Keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come.
- Chinese proverb
Introduction
What is Acupuncture or Acupressure?
by Stella Rodgers CSNU DCHAc CMIR
Simply put it is the ancient art of re-aligning the body to help it repair itself - using points on the body where energies meet - with needles or without using the traditional stimulating methods of 'Tui Na' and or electro acupuncture for acute problems.
It can be used to treat muscular pains in local areas - too much gardening for example - or sports injuries like a badly sprained knee or elbow, or internal organ problems.
The herbal medicine may be obtained in capsule form. This is the easiest and simplest most pleasant way of taking the herbs - because they tend to be a bit bitter - or they can be bought over the counter with a prescription from a person qualified in this specialist subject.
According to a survey in the Times newspaper
recently, over ninety percent of British doctors would recommend acupuncture to
their patients which is a complementary form of treatment.
More than a thousand doctors practice a
form of acupuncture in the UK. Elsewhere in Europe, doctors who practice
acupuncture are in even greater numbers that in the UK, with France numbering
more than 5000 and Germany numbering over 4000.
Acupuncture is becoming a modern
medicine science, with the advances of electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture
and TENS Pain Management. Acupuncture is also fast becoming accepted as a
mainstream form of treatment.
I'm pleased to help with any other
information through the Email which is on the Main Menu - at the top left of
the page.
Healing and Medicine ~ Eastern and Western Approaches
Eastern and western
medicine have come together a bit more in recent years, the west is beginning
to understand what the ancients have always known - that the body, emotions,
mind, and spirit are all inseparable, in fact … the holistic approach is going
to be fashionable!
Hooray!
Please excuse me if
I sound frivolous, but it’s my experience that nobody can separate the physical
from the emotional, so to me it seems obvious, I have tried it and it doesn't
work!
Of course I haven't
always known this, I had to experience it for myself.
When going through
a divorce I kept telling myself that I was all right, so I didn’t have a
‘mental breakdown’ no, I had a physical one…yes this is possible. I had such
sorrow that I lost two stones in a very short time.
If we ignore the
needs of one part of ourselves another will protest, simple.
Physical abuse if
ignored by the victim often results in a mental breakdown; my experience was in
another way. In other words I kept my head but my body gave out. It was not
‘till I had only a few weeks to live that I listened to the specialist, this is
how powerful the mind can be when we are determined to ignore all else.
If we look at the
organs of the body as houses for different emotions a picture emerges. In
Chinese medicine this is how it is viewed.
Family
relationships are also used to illustrate the organs and positions on the
Chinese medicine charts; I’ve added the partner organs to the list
below to illustrate this.
Liver = Anger -
“What a gall that person has!” - ‘Partner’ Gall Bladder
Heart = Hysteria -
Dad worked himself up into a heart attack - ‘Partner' Small Intestines - a
heart attack can be mistaken for indigestion.
Spleen = Worry -
Ulcers commonly caused by over work - ‘Partner’ Stomach
Lungs = Sorrow -
Pining away for a loved one is very common - ‘Partner’ Large Intestines,
malfunction results in starvation when the organs cannot absorb the nutrients.
Kidneys = Fear -
Children’s nightmares - peeing with fright - ‘Partner’ Bladder
So, what do you
think? Is it possible to die of a ‘broken heart’?
Of course it is!
I was within a
short time of doing just that, my body was telling me to change the situation
so it could heal itself.
The worry, fear,
and sorrow all stopped the digestion and so the tissues started to die.
What is the cure?
Look to our whole
situation when you become physically unwell.
Look to our
emotions when you feel lacking in energy. Are you draining the batteries?
Look to our mental
attitude when you have allowed the whole world to revolve around your own needs
first.
Look to our
spiritual growth when you feel stuck in a rut. See what you have learned -
Needing to progress?
God bless our
‘built in’ programme of rehabilitation!
....................................................
The following sections have been put together from the main menu.
Acupuncture and
Auricular Therapy
As
a spiritualist I find that as in most things when our spirit draws us to find
new things in our lives it is always a path that is interesting.
