Acupuncture
Originating in China 5,000 years ago, acupuncture is part
of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a form of healing which
has major benefits:
- drug free pain relief
- assists prevention against disease
- treats the cause as well as symptoms
- wholistic approach linking body, mind and emotions.
How does it work?
Very fine sterile needles are placed in points that lie in the
channels/meridians that flow through the body.
By stimulating these points the quality and quantity of energy
(qi) and fluids can be normalised.
A point or area can be warmed with a herb - this process is
called moxibustion. Suction cups and massage, and laser acupuncture
(needle free) may also be used.
The human body can be likened to a highly complex electrical
circuit. Like any electrical circuit, it must be kept in good
working order to function well. Acupuncture can help restore
and maintain qi and blood flow around the body.
How can acupuncture help?
- treats specific disorders to reduce symptoms. Also treats
the cause so reoccurrence is less likely.
- maintenance of longterm problems to promote a more comfortable
way of living and reduce the need for medication and surgery.
- an effective form of preventative medicine because energy
imbalances can be treated before disease appears.
How many treatments?
The number and frequency depends on various factors:
- duration and intensity of condition.
- age, constitution and desired outcome
Your
practitioner is concerned with all aspects of your health
- body, mind, emotions. Details
of your medical, surgical and
family history are relevant, as are your lifestyle, exercise
habits, diet and work. Tongue and pulse are an important
part of the diagnosis.
What does acupuncture treat?
There is a wide range or disorders that can be treated. The
World Health Organisation (December 1979) recognises a number
of disorders that have been successfully treated by acupuncture.
These are emphasised in bold print in the following list which
also includes other common disorders that respond well to acupuncture.
NEUROLOGICAL
Headaches, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nervous tension,
stroke, some forms of deafness, facial and inter-costal neuralgia,
trigeminal neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, dizziness.
CARDIO-VASCULAR SYSTEM
High or low blood pressure, fluid retention, chest pain, angina
pectoris, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, muscle cramps.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, acute tonsillitis,
rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough, laryngitis, sore
throat, influenza and the common cold.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, mouth ulcers, hiccough,
spasms of the oesophagus, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastric
hyperacidity, gastritis, heartburn, hiatus hernia syndrome, flatulence,
paralytic ileus, colitis, diarrhoea, constipation, haemorrhoids,
liver and gall bladder disorders, weight control.
URO-GENITAL SYSTEM
Cystitis, prostatitis, orchitis, low sexual vitality, urinary
retention, kidney disorders, nocturnal enuresis, neurogenic bladder
dysfunction.
GYNAECOLOGICAL AND OBSTETRIC DISORDERS
Premenstrual tension, painful, heavy or irregular, or the absence
of periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, hormonal
disturbances, disorders associated with menopause, prolapse of
the uterus or bladder, difficulty with conception, morning sickness.
SKIN
Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, nerve rash, herpes zoster, acne,
scar tissue and resultant adhesions, hair loss and dandruff.
EYES
Visual disorders, red, sore, itchy or watery eyes, conjunctivitis.
MUSCULO-SKELETAL SYSTEM
Osteoarthritis, sciatica, lumbago, weak back, low back pain,
rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tenosynovitis, shoulder and neck
pain, cervicobrachial syndrome, "frozen shoulder", "tennis
elbow".
SPORTING INJURIES
Sprained ankles and knees, cartilage problems, corking and tearing
of muscles, torn ligaments and bruises.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Depression, phobias, emotional disturbances, anxiety, nervousness
and addictions such as smoking.
Wholistic Medical Centre practitioners of acupuncture:
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