Acupuncture is a major branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine along with Tui Na and Herbal therapy. Dating back over 4000 years ago, the practice and theory of acupuncture has been constantly reviewed and refined to become one of the most successful and popular alternative treatments available today.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting ultra fine needles into specific points located on the body’s surface. This is done with the intention of improving the flow of Qi (‘Chee’) in the complex network of meridians present in both deep and superficial aspects of the body.
The classical explanation is that channels of energy run in established patterns through the body and over its surface. Called meridians, they are likened to rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in one river is similar to a dam that backs up – and impedes the flow in others.
Western Medicine has hypothesised that acupuncture works in part by stimulating the autonomic nervous system as well as affecting levels of various endorphins and neurotransmitters. Together these help regulate the endocrine and nervous systems, support immunity and perception of pain – encouraging the body back into equilibrium.
A person with healthy Qi will feel energised, positively alert and radiate vitality. The flow of Qi can become disrupted through the various stresses in modern life, be it overwork, chronic illness or sudden trauma. This disruption can have a knock on effect throughout our whole system giving rise to pain, lethargy and mental sluggishness.
Your initial consultation will take 1 hr. It will consist of a comprehensive assessment of your general health, medical history, current lifestyle and emotional well being. Your tongue and pulse are used to corroborate the diagnosis. Depending on your condition, the use of additional therapies such as Tui Na and cupping will be discussed with you and used with your consent. You are advised to wear loose comfy clothing that does not constrict the body. Needles are left in for 20-30 minutes. Reactions vary with each individual; however most report feelings of relaxation and wellbeing during and after treatment. The projected course of treatment will be discussed – as a rule of thumb; the more chronic a condition, the more sessions you will need. However a positive effect is usually detected within 3-4 treatments.
Therapies that accompany Acupuncture:
Tui Na:
Literally translated as ‘push-grasp’, Tui Na developed alongside acupuncture in China as an additional non invasive treatment modality. Instead of needles, the palms, fingers and elbows are used to stimulate the Qi along the meridians. Tui Na methods include the use of hand manipulation techniques to massage the soft tissues and acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of Qi. Although a separate discipline to acupuncture, in practice they are combined in treatment whenever needed.
Cupping: Cupping refers to an ancient Chinese practice in which a cup is applied to the skin and the pressure in the cup is reduced (by using change in heat or by suctioning out air), so that the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup. In some cases, the cup may be moved while the suction of skin is active, causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscle (this technique is called sliding cupping). It is particularly good for alleviating pain in large muscle groups and specific joints.
Moxibustion and infra red lamps: Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. The purpose of moxibustion, as with most forms of traditional Chinese medicine, is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi, and maintain general health. Infra red lamps are capable of reaching a larger area. Heat waves penetrate the skin, warming and relaxing the tissues underneath.
