Well there is no medicine, or even herbs in, or on an acupuncture needle.  In fact, the needles we use are so skinny it would be impossible to give an injection with them.  Modern acupuncture needles are super thin flexible, solid pieces of stainless steel with a small metal, or plastic handle that allows manipulation.  They bear no resemblance to a sewing needle and are a great deal thinner.

The medicine really come from within the patient.  Studies have shown that needling certain points cause the release of the bodies natural opiates.  Some within the field of Chinese Medicine feel that the energy referred to as “qi,” is electrical in nature, and that the highly conductive metal of the acupuncture needle helps this qi to circulate.

So what role does the doctor play in all this?  I like to think that the acupuncture needle serves as the meeting point between the energy of the healer, and that of the patient.  When this is in balance, who needs a drug substance?

If you have more questions on acupuncture, perhaps they can be answered here.

The secret is, never letting the oils stay on your skin long enough to start the reaction.  What you need is to keep a bottle of Windex and a roll of paper towels in your car.  There are some more pricey  products on the market that you can buy at REI, but I find ordinary Windex works just fine.  If you suspect you’ve touched poison ivy, after your ride or hike, spray down your exposed skin and wipe of with the paper towels.  The glass cleaner will break down the oils from the poison oak before it gets a chance to start causing a reaction.  Time is of the essence here, so try not to delay wiping down when you get back to your car.  Once you get home, shower off to remove the Windex, and be sure to wash any clothes that may have contacted the offending plant as well.

Enjoy the flower viewing while it lasts!