Acupuncture
Honor Leal, MBAcC, Lic. Ac.,BA (Hons)
Lior Levy, MBAcC, Lic. Ac.,BA (Hons)
What is Acupuncture?
For a 2000-year old medicine, acupuncture has gained rapid popularity in the West in the last 30 years - and with good reason: it is a safe, effective system of medicine for all ages which treats each patient as an individual (two patients coming to an acupuncturist with the same complaint may well not be treated identically).
Although acupuncture has its roots in China, our method of acupuncture is also influenced by the Five Element-based systems practised in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan. Acupuncture addresses complaints on the levels of Body, Mind and Spirit and fully understands that a physical complaint may affect a person psychologically or emotionally; by the same token, psychological and emotional imbalances can influence a person's physical well-being.
So, who might seek help from acupuncture treatment? From children to the elderly acupuncture can help specific conditions such as arthritis, asthma, back problems, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, anxiety states, facial paralysis, menstrual problems, infertility, migraine, sciatica, skin conditions, and many more. The Chinese philosophy from which acupuncture stems, believes that when our own vital energy - or Qi - flows smoothly in the channels (meridians) of our Body, Mind and Spirit, we are well. However, any adverse effect on this free flow of Qi creates disharmony and we become unwell.
The insertion through the skin of fine, hair-like needles can influence our Qi and disperse any blockage, or build up any deficiencies so that a natural balance is re-established. Oriental medicine has always stressed the importance of preventive measures and so acupuncture is also widely used as a general tonic and protective system throughout the year; the ancient Chinese advised living by the rhythm and bounty of the seasons but in the hectic 21st century we may feel that we have moved away from the natural harmony of the year and acupuncture treatment, with its sensible, down-to-earth lifestyle advice, can bring us back to experiencing and appreciating the seasons.
A course of acupuncture treatment begins with a 2-hour session in which the practitioner takes a full case history (noting details of the patient's GP and any medication being prescribed); a physical examination and blood pressure test are carried out and the first needling takes place. Pulse-taking is a major part of all treatments (we have 12 Chinese pulses!) and examination of the tongue is also important in our diagnosis. We would ask female patients not to wear make-up to the 1st treatment as colour is used in diagnosis. Subsequent treatments last 1 hour.
The number of treatments required will depend on the constitution of the individual patient, the condition itself and length of time the patient has had the complaint. We would generally advise a course of no less than 6 treatments as acupuncture has a cumulative effect.
What does acupuncture feel like?
The sensation felt when we connect with a patient's Qi can be described as a momentary tingling or dull ache. Most patients have a feeling of calm and well-being following acupuncture treatment.
We are very happy to discuss treatment issues by telephone; or if you would like to meet us and discuss further please telephone the clinic on 01932 888663. Alternatively you can call the theapists directly, Honor Leal on 07762 709 706 or Lior Levy on 07866 506 580.