At Acupuncture NYC, we practice Balance Method Acupuncture. In addition to the classical Balance Method Acupuncture, we also apply Master Tung Acupuncture style and engendering moxa treatments, bloodletting, cupping therapy, and massage techniques. These additional techniques are primarily beneficial for chronic conditions and need long-term rehabilitation.
Balance Method is a modern acupuncture system based on the classical tradition. Its foundations are rooted in Ba Gua, the most ancient binary mathematical system, and I Ching, a classical text dedicated to Ba Gua. The I Ching philosophy allows the integration of different realms into a complete working model. According to this philosophy, the world’s wholeness is undergoing constant change. Being part of the whole, a human must be in harmony with the world. Failure to do so results in disease. The goal of acupuncture treatment is to help the body harmonize with the world by nourishing what is weak or removing a blockage. This seemingly abstract approach has compelling practical applications in clinical practice.
The Balance Method’s unique feature is its ability to utilize distal needling, which is a technique that involves treating a healthy portion of the body to heal a diseased one. Many patients are surprised when they find out which points we’ll be using to cure their condition. “Why do you want to put needles in my hand if it’s my lower back that hurts?” someone once asked. The reason is there are four powerful principles of acupuncture that the Balance Method is applying:
Acupuncture meridians for continuum. However, any meridian has a potent therapeutic influence on other meridians, more so than on itself. This principle implies that if a particular meridian is sick (has heat, cold, blood stagnation, deficiency of Q), or any other pathology, it is more efficient to choose a healthy meridian to resolve the pathogenic process in the sick meridian. Hence, acupuncturists select acupuncture points on the feet to treat headaches and the hands to treat lower back pain.
With a microsystem, all the parts of your body are reflected in one part of the body: your hand, your foot, your ear, etc.. The principle of microsystems implies you can treat conditions in every part of the body, from head to toe, with points located on just one part of the body. The principle of balance of acupuncture channels and the principle of microsystems work together to help acupuncturists select the most relevant acupuncture point based on every patient’s unique presentation.
The human body needs to adjust to daily, monthly, and seasonal changes to balance with the Universe and not get sick. These adjustments are reflected in Qi cycles in the meridians. The curative effect of an acupuncture point severely depends on Qi’s ebb and flow cycles. Advanced Balance Method Acupuncture strategies take into consideration these cycles.
The Five Element theory is a fivefold conceptual scheme that helps to explain the interrelation of a wide array of phenomena, from cosmic cycles to the interaction between internal organs and acupuncture meridians. The five elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. According to the Five Element theory, every part of the human body, every acupuncture meridian, and every organ is associated with one Element. However, because Five Elements are one system where each Element has a certain relationship with the rest of the Elements, the Five Element theory helps clinicians understand how the physiology of one organ or meridian affects the whole system.
Master Tung acupuncture is a complete system that utilizes unique points, often referred to as Magic Points. Unlike more traditional acupuncture, Tung’s acupuncture relies on Zang-Fu rather than 14 regular channels for diagnosis. Tung’s acupuncture incorporates the theory of microsystems of acupuncture and methods of holographic needling and bloodletting. Tung’s acupuncture is rapidly growing in popularity because of its very excellent clinical efficacy.
By Gassan&Edmunt – Copyright © Acupuncture NYC 2021
