Menu

Classical Acupuncture

Classical Chinese medicine represents one of humanity’s richest and uninterrupted streams of traditional knowledge. It is a highly sophisticated clinical system that offers a real alternative for the serious health care needs of our time. The 21st century will see a return to the time-honored values of living in harmony with nature and the essence of being fully human. This journey toward genuine health and wholeness is precipitated by the present blossoming of the traditions of holistic medicine, with Chinese medicine blazing the trail. 

–Heiner Fruehauf, PhD, LAc, Founding Professor, College of Classical Chinese Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine

Schedule an Appointment

About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that has been practiced for thousands of years in many different forms. In modern times it is primarily known as a technique where extremely thin, fine, stainless steel needles are inserted into points on the body to help return the body to health. Additional techniques include moxibustion (application of heat), spot bleeding, and gua sha (scraping of the skin).

Conditions

Acupuncture can treat anything that the body is able to heal on its own. This includes the vast majority of both acute and chronic complaints, at the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. The types of conditions where acupuncture is not sufficient are situations beyond the capacity of the body. For example, acupuncture cannot regrow limbs. However, acupuncture is extremely versatile and can be beneficial for most health conditions.

How It Works

Western Understanding

  • Acupuncture has been shown to impact pain through the release of endogenous endorphins. 
  • Acupuncture can modulate voltage-gated ion channels to impact various physiologic functions.
  • Acupuncture can directly stimulate the fascia to cause a variety of effects.

Eastern Understanding

  • Acupuncture regulates the flow of qi in the body by dispersing areas of stagnation and drawing qi to areas of depletion.
  • Different acupuncture techniques impact movement of different types of qi.
  • All health issues are related to improper qi flow in the body. 

Classical Chinese Medicine

Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) has been created over thousands of years through the direct experience and observations of doctors and scholars, both in and outside of China. It is rooted in the classical medical texts of ancient China, particularly the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Cannon (Huangdi Nei Jing) and the Classic on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun). 

In comparison, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the form of Chinese Medicine most familiar to Western society, was created by the Chinese government in the mid-20th century as an amalgamation of a handful of lineages. TCM is generally suspicious of the ancient philosophies and gives more importance to the modern scientific method. 

Though these two forms of Chinese medicine use similar types of treatments – acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, bodywork, herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle modification – CCM and TCM see the world and the human body differently. The following table illustrates some of these differences and helps to clarify the foundational concepts of CCM.

Classical Chinese Medicine

  • Naturalist philosophy (Daoism)
  • Synthetic approach – studies relationships, embraces complexity
  • Based on experience
  • Body is a microcosm that exists within and reflects the macrocosm
  • Understood through symbols and metaphor
  • Body is primarily functional in nature
  • Body-mind-spirit medicine
  • Physician strives to better and transform themself
  • Health is defined as maximizing vitality
  • Diagnosis based on subjective observations of the physician
  • Individualized diagnosis – every person is different
  • Individualized treatment – every treatment is slightly different

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

  • Pragmatist philosophy (Confucianism, materialism, communism)
  • Analytical approach – studies things, eliminates complicating factors
  • Based on experiments
  • Body is a separate entity
  • Understood through narrow and specific definitions
  • Body is primarily material in nature
  • Body (mind) medicine
  • Physician strives to uphold the professional standards
  • Health is defined as the absence of disease
  • Diagnosis based on objective findings and labels, often from Western medicine
  • Standardized diagnosis – people are categorized
  • Standardized treatment – same treatment for same condition
Schedule an Appointment

About Whole Systems Healthcare

WSHC Seattle Clinic is part of the larger Whole Systems Healthcare organization, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality holistic health resources.

From common conditions to chronic disease and mental health—we can help when you are sick and offer expert guidance on disease prevention, health restoration, and wellness promotion.

We take the time to listen to you, respect your opinion, and care for you as a whole person through a truly holistic approach.

Learn More

Contact Us

  • 3301 Burke Ave N Suite 360, Seattle, WA 98103
  • (206) 531-2717
  • (833) 974-2242
  • seattle@wshcare.org
Schedule Appointment
Patient Portal

© Whole Systems Healthcare 2022. All Rights Reserved.