Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin. The needles are inserted into specific places - acupuncture points - on the body.

The location of these acupuncture points is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (energy) and blood through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the energetic balance of the body.

In TCM there is a saying, “if there is pain, there is no free flow”

The Needles… Many people I see have a fear of needles based upon their past experience of hypodermic needles. Acupuncture needles are very different from hypodermics - they are very fine and flexible and are usually barely felt when inserted. Once the needle has been inserted, certain sensations may be felt. Sensations may include slight cramping, heaviness, distension, tingling or an electric sensation travelling along a limb (these sensations are said to be that of the qi being activated). If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild. I only use the highest quality disposable acupuncture needles, which are in pre-sterilised packaging, and once used, disposed of after treatment. What can acupuncture treat? Many are familiar with the fact that acupuncture is extremely effective for the treatment of pain. Not many people realise that many other conditions can be successfully treated with acupuncture. Below are some of the conditions I have successfully treated within the last year

• Headaches and migraine
• Shoulder/scapular pain.
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Stress, anxiety attacks, depression
• Gynaecological conditions: Infertility, early periods, late periods, excessive bleeding, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, PMS/PMT, abdominal bloating/water retention.
• Anaemia
• Jaw pain (TMJ pain)
• Colds and flu
• Smoking
• Impotence
• Fatigue
• Constipation/Diarrhoea

Moxibustion

In addition to acupuncture needles I often incorporate the use of Moxa (mugwort) into my treatments. This is common practice in Chinese medicine and involves the burning off a herb on (or over) certain areas of the body. The herb does not burn the skin, but rather creates a bearable heat into a specific acupuncture point. This technique is excellent for adding warmth into the body and for relieving pain. A fact unknown to many expectant mothers, is that burning this herb over a certain point of the little toe will encourage a breeched presentation foetus to turn! (treatment usually commences at week 34 and research has demonstrated a 60-90% success rate - Call for more details.)

Moxa can be either be used placed on top of an acupuncture needle, thus warming the needle, or cones made from moxa can be placed directly onto the skin. Pre-formed moxa cones can be placed over specific acupuncture points and then lit. The heat and essence of the herb are absorbed through the acupuncture point and deep into the relevant acupuncture channel. This warms and moves the qi in the acupuncture channel and is quite a pleasant sensation.

Cupping
Another technique used for pain relief and for treating the common cold. A vacuum is created inside a glass cup, which is then quickly placed upon the skin. The suction created, literally ‘sucks up’ the skin and pulls all the blood to the surface. Extremely effective at moving qi and blood (and therefore relieving pain). Due to the ‘sucking’ effect, this type of treatment can cause some temporary discolouration of the skin, which can look very similar to a ‘love bite’!

Occasionally, if there is a large area of pain originating from a very tight muscle, in this instance I will apply oil to the area and then apply the cup. I then slide the cup over the affected area. This feels very much like a deep massage and is very relaxing. An excellent treatment for tense shoulders when used in combination with certain Po Sum On Oil (a Chinese oil blend specifically formulated to help break up and descend tension in the shoulders). See www.lifefoods.co.uk for further information.

Electro Acupuncture
This is the stimulation of the needle by attaching small electrodes to the needle. This feels like a mild twitching sensation and is excellent for certain types of pain. Muscle fibres are stimulated and the flow of qi and blood through the area is promoted. (when the qi and blood stagnate, there is pain!). Rather than a typical electric shock, this sensation feels more like a pulsing sensation around the area of the needle - excellent for all types of pain and especially sciatica.