Tamme Rae Marggraf, M.Ac. Licensed Acupuncturist 35 Fairfax Street, Suite 4 Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 (304)258-4959

What is Acupuncture Traditional Acupuncture is based on the laws of the five elements, an ancient system of health that observes the flow of Nature in balance and harmony. There are flows or energy pathways called "meridians" that travel throughout the human body and connect with specific organs. At certain points along these meridians, finger pressure, needles and/or moxibustion may be applied in order to support the steady movement of energy or "qi." What is Qi ("chee")? There is no direct English translation for the Chinese idea of "qi." The Chinese symbol for "qi" represents a rice pot cooking over a fire with the vapors rising gently into the air and gradually disappearing. One may observe the movement of qi throughout this event. It is what heats the fire, flickers the flame, transforms the rice, raises the steam yet remains invisible. Qi and "Symptoms" Often, qi gets attention when it goes awry; this appears as a "symptom." To stay with the rice analogy, obstructed qi may impede the transformation of perfect rice. In the human, "symptoms" may appear when energy is unable to easily follow its natural course. Traditional Acupuncture does not focus exclusively on the point of discomfort (the symptom) but supports the inherent movement towards balance and health. "Symptoms" are usually eased by treatment as qi flows more smoothly through the body-mind-spirit. Levels of Body-Mind-Spirit It is difficult to say where or when the Body, Mind or Spirit begins or ends. The body-mind-spirit is a spectrum of vibrational densities affecting the human being. Traditional Acupuncture recognizes "symptoms" on all of these levels: Body ~ usually expressed through physical pain or "dis-ease" Mind ~ experienced as emotional distress and/or mental constraints Spirit ~ feeling separated from a higher purpose and understanding What about the needles? Individually packaged, pre-sterilized needles are used only once and then properly disposed. An acupuncture needle is much thinner than a hypodermic needle and is just slightly thicker than a human hair. They are usually placed just beneath the surface of the skin and sensations vary from person to person. It may feel like a momentary pinch, a gentle pull or sometimes nothing at all. Elemental Questions Regarding Your Health Water How much quiet time do you have? How often do you feel "pushed to the limit?" What is the quality and quantity of your reserve energy? Wood What kind of exercise do you do? What is your general frustration level? How clear are your plans and goals? Fire How are the relationships in your life? Do you have enough fun? How often do you appropriately "speak to your heart?" Earth What kinds of things do you feed your mind-body-spirit? Is there a balance between how well you take care of others and how well you take care of yourself? Metal Is your breathing full and relaxed? Are you able to let go of the past and appreciate the present moment? How have you dealt with the losses in your life?