Chinese Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – Treatment That Starts With Listening to the Body

Pain that won’t go away, tension that builds up in the body, sleep difficulties, migraines, or a general sense of imbalance – you don’t always have to simply learn to live with them. Chinese medicine looks at the body as a whole, and instead of focusing only on the area where the pain appears, it tries to understand what is causing it and what can help the body return to a more balanced state. I am Shai Davids, a Chinese medicine practitioner with about twenty years of experience, and over the years I have treated a wide range of conditions using acupuncture, Tuina, cupping and Chinese herbal medicine.

What Is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the central treatment methods in Chinese medicine. During treatment, very fine needles are inserted into defined points on the body, and the choice of points is not made automatically based on the painful area alone. Chinese diagnosis takes into account the full picture the patient presents – the nature of the pain, sleep quality, digestion, stress level, a sense of cold or heat, and overall energy levels. That is why two people arriving with the exact same complaint may receive completely different treatments, tailored individually to their condition.

When People Turn to Chinese Medicine

Treatment with Chinese medicine may suit people dealing with a range of conditions and symptoms, including:

• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder and joint pain
• Knee pain
• Migraines and headaches
• Tension and mental strain
• Sleep and digestive issues
• Symptoms around menopause
• Recurring or chronic pain
• Fatigue and low energy

It is important to emphasize that Chinese medicine does not replace medical evaluation when one is needed. In suitable cases it can be combined alongside conventional medicine, as part of a personal, tailored course of treatment.

Why Acupuncture Sometimes Doesn’t Focus on the Painful Spot

One of the questions I am asked most often is why, when the back hurts, I sometimes needle the leg instead. The answer has to do with the way Chinese medicine maps the body: treatment is not simply an attempt to “needle the pain” itself. The goal is to choose points that fit the overall pattern the patient presents, and the broader picture of their condition. This is also why an individual diagnosis matters so much – good treatment is not an assembly line where every person with back pain gets exactly the same treatment.

Acupuncture, Tuina, Cupping and Herbs – What Is the Difference

Alongside acupuncture itself, Chinese medicine includes several complementary treatment methods, which are sometimes combined within the same treatment plan. Tuina is a hands-on treatment method that includes techniques of pressing, massaging and mobilizing tissues and various areas of the body. Cupping is a traditional method that creates local suction using cups, usually combined with hands-on treatment or acupuncture. In certain cases, formulas of Chinese herbal medicine can also be incorporated, with the formula chosen according to the individual diagnosis rather than just the name of the condition.

What a First Treatment Looks Like

A first treatment always begins with a conversation and a thorough diagnosis. I want to understand not only what hurts, but also when the problem began, what makes it worse or better, how you sleep, how your digestion works, your overall energy level, and what else has changed in your body recently. Based on the conversation and examination, a personal treatment plan is built: in some cases treatment will include acupuncture alone, while in others Tuina, cupping or herbal medicine will be combined as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

Does Acupuncture Hurt

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin. Most people do not experience significant pain when the needle is inserted, although there can be a brief, local sensation.

How Many Treatments Are Needed

There is no fixed number of treatments that suits everyone. The number and frequency of treatments depend on the condition, how long it has existed, the response to treatment, and the goals defined together with the patient.

Can Acupuncture Be Combined With Medical Treatment

In many situations, Chinese medicine treatment can be combined alongside conventional medical treatment. It is important to inform the practitioner of any medication or medical treatment you are receiving, and to undergo medical evaluation whenever it is needed.

Is Chinese Medicine Only for Pain

No. People also turn to Chinese medicine for sleep issues, digestion, stress, fatigue and additional symptoms, and suitability for treatment is always determined after an individual diagnosis. Additional areas where Chinese medicine may help are detailed on the common problems page.

Scheduling a Treatment

If you are looking for acupuncture or Chinese medicine in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan, or dealing with pain, tension, a recurring problem, or a sense that your body is out of balance, you are welcome to get in touch. I believe good treatment begins first of all with listening – not only to the diagnosis, but to the person behind it. Schedule a treatment or consultation.