Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing known to mankind. It is part of the tradition medicine of China, which also includes herbal medicine, exercise, massage and nutrition. Over the last 3000 years Acupuncture has developed a unique understanding of the integrative workings of the mind, body and spirit, a view that has many correlations with modern physics. During the past 50 years Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine has established itself as a significant form of Complementary Medicine that has become increasingly recognised by World Health Organization, medical universities, medical practitioners and the public at large.
A Holistic Approach
Chinese Medicine looks at disease in a fundamentally unique way. By taking into account the broader context of your life, from your physical and emotional state through to your lifestyle, the acupuncture practitioner can draw on a more complete picture of your state of health. On the basis of this, it is possible to see the deeper pattern of disharmony underlying the specific symptoms. Treatment is directed towards correcting the underlying disharmony. Acupuncture is a gentle yet powerful method of harmonizing the natural internal forces within your body to restore your health and well-being.
Prevention
Acupuncture makes a significant contribution to increasing your vitality, energy and zest for life. Acupuncturists are trained to recognise disease long before you are aware of any significant problem. Treatment at this early stage can prevent the development of a more serious condition.
How does Acupuncture Work?
The vital energy of the body is called Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Although western medical science has yet to understand this energy, it can be imagined as a sort of electro-magnetic energy that flows throughout the body. When a person is healthy the Qi flows smoothly and strongly. If the flow is too week or too strong then illness will occur. If the flow is blocked or interrupted, as with sports injuries or arthritis, pain will occur. Acupuncture corrects the flow of Qi and effects positive changes in the way the body functions. Changes in Qi precede physical change; this is why acupuncture can be used as preventative medicine.
Typical Treatment
Very fine sterile needles, which are barely thicker than a hair on your head, are used to stimulate the body’s own self-healing powers. You will usually feel a mild ache or tingling sensation when the needles are inserted. The needles remain in place on average 30-45minutes, while you rest. The needles are used once and once only before being disposed of. Afterwards you may feel very relaxed. For the remainder of the day, it is best not to undertake any stressful or difficult activities.
Is Acupuncture for You?
Acupuncture treats a wide range of health problems from simple acute sprains to long term debilitating illnesses. Acupuncture is a powerful form of medicine even where there is no clear diagnosis from a western medical perspective. People of all ages can benefit from treatment.
Diseases treated by Acupuncture
In 1979 the World Health Organization compiled a list of over 40 diseases that were responsive to acupuncture treatment. Although many other conditions can be treated, the following list gives an indication of the effectiveness and scope of acupuncture.
Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat
Disorders
• Sinusitis
• Sore Throat
• Hay Fever
• Earache
• Nerve Deafness
• Ringing in the Ears
• Dizziness
• Poor Eyesight
Circulatory Disorders
• High Blood Pressure
• Angina Pectoris
• Arteriosclerosis
• Anemia
Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Irritable Bowel
Syndrome
• Spastic colon
• Colitis
• Constipation
• Food Allergies
(full list)
Respiratory Disorders
• Asthma
• Emphysema
(full list)