I, like
so many people, came to spiritual healing as a patient, and out of
curiosity went on to find out how this worked, I wanted to know what had
happened to me when I was healed, and it was just the same with Acupuncture, I
was curious!
Acupuncture is
recorded as at least four thousand years old, and is respected as an ancient
craft that evolved through time into a 'unique system'.
Does it
work?
The
answer is 'Yes it does'.
I speak
as a patient, who for many years has had great relief from pain, and also I speak
as a witness to my husband’s and my many patients’ progress also.
You
might ask me why did I need acupuncture when spiritual healing was so
freely available? [See article "The Healing Husband" under True
Stories.]
I can
only think that the Masters are right when they say that when this happens it's
the spirit within that needs something more, and also the 'learning a
lesson' part is often taught this way through the medium of pain - I don't
know about you, but nothing drives me to greater action than a sharp pain! And anyway, nobody expects that spiritual healing is the only way for the
spirit doctors to help us!
Here
you see the basics of this beautiful therapy treatment - and I hope it will
give a new understanding to all who read it, after all that’s what we're
about - isn't it?
The continuous
progression on all our paths of understanding!
What
are the components of Chinese Medicine?
Traditionally, Chinese Medicine has three basic disciplines,
Acupuncture, Auricular Therapy [ear acupuncture] and Herbal
Medicine.
What
is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an aspect of traditional Chinese
medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. It became
popular in the West in the early Seventies, and is now one of the most widely
recognised complementary therapies. It is an integral part of the rapid growth
of complementary therapy in the UK and abroad.
Acupuncture
is an holistic approach to full body health based on over 2000 years of
developments and refinements in the Far East. The skill of the
acupuncturist lies in their ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what
is often a complex pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of
disharmony is individual to each patient, and acupuncture aims to treat
patients with a personalised treatment plan.
How
does acupuncture work?
Fine needles are inserted at points around the body
to stimulate or suppress the flow of "Chi" - the enigmatic life-force
sometimes described as "electro-chemical" or
"electro-magnetic" energy. There are about 500 acupoints along 12
energy meridians. 100 of these acupoints are most commonly used.
Acupuncture
aims to restore the balance of chi energy - a state of equilibrium when Yin and
Yang are in harmony. Acupuncture may help to relieve pain (from injuries to a
muscle, or a migraine, for example) and suppress cravings (food, alcohol,
cigarettes etc). It is also widely used for stress relief.
Although the
needles used in acupuncture don’t hurt, some people are nevertheless put off by
their use. Other therapies are available such as acupressure, Tui-Na, auricular
therapy etc.
Traditional
Chinese Medicine - TCM - is based on the theory that all disorders and
illnesses arise from an imbalance. This imbalance can be caused by problems
arising from internal organs or the stagnation of energy circulating in the
body. The name for the energy lines throughout all our bodies are Meridians.
When the meridians or energy channels become blocked, the resulting imbalance
of the body can cause pain or illness.
A
trained TCM doctor will be able to clear the energy block through acupuncture,
and so restore the body's balance. The physician will also seek to strengthen
the organs that were giving problems through Chinese Herbal Therapy. Some
people have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen their
constitution, or because they feel unwell without being "ill" in the
Western sense.
What
is the main difference between Chinese medicine and Western medicine?
Traditional
Chinese medicine treats the cause of the disorder, and Western medicine
concentrate more on the symptom of the disorder. For example, two people may
have the same symptoms of eczema, but the cause of the complaint may be
completely different: one patient may have an imbalance of his or her liver,
the other an imbalance of his or her spleen. Whereas a Western doctor may
prescribe the same medicine for the ailment, the TCM doctor will treat the
underlying cause of eczema and in this case, one patient will be treated for a
liver imbalance and the other for a spleen imbalance.
How
does a Chinese doctor make a diagnosis?
An Acupuncture doctor will ask you to stick out your
tongue whilst probably taking your pulse and from this he or she will be able
to make a diagnosis. The condition of your tongue, its overall colour and the
coating will tell the doctor about the condition of your internal organs. Each
of us has many different pulse rates to which Chinese doctors have been trained
to be sensitive. From these pulse rates the doctor will again be able to tell
the state of your internal organs.
