Acupuncture is a system of holistic medicine which has developed over thousands of years. Although it is best known as a means of pain relief, it is effectively used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. This is due to its power to stimulate an individual's own healing process. The focus is on improving the overall wellbeing of the patient rather than on isolating specific symptoms. Conditions that acupuncture can help with range from:
Acupuncture is also highly effective as a preventative measure to benefit and maintain health i.e. to strengthen the immune system.
How does it work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine holds at its central philosophy the belief that our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy. This energy is known as Qi (pronounced 'Chee'). The Qi moves in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the skin called meridians. By inserting fine needles at certain points into these channels of energy an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and restore its natural balance. A number of different factors can disturb the flow of Qi. These range from emotional states such as anger, fear, stress or anxiety; an unbalanced diet; climactic conditions; hereditary factors and trauma. The primary aim of acupuncture is to restore a person's equilibrium on all levels: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
What does it feel like?
Most people assume that acupuncture will be painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. The needles used for acupuncture are much, much finer and are solid rather than hollow. When the needle reaches the desired point the sensation is often described as a tingling or a dull ache. Needles are either inserted for a few seconds or left in place for 20 minutes or longer depending on the effect required. During treatment patients commonly experience a heaviness of the limbs or a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation. Patient's frequently comment that apart from relief from a particular condition they also enjoy increased energy levels, better digestion and sleep as well as an improved sense of well being.
How Do I work?
The first time that a patient comes to see me I book them in for an hour and a half. A traditional diagnosis is carried out where upon I interview them about their main complaint and then many other areas of their health and lifestyle. I am constantly evaluating a patient through observing their emotional, mental and spiritual well being; how they look, sound and even smell. Physical evaluation is done through pulse and tongue diagnosis, and palpating the body and meridians when appropriate.
I also like to give most of my patients Traditional Chinese Medical dietry advice. I believe that food is our pharmacy and by simply guiding patients away from certain foods and towards other contributes markedly to their health.
It is a constant balance of sticking to treatment principles, changing them when required and knowing when you have done all that you can for a person. Each person is an individual and the time scale for the restoration of health reflects this. I always let patients know that even if their main complaint does not improve significantly quickly they should be experiencing enough positive changes that they know that they are on the right track. This is always under assessment.
Professional Standards
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) requires members to have a comprehensive understanding of Chinese Medical theory and western medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture. Members carry the letters MBAcC after their name. The BAcC maintains common standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times.
