Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture began with the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas of the skin affected the function of the body, and the general well being of the person. From there, it has evolved into a healing system that always focuses on bringing the body back into balance, and back into harmony with our life and our environment.

Increasing numbers of evidence based research trials have acknowledged the efficacy of acupuncture. The World Health Organisation has published an extensive list of conditions that acupuncture has been shown to be useful in treating.

Chinese herbal medicine has evolved from the same traditional theories as acupuncture. It uses plant and minerals to adjust the state of the body, and bring it back onto balance. Traditionally, we talk about Qi, yin and yang. Today, a lot of the mechanism of herbal medicine can be understood as regulating the function of organs, and changing the temperature and fluid dynamics of the body.

In all this, we understand that the body is in a continual state of change. We use herbs and acupuncture to balance the seesaw between yin and yang – between action and rest, between growing and harvesting.

What can Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine help?

Many people come to acupuncture and Chinese medicine for help with specific symptoms or conditions like:

• Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, insomnia, stress related issues
• Back pain, joint pain, sciatica, muscle aches
• Asthma, hayfever, sinus problems, eczema
• Irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhoea, Coeliac’s, ulcerative colitis
• Migraines and headaches
• Stroke rehab, facial paralysis, circulatory problems
• Menstrual problems, menopausal problems, fertility enhancement
• Fatigue and tiredness

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine effectively helps these and many other conditions. However, we do more than simply treat the problem. Chinese medicine is directed at restoring the overall balance. It deals with the conditions and also helps the patient feel better in a general way. Hence the frequent comment “I’m feeling better in myself”, refers to things like increased energy and vitality, greater enjoyment of life, greater confidence, better sleep etc.

The role of a doctor of Chinese Medicine may be likened to that of a musician tuning an instrument. Diagnosis determines the “tone” of the individual strings of the instrument; treatment involves tuning the strings to restore a coordinated sound, with all strings resonating harmoniously. This approach, where the whole person as well as their symptoms are taken into consideration, is integral to traditional Chinese Medicine. It is contrasted with symptomatic approach that uses treatment formulae for specific conditions and where no heed is paid to the overall picture.

Diagnosis and treating the person rather than the disease, is particularly appropriate in two cases.

There are some people who feel quite unwell but do not have a sufficiently serious or “physical” complaint to present themselves as “sick”. Traditional Chinese Medicine can diagnose the imbalance and restore well-being without the person having named the disease.

Many patients also look to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for preventative treatment, to keep the instruments in tune. A doctor of Chinese Medicine can often detect and treat imbalance before the patient is aware of any symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your diagnosis will be based on your individual history, symptoms and presentation. It will be explained to you in Chinese Medicine terms, as well as everyday terms that relate to your body and the condition you are experiencing.

In making a diagnosis, we will be assessing your Qi, Yin and Yang.

Qi is the energy that flows through a series of pathways and channels, which link and unite all parts of the body into an integrated whole. Each organ has its corresponding channel. If for some reason the circulation of this energy is disrupted or blocked then the organs will work less effectively and ill health will result.

The concept of Yin and Yang is so large that it covers the universe. When talking about body and health at its most basic level, Yin and Yang represent temperature and fluid. A lot of what affects our health can be described in terms of being overheated, not warm enough, and losing or retaining fluid. These situations not only affect our organs, but our joints, muscles, hormones and emotions.

Treatment

Acupuncture is the insertion of fine, stainless steel needles into acupuncture points. This is a process of re-tuning your body and bringing your energy back into balance. This delicate therapy is gentle and very relaxing. It usually takes about 20 minutes of your consultation time.

Chinese herbal medicine is also often prescribed. While effective on its own, it is especially powerful used with acupuncture. Chinese herbal medicine is usually prescribed in pill or granule form. The granules are individually tailored for each patient, and can be dissolved and drank as a tea.

Other ancient therapies may be applied, including moxibustion, cupping and massage.

Moxibustion involves applying heat to acupuncture points by burning a Chinese herb called ai ye (or mugwort). It warms the body, and can also reinvigorate sluggish energy.

Cupping involves using fire vacuum to apply glass cups to parts of the body. This very pleasant therapy provides relief by moving stagnant Qi and blood in the area.

Traditional Chinese tui na massage can also be used to stimulate Qi movement and provide relief.

Traditional Chinese tui na massage can also be used to stimulate Qi movement and provide relief.

An initial treatment takes about an hour. It involves taking a comprehensive history, explanation of diagnosis, a treatment plan, and treatment.

Return treatments usually take 45 minutes. While taking care to note changes and progress, a lot more time is dedicated to treatment.

Courses of treatment vary widely depending on the nature of the condition, and the length of time since the condition started. Overall health and the amount of medication being taken also contribute to healing times.

Generally, patients should expect a significant result after 4-6 weekly treatments.

Does it hurt?

While styles of acupuncture vary, we believe that good acupuncture shouldn’t be painful. In most cases only a slight prick can be felt when the needle penetrates the skin. When the needle reaches the pressure point, there is another sensation often described as a dull ache, or a numb, tingly feeling. This sensation last for about 1 or 2 seconds and is quite comfortable. Some patients don’t feel anything at all.

Acupuncture is popular because it is so gentle and relaxing. People who are trying to overcome their fear of needles often use it.