Far from being simply a “technique”—Acupuncture is a broad form of medical care that is part of Oriental Medicine (OM) and involves skillful examination, diagnosis and treatment. Its history of over 2500 years began in ancient China, but today it is a global medicine. The fact that the West considers it something ‘new,’ flies in the face of history. Western biomedicine is actually the ‘new science’ of the last 200 years!
Acupuncture stimulates healing by manipulating the natural, bio-electric field of the body. Currents of energy—known as Qi—flow in river-like pathways called meridians. ‘Acupoints’ dot these pathways, conducting this bio-electric flow, connecting the skin surface with inner organs and other deep structures. Fine, metal filaments (needles) or silver & gold implements are used to focus and direct this energy in therapeutic ways.
“Tune-ups” of one’s Qi help to regulate heart rhythm & blood pressure, balance brain/body chemistry, and harmonize the function of vital organs. Acupuncturists use many approaches in addition to needles to educate patients in proper lifestyle, and work to prevent future illness by detecting and treating imbalances before they become symptoms. Even babies and young children are treated at New Harmony, using gentle Japanese acupuncture called shonishin. They love it!
Only Licensed Acupuncturists—designed in MA as L.Ac. or Lic.Ac.—have sufficient professional training in Acupuncture/OM theory, diagnosis, and treatment to warrant confidence. Board Certification in Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) is a prerequisite to licensure, and is designated Dipl.Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture.) Diplomates of Oriental Medicine (such as New Harmony’s Bryn & Ra’ufa Clark) have satisfied more extensive requirements, which include the Diplomate of Acupuncture.
Clients at New Harmony Center can benefit from Ra’ufa Clark’s 14 years of experience; Bryn Clark has been practicing Acupuncture for 11 years. Let them awaken your potential for health & wellness!
© Ra’ufa Clark, 2008
