Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
|
 |
What is AcupunctureAcupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well-being of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms.
According to Traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy – known as Qi or Chi (pronounced chee) or in Western terms, Bio-electric energy moving in a smooth & balanced way through a series of channels named meridians beneath the skin.
Qi Gong (Chi Kung) breathing exercise helps Chi to move and creates well-being.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is used as a supplement to Acupuncture. The History and findings of Herbal Medicine has been documented for thousands of years. What is Cupping?
Chi flows in meridians or channels within the body; needles inserted along these meridians affect the Chi that flows to the internal organs. Needles can also help with areas of pain not associated with internal organs, such as sporting injuries.
How can Acupuncture help you? Who has Acupuncture?
Many people have Acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions some conditions include:
Acupuncture is a safe treatment. Some people may have Acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being 'ill' in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.
As with any therapy, the response to Acupuncture can vary from one person to another. It consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang – and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy - meridians, an experienced and qualified Acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural balance.
The flow of Chi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition, infections, poisons and trauma.
What does it feel like?
Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections & blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer and are solid rather than hollow.
When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or left in place for up to 20 minutes, depending on the affect required.
During treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation that is often the sense of Chi. When you receive acupuncture treatment, you will feel very relaxed both during, and after the treatment - at times lasting up to several days.
The reason for this is that the brain triggers release of Endorphins and Enkelphins with acupuncture treatment. These "happy, feel good" hormones also greatly assist in the alleviation of physical pain.
The benefits of Acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well-being. Often a secondary prescription of Chinese Herbs is used for treatment.
What will happen on my first visit?
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions; this will often include a consultation which includes a detailed medical history, tongue diagnosis, pulse diagnosis and various questions relating to your general well-being.
The Acupuncturist needs to assess your general state of health, in order to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony and give you the most affective treatment.
You will be asked about your current symptoms and what treatment you have received so far, your medical history and that of your close family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.
To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the Acupuncturist is likely to feel your pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength. The structure, colour and coating of your tongue will also give a good guide to your physical health.
Once enough information has been gathered to determine the likely causes of your problems, the Acupuncturist can select the most appropriate treatment.
The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
There are approximately 500 recognised Acupuncture points on the body, of which about 100 are most commonly used. Stimulation of specific areas on the skin affects the functioning of certain organs in the body. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where the problem is experienced. For example, although you may suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted in your foot or hand.
The Acupuncturist may supplement the needle treatment with moxa, a smouldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly. Other methods of stimulating acupuncture points include using lasers or electro-acupuncture.
Massage or tapping with a rounded probe or Laser are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with fear of needles.
How often will I need treatment?
In TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture philosophy each person is considered as unique, and therefore the number of treatments required depends on the individual. Some change is usually felt after five treatments. Normally you are recommended to visit your Acupuncturist once or twice a week at first, although some conditions may need less frequent attention.
Sometimes the affects of the treatment are dramatic, and only one or two treatments are required. With other patients, the affects are more subtle and they may need treatment over several months.
Should my medical doctor know?
If you are receiving treatment form your Medical Doctor then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have Acupuncture. The Acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication, but your Medical Doctor should be consulted regarding any change of prescription. You should always tell your Acupuncturist about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response to the Acupuncture treatment.
The needles used are of the highest grade and quality, individually sterilised and sealed needles; once they are used, they are disposed of immediately.
In some instances a Laser is used instead of Acupuncture needles. Most Health Funds offer rebates for Acupuncture & or Chinese Medicine / (TCM) - Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) What is Qi-Gong What is Tai-Chi
|
