A debate is raging over whether the NHS should use its limited resources to fund complementary therapies /remedies.

Thanks to Prince Charles in recent years this subject has been taken more seriously, and we hope that as time goes by many more credible people will come out of the 'closet' and support their beliefs. 

Leading doctors have said there is no "scientific proof" that they all work. If the ancient doctors were not convinced I'm sure they would not have withstood  the test of time! 

I would like to mention here that as a grand-mother I am acutely aware of the fact that babies and children, together with the very old, are unable to receive the medication that average adults so readily reach for, and the complementary therapies are very much needed in these quarters.

Many treatments have evolved in more recent times as a result of modern knowledge and a realignment with the more spiritual age in which we live, a natural evolution you might say, but what are complementary therapies, and why do they provoke such strong opinions?

 

What is the difference between the therapies?

Defining the difference is not straightforward.

But broadly, complementary / alternative therapies are those which are not proven to the clinical standards of Western medicine but which have been used, in some cases, for millennia to relieve people's symptoms.

The term 'complementary' is preferred as the therapies are mostly used alongside conventional treatments, and as the therapies are increasingly widely used practitioners also say 'alternative' is an inappropriate term.

Homeopathy, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy and a range of 'hands on healing' techniques such as reiki and shiatsu and herbal remedies are common forms of complementary medicine.

How are complementary therapies' benefits proven?

This is the nub of the medics' concerns.

For a medicine or procedure to be used in conventional medicine, it must go through scientific trials where its effectiveness has to be proven, but, when complementary therapies are tested, conventional testing techniques often fail to show how they work, some people say this is because they do not.

Advocates of complementary medicines say it is because conventional testing methods cannot recreate the effect of the therapies reported by individuals, and many medics, including the British Medical Association, want to see better regulation of the complementary therapies and whose who provide them.

How much research has there been into complementary therapies?

There have been a number of studies carried out, using the same methods as those used to test conventional medicines. The majority do not show that complementary remedies have any extra benefit over a placebo or 'dummy' treatments, but leading campaigners say there is considerable body of positive evidence that such therapies do work, and very well indeed.

And one study last year found acupuncture worked in its own right, and not because the person expected it to, as sceptics believe! The ultimate test must surly be that it obviously cannot have the placebo effect on animals and veterinary doctors uses it to good effect. 

Is there any crossover between conventional and complementary medicine?

Yes. The Royal Homeopathic Hospital is part of the NHS, and it is estimated that just under half of family doctors provide some form of complementary therapy for their patients.

But the Patients Association has called for equal access, and said all GPs should be in a position to refer patients to a complementary therapist.

Many more GP's are taking such courses as acupuncture in recent years,  and I know do give this treatment to patients now, I hear they are soon to be able to claim payment through the NHS.

There were nurses, physiotherapists, and many other healthcare workers on the courses I took over the years who have to be insured through legitimate institutions in order to practice in the UK. Acupuncture being an 'invasive' treatment, but what of the other so called non-invasive? 

They fall into two groups, internal and external;

Internal i.e. medicines - herbs - vitamin pills, all have to be regulated and since the EU have taken a hand in the subject, are regulated for more strictly.

External non-invasive non-medicating therapies, like aromatherapy, Reiki etc, perhaps they should they be only available to those who can afford them.

Perhaps the crux of the matter here is monetary, and the payment of treatments that are a bit 'iffy' should be withheld from the public purse. But who is to decide such matters? 

Why does, for example,  aromatherapy have such a big following, especially in hospices? The average person who has paid into the system and knows that something will work is surly entitled to go down to the doctor and ask for it?

I know that doctors are not easily influenced by fad and fancy, but I'm sure they can decide for themselves what is suspect and what is not? Maybe the BMA should ask them for a change?
 

 Alternative therapies offer treatment for all complaints, from circulation and digestive problems to depression and stress. 

There is strong scientific evidence that some, such as acupuncture, work.

However, some experts say the evidence for other forms, such as homeopathy, is at best sketchy.

There are a wide range of different complementary therapies. Here, we give details of some of the most widely practiced.

  An ancient Chinese art based on the theory that Qi energy flows along meridians in the body, and can be stimulated by inserting fine needles at specific points.

Acupuncture is used to treat asthma, addiction, arthritis, depression, anxiety, blood pressure disorder and problems with the digestive system.

