Acupuncture is part of a complete system of medicine which has been practiced in China for many thousands of years. It is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. It can focus on physical, psychological or emotional problems.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy (Qi, pronounced 'chee') moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels (meridians) beneath the skin that connect the interior and exterior of the body, and the internal systems to each other.
Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities - Yin and Yang. When Qi becomes blocked or disrupted, illness can result. Acupuncture aims to bring all systems into balance by inserting fine needles into the meridians. It can also be used to complement conventional medicine.
Acupuncture forms an integral part in Robin Hills NATURAL FERTILITY CLINIC Programme, Pain Clinic and Sports Rehabilitation clinic.
If it is your first session, the acupuncturist will assess your general health to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment. They may enquire about your current symptoms, treatment you have received so far, medical history, your family's medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state.
The acupuncturist will then check your pulses on both wrists and look at the structure, colour and coating of your tongue.
All these enquiries are made to identify which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaint to improve, and which require treatment to boost your overall energy and vitality.
The acupuncturist will then insert the needles - these are very fine and you should experience only a tingling or dull ache. The needles can be left in place for only a second or much longer, depending on the effect required.
During treatment, many patients feel heaviness in their limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Your acupuncturist may also use moxa, a smouldering herb that is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body's energy to flow smoothly. Cupping, which consists of the application of glass cups on to the acupuncture points via a gentle suction helps balance the smooth flow of Qi.
The number of treatments required will depend on the individual - some people will experience great improvements very quickly and others may need treatment over several months. Your acupuncturist will advise you on the best course of action.
Acupuncture forms only one aspect of TCM, which can include the following:
Moxibustion: A form of gentle and relaxing heat treatment - very effective for certain pains and aches.
Dietary Advice: Which is specialised in TCM terms.
Herbal Medicine: This is a very extensive part of TCM and includes the dispensing of various Chinese herbal prescriptions.
Cupping: The application of glass cups on to the acupuncture points via a gentle suction to help balance the smooth flow of Qi.
Life Style Advice: This forms a crucial part of TCM in terms of eliminating factors that contribute to the cause or chronicity of health complaints.
TUINA: Gentle manipulation of the body.
TCM is also compatible with other systems of medicine, such as Western Medicine.
Since TCM promotes the body's natural healing ability, many conditions can be treated. It is also a comprehensive system of preventative health care and maintenance. The effectiveness of Acupuncture and TCM is well documented. Throughout its past history, and in present ongoing practice, TCM has established a solid reputation as a system of medical health care that works.
Since January 2001, Ireland's main health insurers, QUINN, VIVAS Healthcare and V.H.I. Have included Acupuncture in their health plans.
Deirdre Mackesy RGN D. Acup. LCH. M.I.S.H., T.C.M.C.I.
