acupuncture

Acupuncture treats a wide range of problems

...when practised as a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture is being increasingly practised in the West but is often used by the medical profession for its musculo-skeletal or pain management benefits rather than being seen as a different and holistic way of treating the body.

The problems it can treat range from depression to high blood pressure. The value of acupuncture based on TCM is often significantly underestimated in the West, read more about problems treated...     

Also see pages on treatment with Tuina and Cupping/Moxibustion

QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE

What happens in a treatment?

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin at specific locations (often called acupoints) on the body's natural energy channels (or meridians). Full details of what to expect are explained before the first treatment, so do not be worried if you have not had acupuncture before.

How does acupuncture work?

At acupoints, the body's natural Qi (pronounced as chee) energy can be accessed for clearing blockages or stagnation, and enhancing / restoring a healthy, natural energy flow. This can correct both physical and mental symptoms. Each acupoint has its own individual character and usually a number of actions. The Chinese names of points such as Spirit Gate, Sea of Qi and the Gate of Life can hint at the subtlety of their action. When Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used for the diagnosis, the acupoints used will be selected to help the underlying problem diagnosed as well as alleviate the symptoms. This approach will give a way back to health for the whole person and this is why acupuncture is a holistic treatment.

How will the points be chosen?

The points chosen are highly individual because they are selected to treat all aspects of the problem. Acupuncture can act locally and so some points in the painful area will usually be chosen for symptoms such as a sore back or a headache. It can be a relief to find that points well away from the sore area can also help with the pain. Last but not least, it is usual to add in further points for the treatment of underlying constitutional problems. This may lead to many needles being needed in some cases but there are also times when 'less needles can lead to more results'.

Can acupuncture treat the common diseases of the West?

Many of us have experienced the diseases common in the 21st century in the West - insomnia, depression, constipation, menstrual problems, headaches, being unable to lose weight and tiredness. How does the ancient practice of acupuncture explain and treat these? Acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medicine has already shown an extraordinary ability to endure and develop over centuries and still retain freshness and relevance. In my opinion, it does this by relying on practitioners to remain true to its basic principles; modern diseases can still be understood and treated using these principles. Read more...

Does acupuncture hurt?

On the subject of sensation of needles, it is worth saying initially that acupuncture needles are very thin compared with syringe needles - and their gauge varies so that a fine gauge can be used for a sensitive area or a sensitive person. There are different schools of thought about whether acupuncture is painful and this is not surprising as there are many different ways of practising it, even in the UK. Opinions vary on the degree of feeling that is needed to achieve a good result and it is probably true to say that acupuncturists trained in China will needle quite strongly. To a large extent, the degree of sensation is something that has to be agreed with each individual patient. This is always done sensitively in this practice so there is no need for concern if you have a low pain threshold.

Is acupuncture safe?

As to the safety of acupuncture, there has been a large-scale study in England with extremely positive findings. For the full text, see the British Medical Journal article

What about ear acupuncture?

There is a well-developed microsystem for ear or auricular acupuncture. The prinicple is similar to reflexology, all parts of the body are represented and can be treated on the foot, the hand and the ear.

Used as it is in the East, Chinese therapy can be an effective treatment for both internal and musculo-skeletal conditions.