Is
acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to
needles used in blood tests and injections. They are much finer, and are solid
rather than hollow. Most people find acupuncture and electro-acupuncture a
pleasant and deeply relaxing experience. There should be no pain during the
insertion of needles if the doctor is fully trained and experienced. Below you
see how small the needles actually are.
When
the practitioner carefully inserts the needles, you may feel a slight tingling
sensation. This indicates that the treatment is beginning to have some effect,
it is called 'obtaining the qi'. Some people may feel numbness at the point of
entry or an energy transfer along the meridian to another part of the body.
Needles
are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes,
depending on the effect required, and electro therapy can take from 20 to 40
minutes. After acupuncture, you will feel relaxed or even slightly sleepy, so
please take care not to tackle anything strenuous for a few hours following
your treatment.
The
benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a
particular condition: many people find that it can also lead to increased
energy levels, better appetite and sleep, as well as an enhanced sense of
overall well being. Infertility and 'morning sickness' are commonly treated
also.
It is
strongly advised that you make sure that the doctor who treats you is fully
qualified, the training is 2-3 years for the much coveted Diploma, which is
needed to join the CMIR [Chinese Medical Institute Register.]
How
can acupuncture help me?
Below are some of the problems and diseases commonly
treated by acupuncture:
|
Pain of any kind
|
|
Addictions (Tobacco,
Alcohol, Food, Drugs, Tranquillizers)
|
|
Head (Headache, Migraine,
Facial pain)
|
|
Limbs and muscles
(Rheumatism, Lumbago, Back-pain, Arthritis, Fibrosis)
|
|
Digestion (Stomach
Ulcers, Wind, Gastritis, Heartburn, Indigestion, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea)
|
|
Respiratory system
(Asthma, Shortness of breath)
|
|
Circulatory System
(Angina, Palpitations, Poor circulation)
|
|
Urinary system (Bed-wetting,
Recurrent cystitis)
|
|
Sexual system (Painful
periods, Hot flushes, Pelvic pain, Menopause)
|
|
Ear, nose and throat (Hay
fever, Sinusitis, Catarrh)
|
|
Nervous system
(Depression, Anxiety, Neuralgia)
|
|
General state
(Depression, Anxiety, Weakness)
|
|
Dermatitis (All kinds of
skin complaint: in conjunction with Chinese Herbal Therapy)
|
|
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(See digestion)
|
What
will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent
sessions. The acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health in
order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most
effective treatment. You will be asked about your current symptoms and what
treatment you have received so far. You will also be asked about your medical
history and that of your close family.
The
practitioner will also ask you about your diet, digestive system, sleeping
patterns and your general emotional state. To discover how the energies are
flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulse, noting
the quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your
tongue also gives a good guide to physical health.
Once
enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your
problems, the acupuncturist can select the appropriate treatment. The aim is to
discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to
improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
Are
there any alternatives to acupuncture?
For people who are not comfortable with the idea of
having needles inserted into the body, there are various alternative techniques
based on the principles of acupuncture. These chiefly include:
|
Electro-acupuncture
(applied with or without needles)
|
|
Laser-therapy.
No needles
Auricular
Therapy. No needles option.
|
Auricular Therapy
Acupuncture without the
needles sounds like an oxymoron but the use of seeds or metallic balls has the
stimulating effect very close to that of needles. The ear has such a small
layer of underlying tissue beneath the skin, and because of this a hard object
like a seed or metallic ball held close to the surface with the smallest
possible surgical plaster works very well.
Also this method of treatment is left on the ear for the patient
to take home, and so will also be present throughout the week between
treatments to enable the patient to continue the stimulation and so, as it
were, treat himself!
Does
acupuncture conflict with conventional Western medicine?
It can be used alongside conventional medicine in the
treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any treatment, it may be
important to mention certain details about your current state of health, as
this will assist the practitioner in his full diagnosis of your condition. Most
European Doctors recommended acupuncture as a complement to any western
medicine.
