What is Acupuncture ?
The science and art of acupuncture developed in China, and has been widely and effectively used in the Far East for thousands of years. More recently it has rapidly gained credibility in the West as a means of treating the whole person: mind, body and spirit (emotions). Acupuncture is a natural healing method that is able to restore harmony to individuals living in a stressful and hurried environment.
According to Chinese medical theory, illness occurs when the flow of Qi (energy) in the body is blocked, deficient, or out of balance. Imbalance is caused by poor diet, extreme or repressed emotional states, injury, infection, lifestyle and environmental factors. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine sterile needles into specific acupuncture points in order to stimulate the movement of Qi (energy), and rebalance the individuals own healing response.
What will happen in an Acupuncture treatment?
The first consultation will involve a detailed discussion of your past medical history and presenting problems, and examination of the tongue and pulse. From this web of information diagnosis is made according to the principles of Chinese Medicine.
An agreement is made between the patient and practitioner on the length and frequency of the course of treatment required. This takes into account the prognosis, and patients lifestyle. Normally a course of treatment lasts between 5-12 weekly treatments, followed by less fortnightly hen monthly stabilizing treatments.
Improvement will usually be seen after 1-5 sessions, although this is variable and depends on the patient's age, constitution, severity, and duration of illness. Many people report having a much improved sense of general wellbeing, and feeling good in themselves.
Other commonly used techniques include:
Moxabustion – Small cones of the herb mugwort are used to gently warm acupuncture points. This has a tonifying effect.
Cupping – A vacuum is created in glass or bamboo cups, which are then placed on the back to relax areas of tension, and expel pathogens from the skin. This treatment is very effective for colds and flu.
Intradermal Needles – These are tiny needles (3mm long), that are taped into acupuncture points on the ear or body. They can be left in for up to a week, and so provide beneficial effects during the week.
