chinese traditional acupuncture
Traditional acupuncture has been practiced for around five thousand years in China. Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Chinese medicine. Chinese cosmology views the person as a dynamic system of energy connected to and influenced by his / her environment. Channels of energy or meridians are described as running throughout the entire body. Along these channels exist acupuncture points; concentrations of energy or chi, which then go deeper into the body and have specific relationships and functions with the internal organs and overall homeostasis of the human system.
Acupuncture theory was really learnt through the study and observation of nature. As the people practiced it they developed their understanding and gradually a more complex system emerged. Through time various styles of acupuncture were developed. Today there exist many different styles and manner of acupuncture practice. Some styles are more symptomatic, focusing on the symptoms and believe "one size fits all" with regards to treatment protocol. Other styles like to view the person as an individual, thereby taking the stance of initially treating the person, rather than only focussing on the disease.
'stems and branches' philosophy
Stems and Branches philosophy is a traditional way of working with acupuncture and views the person as individual. This system looks at the part of the year in which the person was borne. As the changing seasons have different energies, so too do different years. In this understanding the year affects and is inherently related to the person borne in that particular year. A chart is mapped out showing the potential strength and weaknesses for that year and the individual. Through working with Stems and Branches philosophy the practitioner has a means to understand the person's particular constitution and how best to support them via acupuncture treatment.
What happens during a treatment?
Treatments last around one hour in length. The first treatment takes a little longer than subsequent visits as a more detailed case history is required. Various questions are asked about current symptoms, past medical conditions, diet, emotions and general lifestyle. Some areas of the body are briefly observed such as face, tongue, hands, feet and general body posture. Areas of the face, body and tongue are linked in Chinese diagnoses with the health of specific internal organs, so can be helpful in understanding the state of health. The pulse is taken at both wrists to feel the energy of the organs and meridians. Finally the person's constitutional birth chart (Stems and Branches philosophy) is taken into account as this can be useful in understanding and treating that particular individual.
Through the combined use of the above diagnostic tools it is decided which energies are most appropriate to work on. A selection of acupuncture points is made for that treatment (usually between three and six) and the needles are retained for about twenty minutes whilst the person relaxes. Some tingling or numbness may be experienced from the insertion of the needle, but generally acupuncture is a pain free, comfortable experience.
All needles used are individually packed, sterile and disposable. Sometimes a herb called Moxa is used in the treatment. This is smoldered on or near acupuncture points or channels to warm and move the energy in the area.
after an acupuncture treatment
Following an acupuncture treatment a person may feel relaxed, energised or initially tired. It is wise not to exert oneself too much immediately after a treatment in order that the body can adjust to the change in energy. Usually within a few days of the treatment some effect is felt; symptoms occasionally worsen before improving, or rapid improvement mat be experienced. Normally a course of treatment brings about gradual improvement of the person's health. The number of treatments required depends on the individual case as each person is unique. Generally more chronic conditions take longer to treat and acute symptoms may be relieved more quickly. At first treatments are carried out closer together, one every week or two, then as symptoms lessen the treatments are more spaced apart, maybe monthly or seasonally.
