By David Lee, L.Ac.
For many people, acupuncture is best known for reducing pain and inflammation. But does it make you healthy? The answer is yes—acupuncture promotes healing, and true health is more than just the absence of disease. Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. By supporting the body’s natural healing processes, acupuncture helps it function at its optimal level.
The body is designed to maintain balance through intricate networks of genes and cells, but stress, poor diet, and aging can disrupt this harmony. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific “major switches” on the skin, enabling the body to better maintain homeostasis. As internal systems regulate more efficiently, dysfunctions lessen and a greater sense of well-being emerges—showing that the mind and body function as one unified system.
Bisoma Acupuncture offers one of the most comprehensive treatment approaches by stimulating the Horary points—the key representatives of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. For deeper insight into this system and its clinical use, refer to the Bisoma Acupuncture text. The following case studies show how holistic support of the body can enhance regulation of the nervous system, including the brain, leading to improved health and vitality.
Case 1: Stephen, 57, a construction worker, suffered a spinal injury causing back pain, limited mobility, and migraines. Acupuncture at ST36 (Earth), SI5 (Fire), GB41 (Wood), UB66 (Water), and LI1 (Metal) provided immediate relief and clarity. After six sessions, he returned to work; 14 months later, he remains active with minimal pain and no migraines.
Case 2: Neil, 67, a greenskeeper, had a right shoulder injury that hindered his work. Acupuncture on the left side at UB40 (Water), LI5 (Metal), ST43 (Earth), SI2 (Fire), and GB44 (Wood) quickly relieved pain. After seven treatments, his shoulder fully recovered, and periodic sessions now ease knee pain and hay fever.
Case 3: Mike, 23, suffered chronic pain and insomnia after a severe car accident. Acupuncture on the left side at KD10 (Water), LU8 (Metal), SP3 (Earth), HT8 (Fire), and LR1 (Wood) resulted in deep sleep after the first session. Within 13 treatments, most pain and medication use were gone, and by the 24th visit, he had resumed a normal, active life.
Case 4: LaVerne, 59, a hairdresser, experienced left shoulder pain and chronic anxiety. Acupuncture on the right side at SP9 (Earth), HT4 (Fire), LR3 (Wood), KD2 (Water), and LU11 (Metal) brought deep relaxation and joy. After seven sessions, her pain was gone, and for 12 years, she has continued biweekly treatments for lasting calm and balance.