There are a wide range of studies demonstrating that acupuncture has a positive effect, including evidence to suggest it works by deactivating pain centres in the brain.

Above we see a needle and the length of a typical sample used.

 Moxibustion:

 

Cupping: 

This is an ancient method of moving the body's energies, the picture shows the drawn blood showing up on a back area, these bruises are not often left to be seen as other 'moving cup' therapy is more popular for obvious reasons. Muscular pain problems are using this method with good results.

In the past cupping has used the method of heating with a naked flame the inside a glass cup and quickly applying it to the skin causing the flesh to be drawn up into the cup, as you see below.

Your grandmother would perhaps used this to 'draw' a boil or carbuncle. In modern times the vacuum suction cup is used, doing away with the heat methods. The Chinese in ancient books refer to this as 'Horn Treatment' because before glass was first manufactured the hollowed out animal horn was used, indeed an ancient treatment. 

Herbal medicine:

It is believed that as much as 80% of the world outside the industrialised countries relies on herbs for health. Above we see a small picture of a herbal shop with all the hundreds of herbs on the shelves. 

In fact, many commercially produced pharmaceutical products are derived from herbs, but herbal medicine uses the whole plant rather than an extract.

Herbal medicines are used to help most illnesses including migraine, arthritis, depression, insomnia and lung, stomach, blood and skin disorders.

A type of deep foot or hand massage designed to relax the whole body through the reflex response.

The thumbs are used extensively to break up crystalline deposits which have formed at the nerve endings, particularly on the bottom of the feet. Many acupuncture points are in this area, 'well' - 'spring' - 'stream' - 'river' and 'sea' points are all in the extremities, so called for the energies they have available.

There is some research to suggest that therapy can have beneficial effects, particularly on kidney and intestinal function.

Aromatherapy:  

The use of essential oils in treatments to improve physical and emotional well being, relieve pain and alleviate tension and fatigue.

Each aromatic oil, extracted from different parts of plants, is thought to have unique therapeutic properties.

They can be added to a bath, massaged through the skin, inhaled directly, used with teas, or scented in a room.

A German study found that water had the same effect as expensive oils - as long as patients believed they were being given the real thing.

However, a Nottingham hospital is offering aromatherapy to help mothers-to-be cope with the pain during labour.

A method designed to induce relaxation to relieve certain symptoms or bring about a change in life style. It combines the skills of counselling and psychotherapy with the techniques of hypnosis visualisation and/or meditation techniques. The amusing entertainment examples perhaps come  readily to mind here, but it needs to be stressed that those examples are hardly even related to the therapy used in the consulting rooms!

The induction of hypnosis produces an altered state of consciousness or awareness, similar to day dreaming or near-sleep.

A small study published in the journal Gut in April 2006 found hypnotherapy could help relieve severe chest pain not caused by a heart condition.

Magnet therapy:

The use of magnets to help relieve muscular aches and pains, insomnia, headaches, and poor bladder control.

It has also been claimed that the technique can have a positive effect on more serious conditions, such as cancer and circulatory diseases.

The therapy is controversial, and is not advised for people having radiotherapy treatment, or those who wear a pacemaker.

A British Medical Journal study, published in January 2006, found that magnets had no effect, but there are plenty of people who are disagreeing with that opinion. Magnets and Cupping are used together in many effective treatments.

The manipulation of soft tissue for therapeutic purposes, which may include the use of oil, salt glows, and hot and cold packs.

Designed to create a state of being both relaxed and alert, relief from stress, faster recovery time from an injury, and a greater sense of self-awareness. It is also therapeutic in the other levels of mind, emotion and spirit.

Osteopathy: 

A widely respected therapy which also has a regulatory council. The osteopath manipulates the muscles and spine to improve mobility and balance. It can help with many types of injury and be useful in treating arthritis, sciatica, headaches, depression and digestion problems.

Osteopathy is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes the role of th muscular-skeletal system e in health and disease. Osteopathy is emphasizing a holistic approach and the skilled use of a range of manual and physical treatment interventions in the prevention and treatment of disease. In practice, this most commonly relates to musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain.

Reiki:
 

A technique developed in Japan which aims to promote the body's own capacity to heal itself.

The practitioner gently places his hands in specific positions on the body

It is based on the belief that, by channelling spiritual energy through the practitioner, the spirit is healed, and the spirit, in turn, heals the physical body.

Shiatsu means finger, or thumb pressure. Like acupuncture, it is based on the theory that meridians, or lines, of energy run through the body, and can be manipulated.

