Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing: Exploring the Science of Emotional Healing Through Acupuncture
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Healing: Exploring the Science of Emotional Healing Through Acupuncture By Dr. Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, CHt In the clinic, the reverberations of global crises often find their way into the hearts and minds of our patients. From climate crises, a global pandemic to unrest in many parts of the world, the emotional and spiritual distress that many grapple with is a part of our daily existence. Although Acupuncturists are not therapists, the recurring theme of addressing emotional pain has become a primary focus in our approach to patient care. As a practitioner who additionally specializes in the interconnection of the mind, body and spirit I see cases from pain to stress management to just those wanting to hit bigger lifts in the gym, but one thread weaves through them all – there’s always an emotional component to our growth and healing. Emotional pain extends beyond the mind, impacting both our bodies and spirits. Chinese medicine uniquely addresses this triad—body, mind, spirit—recognizing that feelings are not confined to the mind but manifest physically as sensations. In our current world, inundated with perpetual wars, political unrest, economic instability, and personal ups and downs, the need for support during times of stress becomes crucial. This support may come from various sources—friends, family, therapists, and even acupuncture. Brainwaves Acupuncture, often seen as an unconventional method for emotional healing, proves its efficacy through various physiological mechanisms. One such mechanism involves altering brainwaves, shifting from the stress-inducing beta state to the relaxed alpha state. Acupuncture induces a meditative-like state, fostering relaxation without conscious effort (Cabıoğlu, M., 2016). Somatic Healing Acupuncture delves into the realm of somatic memory, unlocking and releasing emotions stored in the body. It serves as a catalyst for processing and shedding old pain, fostering clarity and strength. It’s this mechanism which I feel is especially helpful to aid in someone’s therapeutic recovery and healing, when used in conjunction with therapy it can be a powerful dynamic to address the mind and the body. Scientific studies emphasize acupuncture’s potential as a somatosensory-guided mind–body therapy, addressing both pain and psychological disorders simultaneously (Wang et al., 2007; Napadow et al., 2009). Feel Good Brain Chemicals Another physiological impact of acupuncture lies in the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These “happy” brain chemicals contribute to relaxation and pain reduction (Kim, Seung-Nam et al. 2011). While not a replacement for certain medications, acupuncture can offer substantial benefits during times of stress, sadness, or change. Nervous System Regulation Acupuncture’s regulation of the autonomic nervous system proves pivotal in navigating the overwhelming stimuli of our modern world. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system and downregulating the sympathetic nervous system, acupuncture aids in the transition from a “fight or flight” response to a state of rest and relaxation. Self Awareness & Compassion A unique aspect of acupuncture lies in its ability to provide insight and awareness into emotional issues. By employing the perspectives of the five spirits and five elements, two concepts in Chinese medicine and Taoism, acupuncturists can guide individuals towards understanding the underlying emotions driving their reactions. This newfound awareness becomes a catalyst for positive change. Chinese Herbs Chinese herbal formulas, tailored to individual presentations, offer a holistic approach to emotional pain. However, self-prescription is discouraged, highlighting the importance of consulting with a qualified practitioner for personalized guidance. When Pain is Permanent Chronic conditions like pain, illness and even terminal diagnosis can also be candidates for improved quality of life with acupuncture treatment. One of the biggest ways we can continue to heal when we are faced with the inability to be cured – is to change our perspective. Physical pain is inextricably linked to emotional pain, whether we grieve the loss of being able to move and function like we used to, or are overwhelmed by the fear of future pain or increases in pain, it’s all connected. Acupuncture can help us foster a sense of awareness about our bodies and ourselves, and through this deepened inner connection we can begin to shift the old patterns, fears and find new meaning in situations or experiences we once deemed unacceptable. It’s worth noting, acupuncture is a safe treatment option with minimal side effects, making it accessible to individuals of all ages. Its compatibility with other therapeutic modalities, such as therapy and medication, positions acupuncture as a valuable supplement to comprehensive healing regimens. In the tumultuous times we currently navigate, healing work emerges as a sanctuary for reconnecting with our true selves. While it doesn’t eliminate global or personal problems, it provides a space to center ourselves amidst chaos. Embarking on this healing journey is a choice—one that offers the potential for inner peace and healthier coping mechanisms. In the face of uncertainty, taking that first step toward healing becomes a profound act of self-care and self-discovery. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into how acupuncture can help, feel free to reach out to Christina, and she’ll be happy to help! Or feel free to make an appointment with Dr. Kim Peirano.