Can I
prepare in any way for treatment?
Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your
appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse.
Also avoid alcohol and food and drinks, [which alter the colour of your tongue
just before you have your treatment.]
What
about needle sterilisation?
All members of the CMIR (Chinese Medical Institute
Register) must observe a code of practice, which lays down stringent standards
of hygiene and sterilisation of needles and other equipment, and modern
practitioners use disposable needles. These procedures have been approved by
the Department of Health, and provides protection against the transmission of
infectious diseases.
What
is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine has evolved over 4000 years
as a powerful and accurate tool regulating the internal organs and immune
system. It assists greatly in helping many skin conditions. All the ingredients
used by proper Chinese herbalists are natural, and unlike most Western drugs,
have no side-effects.
Over
1000 herbs are used in Chinese medicine and the ingredients all come from the
natural flora and fauna of China. A properly trained TCM doctor will be able to
prescribe a mixture of different herbs to treat an individual's illness. No two
patient prescriptions will be the exactly same, as an herbal prescription is
tailored to treat the specific ailment of the individual, unlike Western
prescriptions which are standardised by the pharmaceutical companies.
Is my
diet important?
Yes, a healthy lifestyle in general is important.
Diet, exercise, fresh air, deep breathing, enough sleep, and relaxation all
contribute to good physical and mental health.
How
does one take Chinese Medicine?
Traditionally, Chinese herbs are boiled in a soup or
as tea to extract the essence of the herbs, which is then drunk by the patient.
Is
Chinese medicine unpleasant in taste?
Most people find that tea is at least a little bitter
and sometimes unpleasant to taste. Honey can be added as a sweetener, but it is
generally accepted that the effects of the medicine far outweigh the sometimes
a bitter taste. However, the herbal capsule makes Chinese Herbal
Therapy more accessible and convenient for busy modern lifestyles.
How
long will I need treatment?
Chronic cases can take many years to develop, and it
is therefore likely that they will also take quite sometime to respond to
treatment and start improving. It is important to allow the treatment time to
take effect rather than to expect an instant "miracle cure". The
total number of treatments will vary from patient to patient, and your practitioner will discuss your own specific
case with you. The longer a problem has had to 'solidify' in a physical system
the longer it may take to overcome it.
Is it
true that you use the bones of tigers in medicines?
Traditionally ingredients such things were used in
Chinese Herbal Medicine. All modern therapists consider the use of these
ingredients unethical and, [even if they were legal,] would not consider
exploitation of any endangered species.
Should
I continue taking medicine prescribed by my GP?
YES.
Chinese
medicine in general does not conflict with Western medicine, and may be used as
a complementary therapy. However, please inform both your doctors about any
current medications you are taking.
What
is the role of Chinese Herbal Medicine with acupuncture?
Chinese herbs are said to regulate the internal
organs and the immune system. With or without acupuncture, Chinese herbs can be
a powerful therapy.
CASE STUDY
Mr.A.P.
Depression
Suffered from
depression for all of his adult life. He had tried Western medicine, including
two types of antidepressants, which gave terrible side effects. The symptoms of
the depression were that he couldn’t sleep, eat, felt lethargic and became
impotent. He fell into two bouts of serious depression where he thought about
killing himself.
He lost 6 kilos in
weight and spent 15 months having only 3 hours sleep per night. He described
himself as ‘zombie like’ at work and lost his job because of the depression and
the effect it was having on his life and his ability to function normally In
his own words, Mr. R O'H described himself as ‘a mess.’
The attitude he
received from conventional doctors was: ‘if you can’t co-operate,
then go away’.
Within 2-3 days
after initial treatment he felt he had more energy and was able to think more
clearly than he had done in years. After 3-4 months of treatment he says he has
benefited so much more than he ever did with Western medicine.
Mr. R O'H now says
that his life has ‘opened up’ he is able to laugh and function normally for the
first time in years.
