What is Acupuncture?
Own Your Balance
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest her patients in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."  Thomas Edison ~ 1903
Schaffer Chiropractic
Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. There are 12 main meridian pathways through- out the body. Each is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants and people. In the same way, meridian path- ways transport life- giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. This blockage can hinder the distribution of the nourishment that the body requires to function optimally.
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system for thousands of years to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
What Can Affect Qi?

Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi. Usually, when this imbalance occurs, the body naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state of health and well-being. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain or disease may set in.
What is Electro Meridian Imaging (EMI)?

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) analysis for the meridian system is based on pulse diagnosis. This involves taking pulse readings, twice on each wrist; the first three lightly, and the next three deeply (for a total of 12 readings). The pulses are analyzed for 28 characteristics. Asian masters of acupuncture and pulse diagnosis take from 30 minutes up to an hour to properly achieve a diagnosis.

In the early 1950s, Dr. Yoshio Nakatani of Japan developed a specific acupuncture analysis technique called Ryodo-Raku. By measuring the electrical resistance of 24 specific Nerve/Meridian points, this test is capable of identifying functional imbalances related to the body's nervous system.

The next breakthrough in Ryodo-Raku was when the acupuncture master, John Amaro DC, helped to design a software program called EMI (Electro Meridian Imaging) which does all the mathematical calculations and graph preparation instantly. Dr. Schaffer takes readings with the Ryodo-Raku unit and enters the values in the EMI program. The program generates a graph of the readings, and demonstrates the tonification, sedation, and the "luo" points, which can balance the meridians which may be out of balance. This information correlates the function of specific nerves, their associated organs and the potential diseases and conditions that can result. Dr. Schaffer uses the information taken from the Ryodo-Raku read out and treats patients with needle less acupuncture. We utilize electronic acupuncture needle-less meridian balancing to remove blockages in the body and restore the normal flow of Qi.
What is Qi and How Does it Travel?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced "chee"), or Life Energy, flows throughout the body.
Just as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) relies on the ancient principles and proper evaluation of the 28 pulse characteristics, "ELECTRO MERIDIAN IMAGING" may be referred to as Contemporary Asian Medicine (CAM) which is technologically advanced electronic diagnosis and treatment.


Meridian Test Point

Electro Meridian Imaging may be conducted utilizing computer technology by entering the values of each meridian directly into the computer as the Ryodoraku test point is being measured. The meridian test point (Yuan or Tsing), is graphically illustrated which the patient may view on the computer screen during the exam. It also creates ease for the practitioner and/or clinical assistant who may perform the exam. Examination time is approximately two minutes to conduct.
Features
  • Contemporary, acupuncture meridian measurement and diagnosis system.
  • Electronic Pulse Diagnosis is an extremely accurate diagnostic meridian examination.
  • Electro Meridian Imaging may be conducted utilizing computer technology.
  • The values of each meridian are entered directly into the computer as the Ryodoraku test point is being measured.
  • The meridian test point (Yuan or Tsing), is graphically illustrated.
  • Examination time is approximately two minutes to conduct.

Electro Meridian Imaging

Ryodoraku evaluation of the acupuncture meridians, also known as "ELECTRO MERIDIAN IMAGING" or "Electronic Pulse Diagnosis" is an extremely accurate diagnostic meridian examination. The exam may be accomplished in less than two minutes and may be performed by either the doctor or trained technician. First discovered and developed by Dr. Yoshio Nakatani of Japan in 1952, the use of this chiropractic equipment has revolutionized the way acupuncture is being practiced by both medical practitioners and traditionally trained acupuncturists globally.
Electro Meridian Imaging may be conducted utilizing computer technology by entering the values of each meridian directly into the computer as the Ryodoraku test point. is being measured. The meridian test point (Yuan or Tsing), is graphically illustrated which the patient may view on the computer screen during the exam. It also creates ease for the practitioner and/or clinical assistant who may perform the exam. Examination time is approximately two minutes to conduct.

Following the completion of the electronic examination where the values for each meridian examined were entered in the computer through the Electro Meridian Imaging computer software, the program instantly provides the mathematical average of the graph and automatically determines the proper placement of the high and low extremes illustrating the average range for that particular patient.

The Electro Meridian Imaging computer software graphically illustrates on one of four graph styles which the practitioner may choose, which meridians are out of their physiologic normal balance by being too high, too low or split between left and right sides. The graph appears in color which the examiner may individually set the colors for "highs", "lows", "splits" and "optional" treatment. In addition, the program illustrates which acupuncture points are recommended for treatment by naming the point as well as graphically illustrating the precise location.

Meridians which are shown to be out of normal balance, in addition to illustrating what specific acupuncture points are used for balancing, specifically shows the spinal relflex areas suggesting what area of the spine may be involved according to "Tui Na" and Chiropractic principles. Graph and/or symptom page may be printed and given to patient or stored as hard copy in patients file.

In addition, 30 charts may be viewed to include each of the 12 meridians, Alarm (MU) points, Associated (SHU) points, Horary, Hsi, Five Elements, Source (YUAN), Tsing, Tonification, Sedation, Luo, 30 Primary Acupoints, Auriculotherapy points on three charts and Chinese Herb recommendations on three charts.

SOAP notes may be entered for each patient and each graph and information is permanently stored in the computer for referencing and comparison.