Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the longest established forms of medical healthcare in the world. It originated in China over 2,500 years ago, has a long canon of literature documenting its evolution and is now practiced globally. It is one of five branches of Chinese Medicine.
Evidence and research
The British Acupuncture Council has compiled more than 60 research fact sheets and summaries of research and evidence-based facts on the effectiveness of acupuncture. These include insomnia, anxiety, stress, migraines, pain relief, arthritis, fertility and pregnancy, circulatory & digestive problems and cancer care.
Treating the whole person
Acupuncture is able to address causes resulting in disturbances to wellbeing which, if left untended, develop into conditions referred to as disease.
Treatment starts with a diagnosis, through a conversation to establish what it is a person is seeking treatment for. Classically, acupuncturists direct their attention to the whole person and the complex of one’s being: this includes the physical, emotional and mental aspects of a person’s life.
The causes of becoming unwell are usually manifold and require careful attention to detail to understand. There is no one size fits all approach to health and wellbeing and that also applies to the departure from wellness, happiness and health.
How treatment works
Treatment using fine needles stimulate acupoints on the body to rectify imbalances in fluids, blood, muscles and organs and the respective responsibilities of these functions to maintaining health.
Pathways known as meridians conduct messages from needled acupoints to specified areas of the body as the invitation to change.
Treatment may include
- the use of heat (moxabustion)
- guasha using a jade stone
- finding and releasing blockages using a method of touch called Tuina
- cupping to stimulate movement of blood and circulation through the body
- recommendations of movements or specific practices to help calm the nervous system
Food and lifestyle
The importance of what we provide to ourselves as nourishment cannot be overestimated. The decisions made about the food and drinks we consume will help or hinder our health.
How we digest, or not, is one of the fundamental observations of Classical Chinese Medicine.
Diagnosis will include a review of these aspects of a person’s life as key to understanding the departure from health, happiness and wellbeing, away from a sense of peace and freedom in life.
