What
is acupuncture?
Acupuncture
is an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine which has been practised and perfected
for thousands of years. Acupuncture works on the basis that
there are several channels in the body through which “qi” runs, connecting every part with the body. “Qi”
can be understood as our life energy, necessary for life and for every single activity that occurs inside us from cell
reproduction to the movement of blood through the blood vessels. When the flow of qi through the channels is
impaired, discomfort and symptoms of disease can occur.
By inserting very thin, disposable needles in strategic
points of the channels, acupuncture aims to restore the normal flow of qi, promote the body's natural healing processes, and
bring all functions back to balance. In addition to normal needling, there are other techniques used in
acupuncture such as electroacupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion (the burning of the herb mugwort over specific points to
produce a warming effect).
Acupuncture
can be used to treat specific conditions or as a preventative treatment. Its effects manifest at a mental, emotional and physical
levels. Because of this, it can be very effective for conditions that are aggravated by emotional stress.
What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of conditions. The World Health Organisation
(WHO) recognises over 180 conditions that have been scientifically verified to respond well to treatment. These include:
- Chronic pain,
back pain, arthritic pain
- Depression,
anxiety, and stress
- Insomnia
- IBS and other digestive problems
- Migraines and other types of headaches
- PMS, Menstrual irregularities and Menopausal syndrome
- High blood pressure and circulatory problems
- Infertility
- Skin
conditions such as acne and ezcema
- Asthma and other respiratory disorders
- Hay
fever and other allergies
- Withdrawal symptoms during detoxification from addictive substances including alcohol and nicotine (see ear acupuncture
below)
Ear acupuncture
Ear or auricular Acupuncture is a specialised type
of acupuncture where small acupuncture needles are inserted into different points of the auricle (external ear). Similar to
reflexology, it works on the basis that different organs and tissues of the body can treated through their
corresponding reflex points found on the ear. Ear Acupuncture
is rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom and uses the same principles and diagnostic methods as body acupuncture, but it wasn't
fully developed until the 1950's. It was at this time that a French Physician called Dr Paul Nogier rediscovered Ear acupuncture,
thoroughly researched it and developed the reflex maps so widely used today.
In addition to needling, treatment methods have been developed
using electro stimulation and laser therapy as well as ear seeds and magnets that can help stimulate the points between
treatments. Ear acupuncture can be effective
on its own, particularly for the treatment of addictions and muculo-skeletal pain, but it is best combined with body acupuncture.
How many treatments will be needed?
The amount
of treatments needed for acupuncture to produce changes varies from person to person and it depends on how long you have suffered
from the condition that needs treatment. Only a few treatments may be needed if your symptoms only developed
recently; but if you want treatment for a chronic condition you have had for years, it is possible that
you may need acupuncture for several months. As a guideline, a month of treatment may be expected for each year of illness
you have experienced. Acupuncture is rarely offered in single sessions as its effects are cumulative. Courses of five
or six weekly treatments are advisable because the sum of the effects of consecutive treatments can produce significant
improvements that are commonly seen after five to six sessions.
Acupuncture and pregnancy
Provided you are dealing with a qualified practitioner, it is not only safe but it can be
highly beneficial for both mother and baby to use acupuncture during pregnancy. As a preventative treatment, acupuncture can
be used once a month to make sure mother and baby are in the best possible health; while in the last month of pregnancy
a weekly acupuncture treatment helps to prepare the uterus for birth and prevent difficult labour.
In addition,
acupuncture can effectively help with symptoms that may arise during pregnancy such as: morning sickness, fatigue,
anxiety and stress, insomnia, heartburn, haemorrhoids, lower back ache, sciatic pain, digestive, problems, high blood pressure,
oedema, etc.
When there is breech presentation, a simple acupuncture procedure can be used to turn the baby. This
is most effective when performed between the 34th and 36th weeks.
Acupuncture is also known to help induce labour. Not only are there specific points that do this (the same points
that need to be avoided throughout the pregnancy!), but acupuncture treatment also induces a relaxed state that allows the
mother to let go of tension and fear which may be preventing her from going into labour.
After giving birth, acupuncture
can help control haemorrhages, hemorrhoids, encourage the body to expel retained products (lochia), and prevent post-natal
depression.
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