Auricular Therapy - Ear Treatments for the whole body
We
have all heard of Reflexology for the holistic treatment of the body’s
functions by manipulation of the feet, so I would explain Auricular
Therapy as performing the same function but having the advantage of the
patient himself continuing the treatment, and especially in the case of
pain relief, as and when needed.
Ear
acupuncture therapy treats and prevents diseases by stimulating certain
points on the auricle / ear with tiny metal or natural caraway seeds,
these are attached to flesh coloured sticking plaster so small we can
hardly see them, see a strip of these here....
Alternatively tiny, very thin sterile disposable acupuncture needles
can be used, as you also see in this model of an ear pictured below.

The
range of indications in ear acupuncture is broad, the method is
relatively simple and economical, and there are few side effects, so it
has become increasingly popular, you may remember Princess Diana having
this treatment for her problems.
The
treatment originates from China, and medical workers there charted more
than 200 sites on the auricle, but it has been a French acupuncturist
and neurosurgeon, Dr. Paul Nogier who explored the ear, not only
according to Chinese medical principles, but also scientifically. He
paid serious attention to the correspondences between specific sites on
the auricle and other parts of the body.
Now,
ear acupuncture is used not only in the treatment of a wide range of
common diseases we see all around us, but it is also used in the
treatment of difficult long term complicated diseases, and even as a
surgical analgesia by the specialist.
It
is interesting to notice that the charts and diagrams use the image of
a baby in the foetal position upside down – the head being on the lobe
and the curve of the spine being the very prominent ridge!
The History.
Acupuncture is a
non-pharmaceutical treatment with simple application, has a wide range of use,
good curative effect, and low cost.
The cultural
exchange between China and other countries has promoted a global interest in
this subject; one could even say the interest in this oldest holistic medical
method has come full circle after so many thousand years, ancient to modern.
Acupuncture is
an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is recorded as at least
four thousand years old. Over the past 2500 years medical scholars in each age
have contributed to the development and refinement of this wonderful art in
China, and it is respected throughout the world as an ancient art that has
evolved through time into a unique system.
1000 yrs BC is the
oldest record of acupuncture on bone etchings. The period of establishment in
ancient China is - 21st-3rd century BC; Xia, Sheng, Zhou dynasties in the
autumn & spring periods. In the ancient literature there are records
regarding the use of stone needles (long before iron casting.) The discovery of
stone needles and medical tools as funerary objects in Stone Age burial mounds
brings right up to date the legends regarding acupuncture from the ‘clan
commune period’ of primitive society - the period before the written word -
which lasted up until about 4,000 years BC.
The Han prince's
tomb, Liu Sheng, (113 BC) contained gold acupuncture needles. One such
legend, that of a doctor 'Bian Que', tells of the physician portrayed
mythically as half-man, half-bird, who came upon a supposedly dead prince. Bian
Que noted flaring of his ala nasi [a diagnostic indicator] and treated the
prince by administering herbs and needling the well established point for ‘wind
invasion’ which is Governor Meridian no: 20. Wind Invasion is a term used to
describe amongst other diseases, bronchial & respiratory tract infections.
According to the
legend the prince made a miraculous recovery. Although I have not seen this
particularly mentioned miracle myself ... but I have frequently witnessed the common
cold stopped ‘dead’ in its tracks (excuse the pun) using this point of GV 20
with others myself, before it could turn into a more problematic condition, as
you can imagine I am very popular at such times in my family!
The Dutch
philosopher Benedict Spinoza (1632-1677) gives a description of pain thus;
"A localised form of sorrow." The accidentally pulled ligament or
broken bone causes more modern expletives these days, but fortunately can still
receive this treatment from a gentler time!
Modern medicine is
beginning to understand what the ancients knew without having the jargon to
describe it – that endorphins released by the stimulation of acupuncture
needles can reduce pain, and in extremis this knowledge is also used in modern
hospitals to anesthetize areas for surgical use.
Many years ago I
had a young friend who told me of her leg being amputated after an accident
using this method, together with hypnosis, because of her inability to tolerate
the chemicals otherwise needed. I was not incredulous at that time because I
had already read at that time an article by a vet from the then Manchester Zoo
who went to China in the 1960’s and witnessed operations on animals in this
way.
