Making a point

Acupuncturist Hua Zhu tells of a saying in Chinese medicine: “Everyone has a pharmacy inside his or her body; acupuncture is a key that opens the pharmacy’s door.” She explains that, in traditional Chinese medicine, the body has fourteen “meridians,” or “energy highways” that allow energy–the Qi [pronounced “chee”]--to circulate. Acupuncture points, located all over the head, torso and limbs, are those places where the meridians are closest to the surface and so can be stimulated by inserting a needle. The purpose of the stimulus is to restore balance, thus relieving pain or inflammation or increasing immunity.

Acupuncture has been practiced for over 3000 years.  The number and locations of needles used are determined based on the nature and severity of a patient’s symptoms. Zhu explains that clients seeking treatment for only one complaint may have 6 to 10 needles used.  Someone with a number of long-standing complaints may need 20 or more.  Acupuncture needles come in different sizes, but all measure in the hundredths of millimeters: one internet source refers to them as “not much thicker than hair.”  Therefore, no matter how many needles are used in acupuncture treatment, the sensation will be nothing like receiving a shot from a doctor or getting a piercing.  Acupuncture treatment is often pleasant and relaxing for most patients. Although acupuncture clinics are more commonly found in larger cities (many Western practitioners support acupuncture as a form of treatment, including Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester), Waseca has been fortunate to house Zhu’s Acupuncture since 1999.  Owned and operated by Hua Zhu, the clinic is located in the Beschnett building on 15th Avenue NE.

Zhu explained the body remains healthy when the Qi flows freely. Illness can take hold when the body’s meridians become blocked and Qi is clogged or stagnant. Zhu says she determines a treatment regimen by hearing a description of the problem from patients, studying the mucus membranes of their tongues, and checking the status of their pulse, meridians, and acupoints. With all necessary information gathered, she inserts fine, sterile,  disposable needles into the acupoints along the meridians. “Research has shown that acupuncture can relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the natural pain-killing chemicals of the body,” Zhu says. “ It can also help with anxiety and depression by stimulating the part of the brain that governs serotonin or reduce inflammation by stimulating the body to produce steroid-like substances. Acupuncture can help from head to toe.” 

Zhu studied both western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) while earning her medical doctor (MD) degree in her home country of the People’s Republic of China, where she practiced as a neurologist for three years at Tiantan hospital in Beijing. When her husband, who holds a Ph.D. in plant pathology, was offered a position at the University of Minnesota’s experiment station in Waseca, Zhu and her family relocated to the area in 1995. Zhu rented treatment rooms in the Beschnett building to open an acupuncture clinic early on, then became part of Healing Hands Wellness Group in 2000, and now again has her own facility where she offers a range of TCM treatments:  “I do moxibustion along with acupuncture if it is needed.” Moxibustion entails burning an herb called mugwort close to the skin’s surface. The combination of the heat and the properties of the herb “can improve blood circulation and nourish the body.” A patient of Zhu’s being seen for treatment of migraines has undergone this several times; “It’s an interesting sensation. I couldn’t see it because the procedure was done on my back, but it’s certainly effective.”

Cupping, Chinese herbal medicine, and food therapy are also TCM services offered at Zhu’s clinic. “Cupping is putting suction cups on the skin. The suction can improve blood circulation, which helps  pain.” A former Waseca Marching Jay can attest to the effectiveness of cupping; she had the procedure done every marching season for pain in her ankles, hip, and neck. Chinese herbal medicines have been used in China for thousands of years. Based on their effectiveness and safety, many herbs have been found to have a broad range of benefits, including fighting against colds and flu, reducing pain, helping skin issues, and more. “Chinese herbal medicines are generally only used for a short period of time with no or minimal side effects,” Zhu explains. “I have a master’s degree in human nutrition. Food is medicine. I believe that before using western drugs or herbal medicines, we should try to get help by eating certain foods. In China, there is a saying: ‘Eating ginger in summer and daikon radish in winter keeps doctors away.’ “

Zhu says she is continually inspired by the attitudes and spirits of her patients. “We have a very open-minded and supportive community. When my patients say they feel better after their treatments, that is the best reward for me.” She seems to be rewarded frequently in that manner; a patient who sought treatments for a joint injury posted on Hua’s acupuncture Facebook page:  “Oh my gosh! I can bend my thumb all the way! It doesn’t hurt or snap! It hurt so bad when I left. I cannot believe this! Sorry for the late text but I haven’t been able to do this for four months! Thank you!” Zhu has no objection to having her services labeled as “alternative” medicine; “I think this will change as time goes on. Many doctors are starting to refer their patients to acupuncturists. As long as it can help people, I don’t care much about the name. Every road leads to Rome.”

Appointments at Hua Zhu’s clinic can be made by emailing her at huazhu099@yahoo.com, calling 507 271-2970, or messaging her on Facebook.