What is Acupuncture ? Acupuncture is is a leading aspect of Chinese Medicine, a wholistic and proven system of healthcare which traces its origins back 5,000 years and more. Its central premise is that there exists a lifeforce ( known as "Qi" - or " Prana" under the Indian Vedic system ) which animates all living things, and matter - and that pathology develops when there are disturbances, or blockages, in the flow of this lifeforce as it flows through a network of channels throughout the body. These channels are also known as 'meridians'.
How does it work ? Chinese Medicine has evolved its own pathology and physiology, providing a comprehensive analysis of how the body functions, and how disorders arise.The human body is not considered in isolation from the world in which it is immersed, unlike Western medicine, and significant changes in a person's external environment - such as diet, lifestyle, climate and temperature - will trigger equally significant changes in a person's health.
The 'Qi' which flows through the body in the meridians has its origin deep within the body, often within the internal organs.There are twelve main meridians ( six Yin ones and six Yang ones) and many minor ones along whose pathways over a thousand acupuncture points are located. By needling one or more of these a practitioner seeks to restore a harmonious flow of Qi around the body, and thus return the patient to good health. The treatment very often imparts a sense of relaxation and sometimes, even of serenity.
How is an illness diagnosed ? Diagnosis is achieved principally through listening to the twelve pulses, located at six positions on each wrist. Through them the practitioner can assess the state of the patient's Qi, and select a treatment accordingly. The patient's own description of symptoms are also crucial and further confirmation of problems can be made through observation of the patient's colour, face, body, nails, temperature and tongue.
Does it hurt ? People are always concerned about this. Understandably so, in our culture its a very weird thing to do to stick needles in each other ! Please be reassured - the needles are extremely thin, typically no wider than three or four human hairs and often a patient is unaware that he/she is being treated.In some instances there is a minimal sensation various described as an " ache " , a " tingling " or a " drawing " . Actual pain is rare.
Is it safe ? Only fully sterilised single use disposable needles are employed. Adverse incidents and unwanted side effects have been shown to be extremely rare when the practitioner is fully trained and qualified ( Rampes and James 1995).I am a registered member of the British Acupuncture Council, the leading Acupuncture body in the U.K., and am fully insured.
" One of the advantages of Acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that for many drugs or other accepted procedures for the same conditions " ( U.S. National Institute of Health 1997)
What conditions can it help ? Acupuncture treats the patient rather than just the condition alone, seeking to remove the basic energetic imbalance which caused the problem in the first place. There is growing anecdotal evidence that it can improve immune system responses and there is clinical as well as anecdotal evidence of its efficacy in the treatment of certain other conditions. See
Conditions TreatedHow many treatments are necessary ?In general the more established a condition the longer it takes to put right.Patients should not expect miracles although sometimes the relief obtained can be immediate and dramatic.At the end of the initial consultation it is usual for a course of treatment to be agreed with the patient. This can be from between two and six sessions following which progress is reviewed with the patient and any further action recommended if necessary.