Acupuncture went
into a decline during a political period of Chinese isolation, but the revival
of TCM in 1949 brought about by Mao Tse-tung after the War of Liberation, meant
that the much valued knowledge, once passed abroad, was returned to its
homeland by its faithful adherents.
The University of
Beijing, which is now very much in the forefront of international training,
proudly exhibits its name on TCM Diplomas.
Question:
Does it work?
Answer: 'Yes it
does'.
I speak personally
as a patient long before becoming a practitioner, indeed I am such an advocate
and love to study the subject and its history because I felt and saw the
amazing results for family members and myself.
Here I am writing
about some of the basics of this ancient healing method and other related
therapies - and it is my fondest hope it will give a new understanding and
confidence through knowledge.
The main
points of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese
Medicine - TCM - is based on the theory that all disorders and illnesses arise
from an imbalance. We’ve all heard of Yin and Yang, and perhaps seen the symbol
in black and white of the two united teardrops?
These are symbolic
ways of indicating the basic philosophy of all life being a harmony of positive
and negative. A physical imbalance in Chinese medical terms can be caused by
problems arising from outside the body or in inside the body, or through a
slowing down through stagnation leading to blockage of the energies circulating
in the body.
The name used for
these energy lines, which we all have, is ‘meridians’, and when these meridians
or energy channels slow down and sometimes even become blocked, the resulting
imbalance of the body can cause pain in a local area like the muscular bruising
through trauma, or an illness in a major organ, perhaps through bad input, i.e.
food - chemicals - emotions, or even just the ageing process.
A trained TCM
doctor will seek to clear the energy block through acupuncture or other methods
taught as part of the curriculum, [see part two of this essay] and so restore
the body's balance. Some people have treatments like acupuncture as a
preventative measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel
unwell without being "ill" in the Western sense. Convalescence from a
serious condition, or just a common cold and being ‘run down’, will be greatly
aided by a balancing course of treatments, which might start as six weeks.
We must allow that
long-term conditions will not have quick solutions.What is the main difference
between Chinese medicine and Western medicine? Traditional Chinese medicine
treats the cause of the disorder, and Western medicine concentrates more on the
symptom of the disorder. For example, two people may have the same symptoms of
eczema, but the cause of the complaint may be completely different: one patient
may have an imbalance of the liver, the other an imbalance of the spleen.
Whereas a Western
doctor may prescribe the same medicine for the ailment, the TCM doctor will
treat the underlying cause of eczema, and in this case one patient will be
treated for a liver imbalance and the other for a spleen imbalance.
How a
diagnosis made in TCM
By indications
discovered through observation and questioning, for example looking at the
tongue, and taking of the pulses, to mane but two. Neck pulsation of common
carotid artery Foot: pulsation of the anterior tibial artery - Wrist: pulsation
of the radial artery used most commonly in modern times.
Incidentally there
are many pulses within the usual ones, for example nine places on each wrist
are felt. From these pulse rates the doctor will again be able to tell the
state of your many internal organs.
The training also
includes understanding and taking note of all the ‘windows’ of the Zang and
‘Fu’ organs, for example the eyes, lips, skin, etc. Also sought are differences
of hot / cold, internal / external, excess / deficiency, the aspects of Yin and
Yang previously mentioned. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony is
individual to each patient, and acupuncture aims to treat patients with a very
special personalised treatment plan. What exactly is acupuncture?
In the ancient
times pins/ needles were used, made of bone, stone, or sharpened metals very
crudely made, some of which can be seen on exhibition in the natural science
museum today, but we are pleased to say that modern manufacture means they are
now of an extremely fine texture, so mush so they are almost invisible! They
are inserted into the skin using a thin clear plastic tube to guide the needle.
Acupuncture became
popular in the West in the early Seventies, and is now one of the most widely
recognised therapies; it is now an integral part of the rapid growth of
‘complementary’ [notice we don’t say here ‘alternative’] therapy in the UK and
abroad, and it is a holistic approach to full body health based on over 4000
years of developments and refinements in the Far East and Europe.
