DEARBORN — Dr. Mostafa Belkhalfia came to Dearborn from California to practice acupuncture and Oriental medicine.  For years, he worked for pharmaceutical companies making drugs to treat different diseases. But he believes that a person should not be hooked on drugs. It is better, he says. to seek a natural and holistic way to obtain true, safe therapy.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are safe, effective and drug-free therapies that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems. Acupuncture is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. Over the past 2,500 years, medical scholars in every age have contributed to the development and refinement of the art of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. Practioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well.

Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health and improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless way to treat a variety of medical problems.

At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”) or life energy flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the ability, quantity and balance of Qi.

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a person’s health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, over-exertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well-being.  However, when the disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain or disease can set in. Acupuncture is based on balancing the mind with the body.  If the mind is not there, the body cannot function correctly.

The secret to a good life, he says, is to watch what you eat, exercise and meditate.

During the acupuncturist’s initial exam, a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is conducted including pulse and tongue diagnosis.  Gathering the information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a person’s health problems. The practitioner can then create a well-structured treatment plan.

Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints along meridian pathways. The safe and painless insertion of the needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi when it becomes unbalanced. Once this is done, Qi can circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, glands, tissues and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony as well as the body’s ability to heal itself — ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.  One should seek alternative medicine before Western medicine and surgery.

The following conditions are amenable to acupuncture:

• Alcohol, smoking, drug cessation

• Neck, low back, hip and leg pain

• Headaches, muscle strain, impotence, female disorders

• Insomnia, stress control, facial rejuvenation, baldness, Bell’s palsy

• Arthritis, weight loss, acne, immunity disorders

• Chronic fatigue, carpal tunnel, TMJ

• Cerebral palsy, peripheral neuritis

• Diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, gastric problems.

Doctor Belkhalfia also performs dry cupping and wet cupping — hijamah. He also performs moxa, acupuncture and Chinese massage (Gua-Sha). Natural herbs are also available for sale in his office.

Dr. Belkhalfia received his undergraduate degree in biology in 1992 from California State University in Hayward. In 2001 he received a doctorate in chiropractic from Life University in San Francisco. He received a master’s in acupuncture and oriental medicine from the Health and Science school at Southern California University in 2004.

He practices at Manor Medical Center at 10645 W. Warren Ave. in Dearborn, Michigan. Please call 313.274.0552 or 313.529.9922 for appointments.