Dr. Kim Peirano’s Enhanced, Holistic Acupuncture Facelift Treatment
Dr. Kim Peirano’s Enhanced, Holistic Acupuncture Facelift Treatment Tao to Wellness is now offering an exciting new service with Dr. Kim Peirano! Dr. Kim is the creator and instructor of the Integrative Cosmetic Acupuncture Method and will be offering it in our Berkeley office starting in October! What is Cosmetic Acupuncture, Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture or an “Acupuncture Facelift”? All of these are essentially the same, a way to address the concerns that many of us have around aging with the magnificence of acupuncture! The practice is actually thousands of years old and originally a treatment reserved only for royalty in China What is the Integrative Cosmetic Acupuncture Method? While Dr. Kim’s method is designed to help with diminishing fine lines and deeper wrinkles, reducing bags, firming jowl areas, lifting droopy eyelids and minimizing double chins – all the things that a typical Cosmetic Acupuncture treatment focuses on, she’s expertly layered it with a protocol taking it one step further paying special attention to the whole body and approaching it from a holistic viewpoint for total wellness. This method utilizes the best of both worlds. What are the benefits of doing an acupuncture facelift instead of botox, lasers or peels? For one, it’s completely natural, safe, effective and much less invasive. One of the biggest problems with other procedures like IPLs, chemical peels and lasers is that they compromise the epidermis and cause thinning over time. Acupuncture does not do this at all. In addition, by doing it this way the dermal papillae remains intact, which is a layer of the skin that’s very important for an effortless exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. This method treats the whole body and brings your essence or radiance from the inside out. How does the Integrative Cosmetic Acupuncture Method work? We administer tiny hair like needles into the face along areas where you would like to see change. When we do this, a micro trauma is sensed by the body’s immune system signaling the cell to release growth factors and increase fibroblast division. Fibroblasts are cells responsible for making collagen, elastin and glycosaminosglycans (GAGs) which are three components that create ideal features in the complexion and skin overall- plumpness, firmness and elasticity. Can the Integrative Cosmetic Acupuncture Method help with sagging? Oh definitely! Did you know that there are 57 muscles in the face that can lose their tone and mass as we grow older? With acupuncture we can actually retrain those muscles to contract or relax, depending on what outcome we’d like. Am I a good candidate for the Integrative Cosmetic Acupuncture Method? Simply put, if you want to look and feel your best or even utilize cosmetic facial acupuncture as a supplement to your already existing cosmetic treatments, this service is a great match! Dr. Kim Peirano has worked with patients from 18 to 80 years old, and very often the patient sees a recognizable difference on the same day with fantastic results over a series of 10 weekly sessions. What can I expect during a treatment? Very similar to being a new patient at Tao to Wellness, Dr. Kim Peirano will go through a very thorough Chinese medical intake, she will also ask you what it is that you would like to enhance or target, because what she sees isn’t necessarily what you see when you look in the mirror! From there, you’ll get comfortable on our massage table, and simply relax while Dr. Kim gently inserts tiny hair like needles into the body and into your face, the experience is mostly painless, and if there are any sensations, it might mimic a mosquito bite at most! Patients will then rest with the needles in for around 30 minutes, most patients usually fall asleep! In conclusion, facial acupuncture may rewind or erase five, ten or fifteen years off your face! Aside from the disappearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles, bags can be reduced, jowls firmed up, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins completely minimized. There are other advantages as well, like enhancing the moisture of the skin with the increased circulation of blood and lymph, increased collagen production of course, tightening of the pores and brightening of the eyes to bring back the radiance to your face and demeanor. If your curious and have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Kim at kim@berkeley-acupuncture.com.
