Traditional Chinese Medicine is a 5000 year old theory which uses the
concept of Qi (or energy) flowing through
channels in the body called meridians. When
needles are used to manipulate this energy
this is called Acupuncture.
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses a
concept of energy or life force called Qi
(Chi) which moves through channels called
meridians and collaterals. There are twelve
meridians and it takes two hours for Qi to
move through each one. Hence in 24 hours
Qi flows through the whole body. This "Chinese
clock" can be used in diagnosis to determine
which meridian might be affected by a pathogen.
When the Qi is flowing smoothly then good
health results. When something blocks the
flow of Qi then illness or disease follows.
The concept of pathogen in TCM is described
by terms such as Cold, Heat, Wind, Damp etc.
This alters the balance of the body, called
Yin Yang. Pathogens may be viruses, bacteria,
chemicals, food allergies, electromagnetic
radiation (such as computers), emotions,
shock, depression and accident to name but
a few.
TCM uses a variety of methods for treatment
which include acupuncture, herbs, moxibustion,
cupping, massage, electro-acupuncture, acupressure.
How is diagnosis made?
Diagnosis is made after a full consultation
which will take up to two hours on your first
visit. This is because TCM looks at all aspects
of you and your life. Your full medical history
will be taken, including any drugs you have
been prescribed, your family history will
be considered for any problems from genetically
transmitted problems, a physical examination,
which includes visual aspects such as looking
at your eyes, skin tone, breath, odours,
elimination function, sleep pattern, and
palpation of certain points on the body.
Your diet and lifestyle, friends, workplace
and home environments are also considered.
The final two aspects of the consultation
are Tongue Diagnosis and Pulse quality. In
TCM the pulse is felt at six points on each
wrist which correspond to the twelve meridians.
From all these aspects, and after
considering
your responses to questions that
will be
asked of you, a differential
diagnosis can
be made. A TCM diagnosis is very
different
from a Western diagnosis. TCM
views disease
as a "pattern of disharmony".
We
thus have concepts such as deficiency
or
excess, empty or full, internal
or external,
hot or cold. Pathogens will be
identified
such as Wind, Damp, Phlegm and
so on. A disease
can stem from a different source
in one person
than from another, and so it
is important
to get this differential diagnosis
correct
because it makes a difference
to which acupuncture
points will be used in your treatment.
For
example a headache may be caused
by "Liver
Yang Rising" in one person
but by "Deficiency
in the Spleen, Damp and Phlegm"
in another
person. This type of very refined
diagnosis
goes straight to the source of
the problem
and can have dramatic effects
after only
one visit.
This is different from western medicine which
is more concerned with physical organs, biochemistry
and such things as blood pressure, infection
and so on. Western medicine diagnosis is
by invasive techniques such as taking blood,
MRI scans, X-Rays and treatment is by drugs
or surgery, for example.
TCM is non invasive both in diagnosis and
in treatment and many diseases can be treated
successfully.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the treatment methods
of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Needles
are used to puncture the acupuncture points
on the meridians. The needles can be heated,
this is called "moxibustion", they can
be stimulated with a low voltage device,
this is called "electro-acupuncture" or
they can be stimulated by hand or simply
left in place.
What is treatment like?
The needles are very fine, the thickness
of a few strands of hair. There is usually
no pain and only a sensation is felt momentarily
called "De Chi" or "needling sensation".
This can be a tingling, warm or numb feeling
around the location of the needles.
You can expect around 4 to 10
points to be
treated on different parts of
the body. TCM
uses combinations of points to
form a "prescription"
which is unique to you and to
your particular
complaint or illness. Local points
are also
used, for example, to alleviate
pain. Sometimes
points will be used on the back
and front
at the same time and you may
have to lie
on your side for this treatment.
As the needles
are left in place for about 20
to 30 minutes
if you cannot lie down comfortably
then it
may be possible to treat you
in a seated
position using a specially designed
chair.
What is "Moxibustion"?
Moxibustion is a method of warming the needles
using a herb called moxa which is applied
either directly to the acupuncture point
or to the needle. The warmth is used to drive
out the pathogen of "Cold" which is a concept
Chinese medicine uses to describe pain. Moxibustion
can also be used to stimulate the circulation
of Qi and blood. Moxibustion is a specialist
treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
How does Acupuncture work?
We do not know the exact mechanism but studies
have shown that there are changes in neurotransmitters
in the brain, hormonal changes, immune responses
and other biochemical responses when the
needles are applied to acupuncture points.
Some studies have also shown that there is
a link between stimulation of acupuncture
points and the transmission of messages in
the central nervous system in the spine to
the brain releasing pain reducing endorphins,
serotonin - described as the happy hormone,
and neurophysiological responses that improve
circulation, immune response and control
nausea. This action may explain why pain
relief can be so dramatic for many people
after only one treatment and also the feeling
of relaxation that often follows.
Acupuncture can also treat emotional illness
and psychiatric problems and many people
experience a very profound release of tension
after their first treatment and report back
that they slept very soundly for the first
time in ages.
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Are there any adverse reactions
to Acupuncture?
Most people find that Acupuncture
is a very
pleasant experience and does
not cause them
any problems. However, Acupuncture
is a very
powerful form of treatment which
goes to
the source of the problem. If
the problem
is one of a long standing illness
then there
will be many blockages in the
meridians.
