Acupuncture

Probably the oldest system of medicine we have, acupuncture was developed in China over 2000 years ago. Scientists in the West have recently carried out experiments which have demonstrated that acupuncture affects, among other things, the pain receptors in the brain, allowing major surgery to be carried out without anaesthesia. Besides pain relief, acupuncture can be used to relieve a wide range of complaints: it may lift mood, relieve depression, increase energy, improve sleep and balance hormones as well as easing more acute complaints such as fevers, infections etc. Acupuncture can help relieve even long-term chronic conditions and help patients reduce their drugs in a great many cases. It can even ease skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Here’s how it works.

 The therapist begins by taking a detailed case history, taking the 12 pulses and observing the tongue. He or she will also ask a great many questions in order to discover which of the five elements is uppermost in the patient.  Having ascertained which organs have an excess or deficiency of ‘chi’ or energy, the therapist inserts tiny needles into carefully selected points along the body’s meridians. Meridians are channels through which energy is directed and any blockage here will result in disharmony or disease. The needles stimulate these points and this, in turn, redirects the ‘chi’ along meridians so that energy flows smoothly. Sometimes the needles are left in for a while; sometimes the practitioner will insert the needle and remove it instantly, depending on the effect required. Some acupuncturists use moxa – a mixture of dried leaves which is burnt on the acupuncture point – as well as needles. When the moxa is burnt the warmth of its steady fire acts on the points to dispel cold and damp from the system.

Because acupuncture is a holistic therapy, it treats the individual rather than the disease. This means that two people with the same illness will almost certainly need to receive a different course of treatment. The cause of any illness whether it is physical, mental or emotional is considered to be a central factor in bringing about a cure. For example, a stomach problem arising from anxiety must ensure that the anxiety is treated as well as the stomach – otherwise treatment will remain superficial and there will be no lasting improvements. The length of any course of treatment will depend on how you respond: it may take several treatments before your body can begin to heal itself. Some practitioners recommend a treatment at the turn of the seasons as an aid to coping with environmental change.

To find out more, or to find a well-qualified practitioner in your area contact:

The Acupuncture Society – 0773 4668402

The British Acupuncture Council – 0208 735 0400 (info@acupuncture.org.uk)

The British Medical Acupuncture Society – 01925 730727

The Sofea Clinic – 0207 383 5567 (info@sofea.co.uk) This is the centre for 5 elements acupuncture, the most traditional Chinese form of the therapy, forbidden in China during the Cultural Revolution.