Acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of inserting hair-thin needles at various points throughout the body’s meridians, is easier to obtain in The Gambia than you might think. Dr. Alan Bazzoli hosts two group acupuncture sessions each semester at the Gambia Community Center (GCC). At approximately 5:30 p.m. on February 15th, myself and two other Kenyon community members gathered for group acupuncture in the first session of the semester.
Bazzoli brought all the necessary materials. All students were asked to do was wear loose-fitting clothing and remove bracelets and watches. Before we started, Bazzoli briefly explained the benefits of acupuncture, including a feeling of relaxation in the days that follow, improved sleep health, and in some cases, pain relief. They also explained that side effects such as pain and slight bleeding would only occur during the initial needle insertion and could be corrected if the student mentioned any pain or discomfort.
Each person received 14 Seirin brand needles along the top of the foot, foot, and arm, one in the cartilage of the ear, and one between the eyebrows. The needles inserted into the face were slightly smaller than the needles inserted into the body, but each needle was only about twice the diameter of a hair. When I inserted it, it felt like a mosquito bite, but not like a bee sting.
For the next 30 minutes, Bazzoli turned off the lights and played four Himalayan bowls to help the patient relax and experience the benefits of acupuncture. Mr. Bazzoli encouraged everyone to remove all thoughts, stressful or not, from his mind as much as possible. The students generally agreed that the needles were painless and that they could not feel them unless they moved or flexed their muscles. They were removed after his 30 minutes, making the total session time approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The final element of the session is the installation of an “ear seed,” a small piece of metal that is attached to the ear with tape and remains in place for about five days. The students were encouraged to rub about five times a day, as a form of acupressure, to reduce stress.
But what exactly are the effects of acupuncture, and how does it affect the human body? university peopleBazzoli explains that this form of Eastern medicine is different from American medicine, saying, “Western medicine doesn’t really deal with the body’s energy systems, but rather focuses on the body’s ailments. Holistic Practices They deal with both physical symptoms and energetic issues.”
The purpose of acupuncture is to open 12 channels in the body, also called meridians. Chi It flows easily throughout the body. According to a pamphlet written by Bazzoli that was distributed during the session, traditional Chinese thought is to “block or cut off the flow.” Chi cause illness. ” Facilitating this flow can improve patient health.
Bazzoli also detailed when acupuncture can have the most positive effects. “Chronic medical problems common among college students, such as fatigue, headaches, anxiety, mood issues, and sleep disorders, respond very well to acupuncture when combined with lifestyle modifications.” For example, muscle pain. People who are receiving acupuncture for the treatment of acupuncture should not continue to overtrain or use that muscle in a way that damages it.
Acupuncture is not a guaranteed solution to health problems or a replacement for Western medical treatment, but is intended to complement or assist individuals seeking to improve their general lifestyle.
Lasting positive effects from acupuncture usually appear after three to four sessions. “20-25% of patients have little or no effect, so I wouldn’t put them on another treatment. 75-80% see a positive effect. ” Bazzoli added.
Group acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular due to its cost-effectiveness and comfortable introduction environment. Instead of paying for professional initial treatment, anyone can get a needle inserted in the same place and it costs less. His sessions with Bazzoli at GCC cost him $10 for students and $25 for members of the wider Gambier and Knox County communities.
Another session will be offered later this semester. Interested parties should keep an eye out for an email to all students regarding group acupuncture sessions. This may be one of the most accessible versions of acupuncture given to Kenyon students for those considering the treatment.
