by Hansa Draaka, MHS
Over the years my interest in natural medicine has grown by leaps and bounds. I enjoy learning about natural, traditional healing methods and sharing this information with others. Acupuncture is one of those natural methods that can be beneficial in a huge variety of situations. Despite this, the general public still tends to misunderstand acupuncture, so I interviewed Alysia Anderson, a licensed Acupuncturist who holds a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine, to find out more.
MHS- Some people may have never heard a comprehensive definition of acupuncture and there are a lot of misconceptions. How would you define acupuncture to someone who’s never experienced it?
A. Anderson- Acupuncture is the act of inserting ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body that run along energy pathways-called meridians. The points, through acupuncture techniques, are “needled” to release pent up energy in one area (like a river that is dammed up) or to supplement deficient energy (like a river that is not being fed downstream). Essentially, it is a balancing of the energies of body/mind/spirit.
I’d say a big misconception with Acupuncture is that most people think that’s all it is- just needling. I don’t like the word Acupuncturist for that very reason, because it does not fully express the holistic nature of Chinese Medicine or the training I received. Really we are Doctors of Chinese Medicine. (But legally we are not allowed to call ourselves doctors within the US).
There is such a variation in Acupuncture schools and Acupuncture training in the US, however, which makes it even more vague in defining all L.Acs (Acupuncturists). We are all so unique and individualized. And every school’s curriculum is different. It is true that some schools only teach Acupuncture techniques, but many schools incorporate a lot more into their educational programs.
How and when did you become interested in acupuncture?
I was working prior to school in Pittsburgh, PA at the Center for Complementary Medicine as a research associate. There, I was able to take a closer look at Acupuncture research as well as many other alternative healing practices/supplements such as EMDR, SAM-e, etc. I had the opportunity to experience quite a few Acupuncture sessions there and they were quite powerful in their effect to my body and mind. I also grew up with parents that were very open-minded so I was exposed to alternative medicine from a very young age. I was raised vegetarian, and surrounded by the teachings of Prem Rawat, which had a deep rooted effect on the evolution of my soul, and the beauty of life and its importance.
What type of acupuncture training/education did you receive prior to obtaining your license?
I obtained a BA in Anthropology with a minor in Biology prior to attending the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. I am not certain however that all acupuncture schools require a bachelor’s degree. I think most require at least an Associates, or two year degree.
Please describe the needles you use. Do they cause any pain? About how many are inserted during a typical 1-hour treatment session?
The needles I use are used only once and then properly disposed of. Every person experiences sensation differently. Sometimes a person might feel a little poke of the needle going in and sometimes not. I like my patients to experience not necessarily the needle first going in, but a sense of a slight dull ache, or energy movement running down one of the meridians (energy channels). This is how I know I have tapped into their energy. The number of needles put in depends on what I am working on. I find that through the evolution of my practice I am appreciating that “less is more,” meaning that a couple of needles can have a powerful effect on the body. Teachers have described this as throwing one pebble into a pond versus throwing a handful of pebbles into the pond. One pebble radiates outward in a circle with power and length for a longer time than all of the pebbles thrown in at once, which seem to interact with each other, canceling their energies out.
Do you have a specialty and what modalities do you use?
My training was very holistic, incorporating not only Acupuncture and a variation of acupuncture styles, but also three years of bodywork and massage, reflexology, western science and pathology, herbal medicine, diet and nutrition.
In which situations is acupuncture most effective?
Again I would use the term “Chinese Medicine” as with the following conditions I would combine Acupuncture with other modalities like herbs/bodywork/diet & nutrition: Musculoskeletal, Stress/General Relaxation, Low Energy, Emotional/Depression/Anxiety, Addiction/Detoxification, Allergies/Immune Support, Menstrual/Menopausal Disorders, Fertility/Pregnancy and Men’s Health.
Would you share with us some short case histories to show the broad range of conditions that Chinese medicine can treat?
I would invite you to visit my website (the TCM page) for more information related to this question. Click here
Do you think there is much difference between the acupuncture practiced in China and the US?
I am not an expert on this topic because I have not practiced in China. Most of my teachers were from China however. My understanding is that there is a much greater complimentary system in China’s hospitals with Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. They are not separated like they are here in the US.
What aspects of your job are most satisfying to you?
Helping people to the best of my ability. Listening. Creating a haven that is safe.
Thank you so much for your time and expertise!
Thank you.
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For more information, contact: Alysia Anderson, L.Ac, M.Ac.OM AN SEN CLINIC 107 SE Washington St., Suite # 134 Portland OR 97214 503-236-6633 |
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