therapies - Acupuncture

Catherine Thick BSc, LicAc, MBAcC

Chinese medicine, an ancient natural healing system from China that looks at the causes of disease not just the symptoms, is also excellent in a preventative capacity. It aims to improve the overall health and well-being of a person rather than just address illness. A Chinese medicine practitioner takes a holistic view, treating body and mind as one. It is safe with no significant side-effects and can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine. Acupuncture is only carried out by a fully qualified practitioner, who is a member of the British Acupuncture Council using sterilized, single-use, disposable needles.

In Chinese medicine, the body's life force or vital energy systems are believed to run in 12 main pathways or channels. This is based on a Toaist philosophy which emphasises the importance of balance in life; imbalances can lead to illness.

Acupuncture can rebalance the body's energy through the insertion of needles into the skin at over 400 specific points. To enhance treatment, a nourishing herb, moxa, can also be burned close to the skin or on the needles and the practitioner may utilise vacuum cups to stimulate the channels and local circulation.

Conditions commonly treated with acupuncture include:

• allergic, digestive and respiratory disorders
• menstrual, fertility and menopausal problems
• acute and chronic pain
• emotional issues such as depression and anxiety
• sleep and energy problems
• migraines and hypertension

In fact, acupuncture is an entire system of medicine and is effective for a huge variety of conditions due to its power to stimulate our own healing mechanism. Acupuncture combined with bodywork such as massage is a very effective technique for treating problems such as chronic backache, joint problems, arthritis, and whiplash.

The first few treatments
In Chinese medicine, taking the pulse on both wrists and examining the tongue, are key to diagnosis as is taking a full personal and health history and giving a short physical examination. Lifestyle, diet and exercise, relationships and work habits for example, will be discussed as a huge percentage of health and emotional difficulties arise from our life patterns. Problems can be aired in a safe setting and advice will be given if appropriate. All information remains completely confidential between the practitioner and patient. Goals of treatment are agreed upon and progress is reviewed continuously; most clients notice a benefit within the first three treatment sessions. The patient quickly becomes attuned to the dull ache or tingling associated with needling, with any discomfort only lasting a few seconds.