WHY HAVE ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been researched and refined for over 2,000 years.
These points are situated along the meridian channels/ energy channels which then effect and stimulate the systems of the body.
Its aims are to treat the whole person and restore the balance between the physical, emotional and mental aspect of the individual rather than specific symptoms in isolation.
The energy channels circulate throughout the body and connect to all the organs, like a network of river and streams.
Acupuncture brings the body back to a state of equilibrium by the insertion of very fine needles just beneath the body’s surface into acupuncture points.
When harmonised, the channels flow freely but when there is disturbance they can cause blockages and a disruption in the flow of energy that result in symptoms.
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAS A LONG LIST OF CONDITIONS, SYMPTOMS, AND DISEASES ACUPUNCTURE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO HAVE AN EFFECT ON. THESE INCLUDE VARIOUS ACUTE AND CHRONIC PAIN CONDITIONS AND DIGESTIVE AILMENTS.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GO FOR A TREATMENT?
Different diagnostic methods are used to acquire a full picture of your health. These will include taking a full medical history, tongue analysis and pulse diagnosis. Acupuncture points are then selected according to your diagnosis.
Fine needles (much thinner than an injection needle) are then inserted that are then retained for 20-30 minutes whilst lying down. The needles used are sterile and disposable (single use). Once inserted the sensation is often described as a tingling sensation or dull ache.
The acupuncture treatment can be supplemented with the use of Moxibustion, a herb used to warm an acupuncture points to facilitate the free flow of energy and Cupping where glass or plastic cups are placed onto the skin to create a vacuum that treats painful syndromes and other conditions like asthma and chronic cough.
WHAT IF I HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROCESS?
Through my experience as a practitioner, when people are unwell they are already suffering a certain amount of stress so it is understandable some clients can be quite unsettled and distressed at the thought of having needles put into them. As a matter of course I always give a brief introduction to what Acupuncture will entail and go through any worrying ideas you may have about the process.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The first treatment can take up to 1 .5 hours which will include both the case history and treatment. Subsequent treatments will then take between 40 minutes and 1 hour.
Sometimes two or three treatments will be enough, though sometimes a series of sessions over several months will be needed. The time period will be dependent upon the condition and can be discussed during the first session.
MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is the use of a dried herb called Mugwort (Artemisia argyl) that is most commonly used either rolled into a cigar like shape that is lit to produce a warmth along the energy channels and points of the body or it is positioned on top of the acupuncture needle that when lit, will warm the needle up, thus warming directly into particular acupuncture points then into the energy channels.
Moxibustion warms the meridians (energy channels) and stimulates the circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and chi(energy) The warmth from the herb warms the body, moves stagnation, and disperses the cold within the body. It can also have a very soothing and comforting effect.
Moxibustion when used in conjunction with acupuncture (The chinese character for Acupuncture Zhen jiu translated means “needle -moxibustion” - this reflects the integral relationship of the use together) is most often used on people who have a cold or stagnant conditions that could manifest as pain in the joints. Some digestive and gynaecology conditions may also benefit.
CUPPING
Historically cupping has been used within many countries and culture, spreading throughout the Asian and European civilisations.
Its primary use is to improve the blood circulation and lymph system thus relieving tensions and soothing muscles from stagnation that can manifest as muscle or joint pains. By increasing the blood supply to the localised area and moving the lymph system nutrients can be moved to the area and toxins removed.
It is also commonly used for respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma and congestion. The cups are placed on the body and held on by a suction created by either heat or a hand pump.
Depending o the condition being treated , the cups will be placed onto the body on common areas of the body such as the back shoulders buttocks and hips for 5 to 10 minutes .The cups can also be moved to give a very deep massage effect.
While cupping is considered relatively safe small, circular bruises on the areas where the cups were applied may appear These bruises are usually painless and disappear within a few days.