Important Texts in the History of Traditional Chinese Medicine

As an acupuncturist at American Acupuncture Therapeutics, PC, Arkady Kiner promotes healing in patients living with conditions such as chronic pain and psychological issues. Arkady Kiner attended Mercy College, earning a master’s in Oriental medicine, which involves the ancient medicinal traditions of generations of Oriental cultures.

This knowledge has been recorded in a variety of classic foundational texts, including The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic. Written before 200 BCE, the Inner Classic lays the foundational principles of traditional Chinese medicine, presenting a compilation of techniques and medical philosophies used at the time and a discussion of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

Meanwhile, The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, compiled in the third century, contains 12 volumes and 128 chapters on acupuncture. It also includes moxibustion techniques, which involve the burning of mugwort root to stimulate healing. In addition to providing information on the known 349 acupuncture points and the various benefits of stimulating each, it discusses acupuncture contraindications, needle manipulations, and channels and collaterals.

The earliest book written about natural herbs, titled The Herbal, was passed down from the Qin and Han dynasties (ranging from 221 BCE to 220 CE). It contains pharmaceutical knowledge and explains 365 types of drugs and their respective actions.

Written by Sun Simiao in 652 CE, Prescriptions for Emergencies Worth a Thousand Gold is a 30-volume text containing 5,300 prescriptions. It presents knowledge on treating deficiency diseases and discusses diet therapy, prevention, moxibustion, acupuncture, and health maintenance.

Ways to Improve Your Bedside Manner

New York-based acupuncturist Arkady Kiner practices alternative medicine and pain management at American Acupuncture Therapeutics, PC. Possessing more than 19 years of experience, Arkady Kiner has developed strong listening skills and is known for a great bedside manner.

Below are several things you can do to improve your bedside manner:

- Introduce yourself: Several studies have found that the majority of medical patients do not know the correct name of the physician treating them. To correct this, always introduce yourself to patients as soon as you walk into their room or area in the hospital. At the same time, give them information about what role you will have in their overall care. This helps them better remember your name and understand what part you will play.

- Let them talk: After about 20 seconds, many medical care professionals stop their patient and redirect them in an effort to get as much information as possible. However, most patients need about 32 seconds to completely explain their concerns. Instead of cutting patients off, let them tell you their story.

- Sit with patients: Even when you spend a minimal amount of time with patients, sitting down while visiting with them makes patients feel as if you are in the room longer. Not only that, but sitting down helps your patients feel appreciated, valued, and respected.

- Empathize and validate: You might not agree with your patient’s self-diagnosis. But the symptoms they are experiencing that led to that diagnosis are real. Rather than writing off everything they say, listen carefully and reassure them. When you give them information that contradicts their beliefs, make sure you do it respectfully.

Three Myths about Acupuncture

A diplomate of acupuncture, Arkady Kiner practices at American Acupuncture Therapeutics, PC in New York, New York. In this capacity, Arkady Kiner provides a variety of alternative treatments to promote wellness among patients, manage pain, and resolve various psychological and physical issues.

Despite the fact that acupuncture has been around for more than 3,000 years, there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the practice. Below are a few myths about acupuncture that need to be left behind:

It’s painful

The false belief that acupuncture is painful likely came from the fact that the practice uses needles. However, these needles are only about as wide as a strand of human hair and may only cause patients to feel a small, initial prick. Any further pain is not normal for acupuncture and often means the acupuncturist has not had sufficient training in the practice.

Treatment is expensive

Acupuncture is a specialized form of treatment, and this makes many people think it is expensive. In reality, the cost of getting acupuncture ranges from $75 to $95 on average for the first consultation and session. Further, the growing popularity of the practice has led to more and more insurance companies offering coverage for acupuncture.

It’s just for pain management

Many people seek acupuncture to alleviate chronic pain in the back, knee, stomach, or elsewhere. Temporary pain caused by menstrual cramps and headaches is also often treated with acupuncture. While pain management is a popular issue addressed by acupuncture, the practice is also used to treat other conditions, including depression, infertility, the effects of chemotherapy, and allergies.