The skill of the
acupuncturist lies in their manipulation of the energies and ability to make a
true diagnosis from what is often a complex pattern of disharmony.
Does
acupuncture conflict with conventional Western medicine?
It is used
alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic
disease. As with any treatment, it may be important to mention certain details
about your current state of health, as this will assist the practitioner in his
full diagnosis of your condition. Most European Doctors recommend acupuncture
as a complement to any western medicine.
Your own doctor
will most certainly be pleased you are seeking this extra help, and might even
offer the service themselves, as in recent years more and more and more GP’s,
physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, nurses and health care
professionals are adding this most valuable treatment to their skills.
How does
acupuncture work?
Fine needles are
inserted at points around the body to stimulate or suppress the flow of
"Qi" - the enigmatic life force - sometimes described as
"electro-chemical" or "electro-magnetic" energy. There are
about 500 acupoints along the 12 plus energy meridians. A 100 of these acupoints
are most commonly used - also the alteration of energy at the beginning or end
of flow line will affect the places between.
Acupuncture aims to
restore the balance of Qi energy - a state of equilibrium when Yin and Yang are
in harmony. Acupuncture may help to relieve pain (from injuries to a muscle, or
a migraine, for example) and suppress cravings (food, alcohol, cigarettes etc).
It is also widely used for stress relief.
What about
needle sterilisation?
All members of the
CMIR (Chinese Medical Institute Register) must observe a code of practice,
which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation of needles and
other equipment, and modern practitioners use disposable needles. These
procedures have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide
protection against the transmission of infectious diseases.
Is
acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles
bear little resemblance to needles used in blood tests and injections. They are
solid rather than hollow and so can be much finer. Most people find acupuncture
and electro-acupuncture a pleasant and deeply relaxing experience. There should
be no pain during the insertion of needles if the doctor is fully trained and
experienced.
When the
practitioner carefully inserts the needles, you may feel a slight tingling
sensation, heat or coldness. This indicates that the treatment is beginning to
have some effect; it is called 'obtaining the Qi'. Some people may feel
numbness at the point of entry or an energy transfer along the meridian to another
part of the body.
Needles are
inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes,
depending on the effect required, and adding the electro therapy can take from
20 to 40 mins. After acupuncture, you will feel relaxed or even slightly
sleepy, so please take care not to tackle anything strenuous for a few hours
following your treatment.
I prefer patients
to have a driver with them in the case of a troublesome illness.
How can
acupuncture help me?
The benefits of
acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular
condition, many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels,
improve appetite and sleep and gives an enhanced sense of overall well being.
It is strongly advised that you make sure that the TCM doctor who treats you is
fully qualified. There should be qualifications, Diplomas insurance Certificate
on display at the clinic for study by all patients.
Below are some of
the problems and diseases commonly treated by acupuncture, not forgetting
convalescence and rehabilitation.
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Pain
of any kind – (muscles, sprains, breaks and bruises)
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Addictions
(Tobacco, Alcohol, Food, Drugs, Tranquillisers)
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Head
(Headache, Migraine, Facial pain)
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Limbs
and muscles (Rheumatism, Lumbago, Back-pain, Arthritis, Fibrosis)
|
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Digestion
(Stomach Ulcers, Wind, Gastritis, Heartburn, Indigestion, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhoea)
|
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Respiratory
system (Asthma, Shortness of breath)
|
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Circulatory
System (Angina, Palpitations, Poor circulation)
|
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Urinary
system (Bed-wetting, Recurrent cystitis)
|
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Sexual
system Male / Female: Painful periods, Hot flushes, 'morning sickness’,
Pelvic pain, Menopause, Conception difficulties, Infertility)
|
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Ear,
nose and throat (Hay fever, Sinusitis, Catarrh)
|
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Nervous
system (Depression, Anxiety, Neuralgia)
|
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General
state (Depression, Anxiety, Weakness)
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