Techniques include pounding, stretching and rocking. Pressure may be applied by use of forearms, elbows, palms, feet and knees.

The end result should be greater mobility and flexibility, a clearer sense of one's body, and a sense of being both relaxed and energised.

Has been shown to alleviate stress and, at the physical level, yoga has been seen to be useful in the treatment of those who suffer conditions that affect or are affected by posture, such as backache and arthritis.

Above you see a the aura of a meditating man in a Yoga position taken with the coloured lenses of the Kirlian Camera.

Crystal healing: 

The use of crystals, gemstones and minerals in several ways to amplify and accelerate the self-healing processes within the individual patient.

 Chakra Healing:

 
Homeopathy:

 Homeopathy is an effective and dynamic system of medicine which assists the natural tendency of our bodies to heal themselves. Below you see the small bottles in which are kept the tiny seed like pills.

A visit to a homeopath will enable you to describe fully and in an unhurried way your symptoms and medical history as well as any other problems you are experiencing.

A picture of the whole person is vital and areas covered include how you sleep, your dreams, your response to the weather, your worries and fears, your food likes and dislikes, your energy pattern and lifestyle and so on.

The practitioner then matches this picture as closely as possible to that of a single homeopathic remedy. Often you will be given just one tablet to take, and it could be effective for several weeks or months.

 It works on the principle that what makes a healthy person unwell can be used to treat the same symptoms in someone who is unwell.

But homeopathic medicines are diluted to a high degree.

They are used on asthma, allergies, anxiety, tension, menstrual problems and morning sickness.

A Swiss-UK review of 110 trials published in The Lancet in August 2005 found no convincing evidence the treatment worked any better than a placebo.

But a six-year study at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital found over 70% of patients with chronic diseases reported positive health changes after treatment. 

Meditation:

What are the benefits of meditation? It has been shown to reduce stress, increase happiness, enhance concentration and give one a greater feeling of connectedness.

Have you ever found yourself day-dreaming while having a bath? Or fallen into a reverie while sitting in front of a fire? The natural calming effect of water in the bath or looking into the flames produces clarity of mind, which allows us the restful state of relaxing the stresses and strains of modern living. This naturally occurring process is the essence of the simple yet profound gift that meditation has to offer.

You may well ask "But what will it do for me and my problems?"

The vibrant colours of an early dawn, mist rising from the stillness of a lake, leaves tumbling by on an autumn breeze, all these scenes evoke quite different mental states, and so too do our thoughts and feelings. Quite simply we are not separate from the universe, we are part and parcel of it. How we perceive our environment affects the way we react within it.

The more we are aware of these continually shifting/changing mind states, the more we see how our home environment, occupation and relationships are affecting us. 

Often people get curious about meditation at a point in their lives when they are hungry for change. This can be at a time of crisis, a time of transition, a time when they are at a crossroads searching for new directions.  Some believe that we are attracting the circumstances we need to learn certain lessons on this life’s journey, and those who practice meditation feel that the contact with the inner or higher self gives guidance through the emotions to the physical mental self.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – The Future from the Past

Part One - The History - by Mrs S Rodgers DCHAc CMIR

Here I am writing about some of the basics of ancient healing methods and  therapies, and it is my fondest hope it will give a new understanding and confidence through knowledge.

 According to a survey in the Times newspaper recently ...

· Over ninety percent of British doctors would recommend acupuncture to their patients as a complementary [not alternative] 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.

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, I have myself frequently witnessed the common cold stopped in its tracks using this point of GV 20 together with other points, 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 where there is a restriction, perhaps due to an allergic reaction.

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 then because I had already read an article by a vet from the now closed old 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, which had once been 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.

What are the main components of Traditional Chinese Medicine? Traditionally, Chinese Medicine has three basic disciplines, Acupuncture, Auricular Therapy [ear acupuncture] and Herbal Medicine; it also includes such treatments as Moxibustion [heat addition] Cupping, with or without the needles, and ‘Tui-Na’ which is Chinese for ‘pull-push’.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – The Future from the Past

Part two - ACUPUNCTURE by Mrs S Rodgers DCHAc CMIR

ACUPUNCTURE is a non-pharmaceutical treatment with simple application, has a wide range of use, good curative effect, and low cost. 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 much so they are almost invisible! They are most often applied using a thin clear plastic tube to guide the needle.

