Acupuncture

Acupuncture forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and it is also used for pain relief by conventional medicine. However, when used by a TCM practitioner, Acupuncture becomes a much more powerful healing tool than just a pain reliever.

In simple terms, acupuncture concerns itself with balancing the movement of energy in the body by stimulating acupoints along the body’s energy systems called meridians. Meridians relate to energy pathways for specific organs in the body.

The best known method of stimulating the acupoints is through the insertion of fine needles, however other methods are also used by TCM practitioners. Some Acupuncture practitioners now use a modern, needle free method of stimulating acupoints.

Well trained acupuncturists will also utilise the TCM philosophy and take an holistic approach to treatment, often incorporating herbalism, massage, diet and exercise such as tai chi in their approach.

Many natural therapies have evolved around the TCM philosophy practiced by acupuncturists and it is worth further explanation as it is in the core of acupuncture also.

The Yin and Yang principle, founded by Taoist monks, asserts that we carry within ourselves, two opposing qualities which are constantly transforming into each other forming an interdependent and continuous, rhythmic movement whose aim is to achieve a balance between the two. This theory was derived by the Taoists by observing nature where yin and yang are present in things like night and day, hot and cold, wet and dry situations - one concept would not exist were it not for its opposite.

In this context, people, their organs, meridians and diseases are all viewed with their yin/yang perspective. Therefore, health is achieved by balancing the two opposites. Disease occurs when there is a break in the harmony between yin and yang and treatment involves reinstating the flow between them.

We are all born with a “vital life force” known as “chi” which drives every cell in our body and when chi flows freely through our meridians, the body is balanced and healthy. Meridians have been measured and mapped by modern technological methods, electronically, thermatically and radioactively.

When the flow of chi is interrupted it results in physical, mental or emotional illness. Situations which can interrupt our chi include (but are not limited to) excess anger, over-excitement, self-pity, deep grief and fear.

A rich and complex philosophy and health system such as this cannot be explained fully in a short amount of space and time but like most natural therapies, acupuncture does not try to make a distinction between you and your illness, instead the aim is to improve your whole health so that balance can be restored and your body can heal itself.

Scientific studies continue to prove the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating various conditions and providing powerful pain relief. The remarkable effect of acupuncture in treating animals is still more proof of its effectiveness.

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