple example, however it portrays the
concept of balance and how it can relate to environment and our heath.
These other two graphs are examples of internal imbalances. This graph portrays a deficiency
of yin, the cooling/parasympathetic aspect of the body. This could present itself as menopause
for a woman-manifesting as heat signs-hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, low grade fever. It
may be a cold day, but this woman is feeling heat because it is coming from within. It isnt from
additional heat it is because she is deficient in her yin, or female hormones as western medicine

would call it and as a result is experiencing heat. She will need herbs, acupuncture, nutrition
and lifestyle advice that nourish her yin. After some treatment and some time, she will return to
balance and no longer experience any further heat signs. Conversely this graph has a
deficiency of yang. This person may feel cold, have decreased libido, fatigue, and decreased
metabolism (an example hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue). They will need herbs, acupuncture,
exercise, and lifestyle advice to increase their yang and once again, once balanced, will no
longer be experiencing these symptoms.
Based upon this principle, symptoms of any condition or disease are merely a sign of
imbalance. If we maintain balance, we maintain health.
Louis Pasteur, the father of the germ theory, on his death bed was said to have said that
sickness isnt just about microbes as he had originally thought, it was also about the terrain.
Essentially, this means that if people maintain a healthy body then they wont get sick no matter
what kind of microbe they come into contact with. In other words, we catch viruses and bacteria
because our immune system or other body systems are weak. This is obvious, being that we
are all faced with thousands of microbes everyday, yet only seem to become infected in times of
stress or frailty. Too much emphasis has been placed on killing germs, not enough on personal
responsibility. Yes, we need antibiotics and herbs to destroy harmful microbes, but we also need
to maintain our terrain as Louise Pasteur would call it-and balance as Chinese medicine would
maintain. This is our best guard against sickness and disease, and up to each one of us to
achieve. Why not start here, on this ship, a perfect place for healing. Vacations are not just
about entertainment, but also rejuvenation. Please dont go home more tired and imbalanced,
take advantage of this opportunity.
Last Slide
This concludes my lecture-Introduction to Chinese medicine. When acupuncture was introduced
on cruise ships it began as a lecture series but guests wanted to experience treatments and as
a result the cruise industry accommodated their guests. I strongly recommend that you
experience this rich history and powerful medicine for yourself before disembarking. I guarantee
you will be amazed by its results. It has indeed been life changing for me and countless people
who came into contact with it, as practitioners and patients.

INCLUDE: where the spa is located, how guests make appointments, and
announce that you provide complementary consultations.)

CONFIDENTLY EMPHASIZE YOU ARE BUSY, BUT HAVE A FEW APPOINTMENTS

LEFT AND HOPE TO BE ABLE TO SEE EACH PERSON THERE (Possibly offer
discount for everyone attending).

I would now like to answer any questions that you may have about Chinese medicine or any
health related topic. If you have personal questions, please hold these and schedule a
complementary consultation with me to address you more privately.