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.

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 this is NOT an 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.

It 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 each patient with a personalised treatment plan.

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.

How does acupuncture work? Fine needles are placed at points around the body to stimulate or suppress the flow of "Chi / Qi" which is the enigmatic life force sometimes described as "electro-chemical" or "electro-magnetic" energy. There are approx 500 acupoints along 12 plus energy meridians. 100 of these acupoints are most commonly used.

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.

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 which 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 is 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 TCM 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.

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.

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 years for the much-coveted Diploma, which is needed to join the British or Chinese Medical Register.

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.

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.

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 some time to respond to treatment. It is important to allow time for the treatment 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, however slight sprains and strains newly acquired, are relatively short-term treatments.

Are there any alternatives to acupuncture? For people who are not comfortable with the idea of having needles, there are various alternative techniques based on the principles of acupuncture. These chiefly include: Laser-therapy [hospital only treatments] no needles Auricular Therapy, Tui-Na, Cupping and Moxibustion which is the application of heated herbs, and other complementary therapies.

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; we do not see it as an alternative.

Here you see some of the problems and diseases commonly treated by acupuncture, not forgetting convalescence and rehabilitation. 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, Diarrhoea) - 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).

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE – THE FUTURE FROM THE PAST

Part Three - AURICULAR THERAPY - by Mrs S Rodgers DCHAc CMIR

Traditionally, Chinese Medicine has three basic disciplines, Herbs, Acupuncture, and Auricular Therapy / Ear Treatments for the whole body. This treatment originates from ancient 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 this unique method of holistic medicine actuated on the ear itself, not only according to the philosophical Chinese medical principles, but also scientifically and so recognised by western medicine. He paid serious attention to the correspondences between specific sites on the auricle and other parts of the body. In other words, treat these distant connections and the effect is measurable on the body areas.

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 in a similar way.

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.

How is the necessary place detected to put these tiny seeds or balls? Either by ‘Ashi’ / Pain point manual stimulation with a special spring loaded instrument, or a battery operated hand held ‘gun’ which gives an audio feedback through detecting the disrupted wavelengths, i.e. a loud sound when the correct point is touched gently. This audio electro pulse is also stimulating the point and can be adjusted according to need, and it’s very effective.

Ease in application is obvious as no disrobing is required for this treatment alone. Also this method of treatment is left on the ear for the patient to take home, and so will be present throughout the week between treatments to enable the patient to continue the stimulation and so, as it were, treat himself! Warnings about hygiene for these simple balls or seeds are far simpler than for needles, which for obvious reasons might have hygiene problems.

Since every organ and body part is represented on the auricle, ear acupuncture therapy treats and prevents diseases of all areas, and stimulating certain points in this way, by tapping them, it has a similar effect as the needle stimulation. These tiny metal balls or seeds are attached to flesh coloured sticking plaster so small we can hardly see them.

Alternatively tiny, very thin sterile disposable acupuncture needles can be used, but not retained, as you 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 and the photographs in the newspapers.

In Chinese medicine the addiction to smoking or substances is considered an imbalance in the body, as are weight problems, so points to balance the hormones in the endocrine system are stimulated for these various conditions on the ear. Modern medicine is beginning to understand what the ancients knew without having the jargon to describe it – that endorphins released by the stimulation of certain points can reduce pain, and in extremis this knowledge is also used in modern hospitals to anaesthetize areas for surgical use where there is a restriction, perhaps due to an allergic reaction.

Now, ear acupuncture is used not only in the treatment of a wide range of common illnesses we see all around us, but it is also used in the treatment of long term problems and pain relief. 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! So we look for the facial area problems, like toothache, eye problems etc on the lobe of the ear but foot problem points are sought at the apex.

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!

Question: Does it work? Answer: 'Yes it does'. Backache is a common complaint and relief is considerably helped when combined with other treatments, acupuncture for example. Try manipulating your ear when your back hurts and you might find a very tender point there indeed! 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 both family members and myself.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – The Future from the Past

Part four - Chinese Herbal Medicine by Mrs S Rodgers DCHAc CMIR

Traditionally, Chinese Medicine has three basic disciplines, Acupuncture, Auricular Therapy [ear acupuncture] and 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, and all the ingredients used by qualified Chinese Herbalists are natural, and are more effectively used in conjunction with other TCM treatments but may be on their own.

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.