If you imagine a blocked piped
which you
then try to unblock, sometimes
it is difficult
to push out the blockage, then
suddenly the
pipe become clear and the turbid
water rushes
out. This type of reaction in
a person may
be described as a "healing
crisis"
which can produce some temporary
unpleasant
effects. TCM drives out the pathogens
and
they must leave the body through
the excretory
system, through the orifices
and through
the skin. After a "healing
crisis"
there is usually a very positive
shift towards
healing. This does not happen
to everyone
but is something that you must
take into
account when coming for Acupuncture.
It is
always wise to telephone me to
discuss any
unusual symptoms following a
treatment if
you are worried so that I can
explain what
is happening.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
This varies from person to person. A lot
of people notice a difference after the first
treatment, but it may take three or four
treatments before a real improvement is noticed,
especially if you have been ill for a long
time, or are debilitated, for example, following
an operation or if you are suffering from
ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If you are not
responding after that then acupuncture may
not be the correct treatment for you. There
could also be other reasons why you are not
responding. These might be related to any
medication that you are taking, or something
in your environment which you cannot avoid,
such as substances to which you are showing
an allergic response. These can be tested
and eliminated with NAET treatment. Another reason may be that you
are not following the full advice about changes
in your lifestyle, diet or exercise regime.
Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates
many aspects about you in order to determine
the best treatment for you. The particular
acupuncture prescription is one part of the
formula. All the other environmental aspects,
your medical history, your family history,
your diet and lifestyle choices are all taken
into account. It is important to understand
that your treatment does not just involve
acupuncture, but also changes that you are
asked to make in your daily routine. Sometimes
it may be necessary to contact your doctor
to advise him of your treatment but this
will not be done without your consent.
What can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range
of problems such as migraine, depression,
arthritis, backache and other musculo-skeletal
complaints, allergies, insomnia, pain-related
disorders, digestive problems, gynecological
problems, sinus problems and many more.
In my practice I see a lot of people who
have been ill for a long time and have exhausted
all the regular avenues of Western medicine.
It is still possible to recover or at least
improve your quality of life, even if you
have a very chronic illness and you think
you will never get better.
The particular areas in which I specialise
are Allergies, Emotional Stress, Work Related
Stress, Anxiety, other mental health problems,
Cosmetic treatments such as Anti-aging, musculo-skeletal
pain such as Back pain, Weight problems (either
way) and digestive problems.
There are many other illnesses that respond
to Acupuncture. In 1981 the World Health
Organisation issued a list of illnesses which
it recognised. There are some 40 illnesses
which can be grouped in the following categories:
Respiratory system and upper respiratory
tract disorders, Gastro-intestinal disorders,
Neurological and Musculo-skeletal disorders,
Mouth and eye disorders.
Is there anything Acupuncture
cannot treat?
TCM is a complete body of medicine
and can
treat almost any illness. However
precautions
need to be taken in certain circumstances
when acupuncture is contra-indicated.
Serious infection/illness with high fever
- these should be treated with medicine such
as antibiotics and be supervised by a medical
doctor, although acupuncture can be used
in conjunction for example to help bring
down the fever and reduce pain.
Pregnancy - if you are pregnant it is advisable
to avoid acupuncture, especially in the first
and third trimester. Exceptions to treatment
is for "morning sickness". Acupuncture
can be used in childbirth quite safely.
Some types of mental illness should not be
treated and are best treated under the supervision
of a medical doctor.
What about Cancer?
Cancer cannot be cured with Acupuncture but
pain associated with cancer may be alleviated,
depression resulting from the illness can
also be treated. It is also possible to treat
for the side effects of Western medical cancer
treatment drugs and pain associated with
pre- and post operative procedures.
TCM treatment of cancer is based on the principle
firstly, of strengthening what is correct,
your life force (Qi), which regulates normal
healthy development, and secondly to remove
pathogens and toxins which may have contributed
to form the cancer and to strengthening and
enhancing the processes of regeneration and
repair by strengthening the flow of Xue (blood)
and Qi. The second step improves the nourishing
of the tissues and elimination of toxins.
NAET allergy treatment may help in the process
as well as acupuncture and nutritional therapies,
alongside counseling and Western medical
cancer therapy. NAET can also help in alleviating
the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy,
and enable you to accept Western medical
cancer treatment protocols more effectively.
Despite all the fear that surrounds being
diagnosed with Cancer, my belief is that
it is not a death sentence. There are many
options available. It is a case of finding
out all the information about treatments,
what effects they may have and how you may
alleviate side effects and strengthen your
immune system. Many people who have done
this have found this to be a life-changing
experience not only for themselves but also
for their families and people around them
and which has lead to a healthier and happier
life.
What methods are used in this
practice?
I use Acupuncture and Moxibustion, electro-acupuncture,
acupressure massage and nutrition.
I do not use Chinese herbal medicine but
advise on the use of nutritional supplements
along with dietary advice. Also incorporated
in my practice is instruction on exercise
using Yoga techniques to strengthen the body
when necessary.
Allergy testing is by muscle response testing
and treatment is by NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques)
which uses the principles of Chinese medicine
and acupuncture and acupressure for treatment.
Find out more? Access www.acupuncture.com
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