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 recognized complementary therapies. It is an integral part of the rapid growth of complementary therapy in the UK and abroad. Acupuncture is a 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 personalized treatment plan.
How does Acupuncture work?
Fundamental to Chinese Medicine is the concept of Qi, (Chi), something that has no Western equivalent but can be defined as vital energy or life force. The quality and amount of Qi determines ones health and vitality. It provides the source of movement in the body, keeps the blood circulating, fights disease and warms the body. Qi is distributed around the body through a network of interconnecting meridians which go deep to the organs and pass through different levels to just below the skin where it can be contacted with acupuncture needles.
In the body Qi is dispersed through twelve main interconnecting pathways. Illness occurs primarily when there is an excess, deficiency or stagnation of Qi either within a specific organ or meridian. For example, a strained back may be due to blocked Qi in the Bladder meridian which runs down either side of the spine. Similarly if the balance of Qi in the Stomach organ is disturbed either of the following may occur: vomiting will result if there is an excess of Qi, while deficiency of Qi over a long time may predispose to a stomach ulcer.
The aim of acupuncture is to correct imbalances of Qi through the insertion of needles into specific points along the meridians and so assist the body's own recuperative powers.
What can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is effective in treating most ailments presented at a GP's surgery. It is especially valuable in chronic diseases that orthodox medicine can only alleviate with drugs. For example, asthma, hay fever, sinusitis; hypertension; depression; painful conditions anywhere in the body such as headache, migraine, arthritis, back pain; stiffness of joints or muscles. Many acute complaints can be treated including strains and sprains, shingles, cystitis, menstrual disorders, diarrhoea and vomiting, cough, colds and sore throats.
Acupuncture also recognises and treats many disharmonies that have no medical diagnosis, a non specific 'not quite right' feeling characterized by any of the following: tiredness, lethargy, vague aches and pains, digestive problems, in sleeping difficulty, anxiety, tension, palpitations or dizziness. People with addictions to smoking, drugs or alcohol may be helped by acupuncture to reduce their dependencies. In addition to the above many other disorders have been treated with success and it is always worth enquiring about any particular problem you might have.
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture is used to regulate your flow of Qi in order to treat your complaints. Most people find acupuncture a pleasant and deeply relaxing experience. When I carefully insert the needles, you may feel a slight tingling sensation. The initial sensation is often described as 'tingling', 'slightly heavy', 'dull', or 'numb'. This indicates that the treatment is beginning to have some effect. Sometimes you may feel numbness at the point of entry or an energy transfer along the meridian to another part of the body.
However, for people who are not comfortable with the idea of having needles inserted into the body, there are various alternative techniques available, based on the principles of acupuncture, such as Electro-Acupuncture and Acupressure Massage.
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.
Does acupuncture conflict with conventional Western medicine?
Acupuncture 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 me in my full diagnosis of your condition.