What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an important part of 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. “Qi”
can be understood as our life energy, and when its flow through the channels is impaired, discomfort and symptoms of disease
may occur.
By inserting very thin, disposable needles in strategic points of the channels, acupuncture aims to restore the normal
flow of qi and support the natural healing processes, bringing the body's systems into 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
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 symptoms
High blood
pressure and circtulatory 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 that consists of the insertion of very
thin and short, disposable needles 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, 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, but significant improvements
are commonly seen after five or six treatments. I usually offer a course of six treatments, after which there can
be an evaluation of the improvements in the condition to determine if treatment is being effective or not.
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 the mother is in the best possible health. In the last month of pregnancy,
it is not a bad idea to have a weekly treatment to help prepare the uterus for the birth and prevent difficult labour.
In addition, acupuncture
is effective to control symptoms that may arise at different times of the pregnancy. From
the first trimester acupuncture can effectively help control morning sickness, fatigue, anxiety and stress, insomnia,
heartburn and haemorrhoids. From the second trimester it can help relief lower back ache, sciatic pain, digestive
problems, high blood pressure and oedema.
In addition, a simple
acupuncture procedure can be used to help turn babies on breech presentation, provided treatment is sought between the 34th
and 36th weeks. Treatment can still be effective after this time, but it is more difficult for it to work.
At the time of labour, acupuncture can be used for to induce
labour. Many women who are overdue seek treatment as a last resort before medical intervention. They usually are pleasantly
surprised.
After labour, acupuncture can help control
haemorrhages, help the body expel retained products (lochia) and prevent post-natal depression.
