Two thousand years ago, when acupuncture first came into use in China, it was based on principles that many Western practitioners believe in today.

Among the growing nest of Oriental Medicine practitioners in the Santa Clarita Valley is Dr. Joseph Koh, of New Hope Acupuncture Medical Group, Inc. in Valencia.

A Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Koh informs readers that over the past two decades, acupuncture has significantly grown in popularity in the United States.

"According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) used by American adults to date, an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year," Koh said.

Having received his Master's at South Baylo University and DOAM at Emperors College (both have Southern California campuses), Koh takes great pride in his education.

"I am one of the 100 in the United States that has a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DOAM)," he stated, adding that he formerly studied and worked in Korea at several noted medical institutions.

Koh recommends that anyone interested in acupuncture makes sure his (or her) practitioner-of-choice is well educated.

"An acupuncture practitioner who is licensed and credentialed may provide better care than one who is not," he said. "About 40 states have established training standards for acupuncture certification, but states have varied requirements for obtaining a license to practice acupuncture.

However, out of a total of over 20,000 acupuncture practitioners in the United States, there are less than 100 acupuncture practitioners with Doctors of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) credential, which is the only degree recognized by the U.S. Department of Education."

Koh, who specializes in pain management and weight control, currently teaches interns and students at Stanton University in Garden Grove. (Stanton offers advanced diplomas in areas including Ministry, Divinity, Oriental Medicine and Early Childhood Education.)

According to Koh, his own pathway to Oriental Medicine was not exactly a straight shot.

"Originally I majored in business but while in college I was very sick and 'modern medicine' was doing nothing for me," he said. "A friend recommended acupuncture treatments and after the third treatment with significantly good result, I knew this was the profession I wanted to be a part of."

The Science Behind Acupuncture
According to local experts in the field, the human body contains a myriad of energy points along its own electrical pathways.

Stimulation of specific anatomical sites along these pathways can yield amazing results as each point connects to an internal organ, says Kathleen Kenneally, of Kenneally Acupuncture and Healing Light Center in Canyon Country.

"The goal of each acupuncture treatment is to activate the body's self-healing mechanism resulting in physiological and emotional balance," explained Kenneally, a California state licensed acupuncturist and herbologist.

Utilizing tiny needles in prescribed areas along the body, acupuncture stimulates endorphins (which relieve pain), neurotransmitters (which can affect mood, behavior, etc.), enzymes, hormones, relaxes muscles and increases blood circulation, Kenneally said.

"As a result, vitality increases and balance is restored to the body, mind and spirit," affirmed Kenneally, who received her Bachelor's Degree from UCLA in 1988 and her Masters in Oriental Sciences from Sumra University of Oriental Medicine in 1999.
The daughter of a Los Angeles-area "western medicine" physician, Kenneally says she knew as a child that she wanted to help people.

Her first encounter with acupuncture occurred at age 12, when her father had sponsored a medical doctor from China to work in his office.

"It was at this time I experienced my first acupuncture treatment after a car accident, and discovered how relaxing and effective it was," she said.

After wearing several professional hats (including living, studying and teaching abroad, then returning to the States and working in cosmetics), Kenneally said she eventually realized her destiny was in acupuncture.

"It was while I was working in cosmetics and with people sitting in my chair, I started noticing sensations in my body that appeared to be connected to the person I was working on," Kenneally said. "I 'felt' headaches, digestive upsets, body pains in various parts of my body. When I questioned my customer, indeed each time I had identified something that had been going on for them."

Curious about these random sensations, she sought advice from her doctor dad, who recommended she heed her call - through Oriental Medicine and acupuncture.

"That was it," she said. "I found my school and knew it was exactly what I was supposed to do."

Kenneally, who has completed advanced training in Classical Five Element Acupuncture, NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique), is also a Reiki Master.

(Reiki is a Japanese "laying of the hands" technique for stress reduction, relaxation, healing and improving one's "life force energy.")
Encouraging community residents to give some thought to trying acupuncture, Kenneally reassures us that it's an ancient therapy proven effective in this modern research era.

"The World Health Organization," Kenneally stated, "has determined that acupuncture and Oriental medicine are effective in treating muscle pain, respiratory issues, digestive disorders, headaches, gynecological issues, emotional and psychological issues and many more."

Acupuncture is also useful in preventing colds and flu, she said.
Known as "seasonal acupuncture," this can make a dramatic difference in one's health, Kenneally said.

"The ancient Chinese looked to the natural ebb and flow within the natural world around them and applied this knowledge to define balance, health and well-being within the body," Kenneally said.

Kenneally admits that many people come to her office as their last hope for health.

"They have heard about acupuncture, and with the urging of family and friends, have decided to give it a try," she said.

The first thing conveyed to people with long standing illness is that, "this is a process and that recovery may not happen overnight and that it may take a series of treatments to achieve the results they are looking for," Kenneally explained.

"Every 'body' is different, so there are no hard and fast rules about the number of treatments needed," she said, adding, "I have helped non-believers become believers and given them hope for a healthier future."

Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture
Answered by licensed acupuncturist Kathleen Kenneally of Kenneally Acupuncture and Healing Light Center and Dr. Joseph Koh of New Hope Healing Arts.

Q: Can acupuncture help you lose weight?
Koh: Ear acupuncture is based on the ancient practice of acupuncture. Specific parts of the ear correspond to specific parts of the body. By stimulating points on the ear with seeds or needles, the doctor can help the person control their weight, control cravings and balance their body's weight.

Q: Is acupuncture covered by medical insurance?
Koh: Acupuncture is one of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies that are more commonly covered by most insurance. However, you should check with your insurer or doctor before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent. Some insurance plans require preauthorization for acupuncture

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?
Kenneally: Acupuncture needles are solid and much smaller than the hollow needles used for injections or for drawing blood. Some patients feel only a small pinch as some needles are inserted. Many feel no pain at all.

Q: Can acupuncture reverse aging skin?
Kenneally: Yes! Aging skin is a reflection of external forces (i.e. sun damage, lack of proper skin hygiene, smoking, drinking too much alcohol) and internal forces (working too many hours, not enough sleep, dehydration, lack of exercise, poor digestion), where the body as a whole is out of balance.
When points on the face are stimulated, blood circulation is increased and collagen is produced - thereby reducing fine lines and improving overall firmness and appearance of the skin.


For More Information
Dr. Joseph Koh of New Hope Acupuncture Medical Group, Inc. in Valencia 257-1233
www.newhopehealingarts.com

Kathleen Kenneally, L.Ac. of Kenneally Acupuncture and Healing Light Center in Canyon Country 252-4100
www.kenneallyacupuncture.com