DAAN Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

A good article explaining acupuncture basics:

“So how exactly does acupuncture work? There are two schools of thought.

Traditional acupuncture is founded on the belief that everyone has a life force, known as Qi, flowing through them on 12 special channels beneath the skin, known as meridians.

It is thought that illness may be a result of the body’s balance of Yin and Yang, the equal and opposite qualities of Qi, becoming upset and putting us ‘out of kilter’.

Through the use of needles mainly, though not exclusively, acupuncture changes the flow in these vital forces by restoring the equilibrium and stimulating the body’s own healing response. As part of this process, getting a person’s emotional and spiritual health and well being back on track is just as important as physical aspects.

Mainstream Western medicine, which is increasingly adopting acupuncture, takes a different stance. Practitioners believe the use of the needles can stimulate a nervous or endocrinal response, which can help the body heal.

Acupoints

Whichever theory you want to believe, the basic procedure is the same. During treatment the therapist inserts a fine, sterile, disposable needle a few millimetres into the patient’s skin at selected acupoints. This causes surprisingly little, if any, discomfort. The patient may notice a slight pricking sensation, tingling or buzzing as the needle is inserted or rotated.

Acupuncturists may also use finger-pressure, electrical stimulation, soft lasers and the application of heat to stimulate a patient’s Qi.

The treatment is most commonly used for pain and nausea. It might, for example, be used to help combat the side effects of chemotherapy treatment. However, it also has a wide range of other uses, such as treating asthma, bowel disease, infertility, general pain and patients with substance abuse problems.

Some maternity services are also offering prenatal acupuncture to help women whose babies are having difficulty positioning for birth. The use of acupuncture has been found to be very effective in helping the baby get into position, so the women can have natural births rather than Caesarean sections.

Acupuncture also has uses in treating emotional problems such as anxiety, and may even hold some merit in treating depression.

One of its great advantages is that although it is an invasive procedure, acupuncture has few side effects and is generally very safe.

Symptoms

Before treatment begins, therapists will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, family history, what you eat, how well you sleep and what emotional state you’re in.

Traditional therapists are also likely to feel the pulse in your wrists, as this can help them determine your energy flows and decide upon a course of treatment. Looking at your tongue may also help with this process.

As it continues to grow in popularity, more and more medical professionals are being trained in acupuncture. And it’s now easier than ever to find a reputable professional, by accessing the British Acupuncture Council’s website, at www.acupuncture.org.uk

Word of mouth is also a good way to find an acupuncturist you’re happy with and chances are you’ll know at least one person who’s tried it, or know someone who knows someone.

So if you think the treatment might help you too, maybe it’s time to give it a try. “

Tags: Acupuncture //