Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the world’s oldest medical systems that has been practiced in China for over 5000 years and is still widely practiced nowadays. It is a unique and comprehensive medical system with its own theories, diagnostic methods and therapies. It mainly includes Chinese herbs, acupuncture, Qigong (Breathing Exercise), Tuina(Chinese Massage) and Diet therapy.
The practice of acupuncture is thought to have begun with the discovery that the stimulation of specific areas on the skin affected the functioning of certain organs of the body. These specific areas are now called acu-points, which are located on the energy passage called meridians or channels. The meridian conducts the energy or Qi throughout the body. It is believed that free flowing of the Qi keeps a person healthy. If the flow of the Qi is blocked for any reason, illness results. The balance between the equal and opposite part of energy called Yin and Yang is broken. In traditional medicine, many things are considered to upset this balance, disturb the flow of Qi and cause ill-health, or disharmony. These include external factors like wind, cold and dampness; emotional states such as stress, anxiety, anger, fear and grief; diet or lifestyle; hereditary factors; too much hard work; infections, pollution, trauma etc.
Acupuncture therapy can restore the balance.
Any health problem, for adults or children, acute or chronic, acupuncture can help by treating the Qi/Chi or the body’s vital energy.
Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions, some because they feel generally unwell, but have no clear diagnosis. Others choose acupuncture for their feeling of wellbeing or to help maintain good health, as a preventative measure. Studies have found that people that have acupuncture treatment regularly have less chance of getting flu and other seasonal infectious diseases.
Millions of people have found acupuncture to be a better solution than drugs for many conditions. With a 5,000-year history, acupuncture successfully addresses chronic ailments and manages pain. It is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of conditions including back pain, arthritic pain, sciatica, dental pain, hay fever, IBS, menopause, musculoskeletal, nausea, PMS and severe headaches. It can be used in conjunction with western medicine. Treatment can also be directed at more general feelings of ill health such as tiredness and low energy. Women are increasingly choosing to have acupuncture to support them throughout pregnancy, labour and after giving birth.
At your visit, detailed history of your lifestyle, diet, present and past illnesses will be taken. We also need to take your pulse and look at your tongue for comprehensive diagnosis. After the information gathering, a picture of your condition (called differentiation of syndrome or diagnosis) is formed in the practitioner’s mind/head. A proper treatment plan is figured out immediately. The treatment session usually lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Most people feel very relaxed during or after treatment. Some may feel spaced out afterwards. You are advised to take it easy, do not do anything strenuous. Except needle insertion, the acupuncturist may also use Cupping, Moxibustion, Ear-seeds and electrical acupuncture according to your conditions and needs.
The following is the list of conditions and common problems that can be helped and improved with acupuncture, FSN and Chinese herbal medicine
General
Various kinds of pain (arthritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, backache, sciatica, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, abdominal pain, sport injuries).
Internal medical conditions
Asthma, cough, bronchitis, indigestion, heartburn, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, dizziness and vertigo, nausea/vomiting, stroke, palpitation, ME, MS.
Mental-Emotional
Stress, depression, anxiety, panic attack, insomnia/disturbed sleep.
Genito-urinary and reproductive
Urinary tract infection, cystitis, impotence, low sperm count, prostate disorders; PMT, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, irregular period, menopause, hot flushes, infertility, miscarriage, morning sickness, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).
Dermatological
Dermatitis, eczema, shingles, fungal infections, hair loss, acne, itching, herpes, urticaria, psoriasis.
Facial rejuvenation.
Treating the causes of aging (including energy, balance, hormone, mental / spiritual status), as well as the manifestation
Others
Sinusitis, hay fever, sore throat, sore eyes, sore tongue, mouth ulcer, toothache, tinnitus, stiff neck, numbness or pins and needles of limbs. Fatigue (physical and mental), poor concentration, anorexia, smoking cessation
Children’s problems
Colic pain, indigestion, night crying, vomit of milk, poor immune system.
To find more about acupuncture or Chinese Medicine, please visit the following website:
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC):-
www.acupuncture.org.uk
The Association of Traditional Chinese
Medicine and Acupuncture UK (ATCM):- www.atcm.co.uk