What is the main difference between Chinese medicine and Western medicine? TCM 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 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, here, spleen or liver imbalance.

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. 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. The creams and lotions contain the herbs for external application.

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? Without a doubt YES. Chinese medicine in general does not conflict with Western medicine, and is used as a complementary therapy, not an alternative, however, please inform your GP about any medications you are taking, as you would with any other form of ‘over the counter’ product from the health food shop.

Traditional Chinese Medicine – The Future from the Past

Part Five Moxibustion - Chinese Herbal Medicine by Mrs S Rodgers DCHAc CMIR

Moxibustion:

The word moxibustion derives from the conjunction of two words, moxa – the herb, and combustion – meaning heat.

Acupuncture practitioners use the herb known as moxa to warm whole regions with a ‘moxa box’, much as we would use a hot-water bottle, and/or acupuncture points in conjunction with the needles, for the effect of stimulating circulation and inducing a smoother flow of blood fluids and energy.

It is mainly used against cold and dampness in the body. Modern research has shown that mugwort acts as a stimulus to blood-flow in the pelvic area and uterus. A very effective treatment using moxa ‘sticks’ in cigar shaped tubes is used for turning breech babies - acupuncture needles are not used in this process.

Moxa can also be burnt atop a fine slice of ginger root, salt or in conjunction with other beneficial elements, and also to prevent scarring where needles are contra-indicated.

The acupuncture needles are commonly used to conduct heat; the Moxa is placed on the needles in situ and then ignited. This treatment is very effective in cold conditions, for example a 'frozen shoulder’; the needles would be placed in a position called 'Circling the Dragon' - around the problem area. Practitioners consider moxibustion to be especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, particularly "deficient conditions" (weakness).

Medical historians believe that moxibustion pre-dated acupuncture, and that needling came to supplement moxa after the 2nd century BC. Parallel uses of mugwort in North and South America; indigenous peoples regard mugwort as a sacred plant of divination and spiritual healing, as well as a panacea.

Mugwort amongst other herbs were often bound into smudge sticks. Europeans placed sprigs of mugwort under pillows to provoke dreams; and the herb had associations with the practice of magic in Anglo-Saxon times.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE – THE FUTURE FROM THE PAST

Part Six Cupping- Chinese Herbal Medicine by Mrs S Rodgers DCHAc CMIR

Cupping:   

This is an ancient method of moving the body's energies, the lower picture shows the drawn blood showing up on a back area, these bruises are not often left to be seen as other 'moving cup' therapy is more popular for obvious reasons. Muscular pain problems are using this method with good results.

In the past cupping has used the method of heating with a naked flame the inside a glass cup and quickly applying it to the skin causing the flesh to be drawn up into the cup, as you see below.

Your grandmother would perhaps used this to 'draw' a boil or carbuncle. In modern times the vacuum suction cup is used, doing away with the heat methods. The Chinese in ancient books refer to this as 'Horn Treatment' because before glass was first manufactured the hollowed out animal horn was used, indeed an ancient treatment. 

A vacuum is created by air heated by fire in a glass cup placed flush against the patient's skin. As the air cools in the cup, a vacuum forms that pulls up on the skin, stimulating the acupressure effect.

The cups are usually roughly bell shaped with a capacity of about 4 fluid ounces. Most commonly, a total of from 8 to 12 cups are applied to the subject's back in two parallel 'vertical' columns, midway between the spine and each edge of the body, spaced about 4 inches on centre within each column.

There are several ways of heating the air in the cup with fire, but these days the vacuum method is used.

Baby oil massaged onto the skin first causes a better seal to form, making it possible to use this therapy with less heating of the cup. It is often possible to slide the adhered cup around on the skin, preserving the suction seal as it glides. Care must be taken not to move the cup over protruding moles, skin tags, scabs, etc.

The longer a cup is left on, the more of a circular mark is created. The skin pores are more open, and the patient may have a feeling reminiscent of a sunburn. An application of about 20 minutes is average, for the back; however this varies with the individual. In no case should the cups be left in place if the subject reports noticeable discomfort

Persons who claim this therapy to be beneficial report that its effect is a long lasting feeling of relaxation and invigoration. It is possible that whatever relief is obtained by this procedure is derived from the same principles that are employed in shiatsu massage, where instead of the outward sucking of the cups, strong inward pressure is directed at the muscles of the dorsal ribcage and abdomen.

End

There is no passion to be found in playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

Nelson Mandela