Acupuncture: Diagnosing through an ancient system

FRISCO — Acupuncture may seem intimidating — you know, with the needles and all — but it offers patients the opportunity to be seen in a new light.

Cybil Kendrick has been practicing a combination of acupuncture and massage in Frisco for a little more than a year. She had been working as a massage therapist in the county for six years before embarking on the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder.

She described Traditional Chinese Medicine as having a different diagnosing system than that of Western medicine. Symptoms reported by a patient are interpreted by the way they interact with the Five Elements — metal, wood, water, fire and earth. Six people could walk into her office reporting a cold and receive six different diagnoses.

Her patients fill out an in-depth entry form which touches on aspects of physical and physiological health before the actual interview in the office. In Kendrick’s practice, she then incorporates massage before beginning the needle treatment.

“When I see someone in pain I can’t help but put my hands on them,” Kendrick said.

Using small needles, Kendrick chooses points on the body related to the symptoms given and diagnosis offered. She moves the needles in their puncture point until they are connected with the body’s meridian.

Some acupuncturists will wait for patients to tell them when they have found the correct spot; Kendrick said she can discern a buzzing in her mid-region when she has found the right spot.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, meridians are what make up the grid of the human body, and along which the ch’i and blood flows. Ch’i is believed to be a part of every living thing that exists, sometimes described as the energy flow.

Kendrick recently treated her husband, who was participating in an adventure race, during the event. She put needles on the top of his head, which were held down by his helmet, at a stopping point. She said it was incredible the energy he then had after already finishing one part of the race.

Acupuncture is a part of the whole of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and therefore can be applied to nearly any ailment that doesn’t require surgery. Kendrick said she feels most comfortable treating sports injuries, but said acupuncture is also valuable in treating any disorder that comes from stress like headaches, neck pains or digestive problems.

Kendrick will offer free treatments to new patients on Wednesday in honor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day. Call (970) 485-3839 to schedule an appointment.

<b>Free acupuncture</b>

What: Free treatments for new patients in honor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day with Cybil Kendrick.

When: Wednesday. Schedule an appointment by calling (970) 485-3839.

Where: 60 Main. St., Suite H, Frisco.

Discounted acupuncture

The Alternative Medicine Community Clinic offers $35 treatments on certain days by appointment by calling (970) 547-1432. Also, the Acupuncture Community Clinic offers acupuncture treatments on a sliding-scale fee basis. Call for an appointment at (970) 333-9027.

<i> Leslie Brefeld can be reached at (970) 668-4626 or lbrefeld@summitdaily.com. </i>