Traditional Acupuncture – natural healing.
Acupuncture is a system of natural healing which has been used successfully by a large section of the world's population for upwards of 3,000 years. Although its origins are ancient, it is subject to continuous review and is as beneficial today as it was to the early oriental cultures. It is a non-invasive system of medicine which can do no harm; indeed it frequently improves additional symptoms, outside the main complaint, and increases the general feeling of well being.
In the west, acupuncture has received a great deal of publicity for its ability to help with addictions (tobacco, alcohol, drugs) and for its power in the relief of pain. Many doctors have taken brief courses in symptomatic acupuncture in order to use these skills in “Pain relief Clinics”. Although this has increased public awareness, it suggests that these are the only areas in which acupuncture is of benefit. Yet Traditional Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of illnesses, including those for which one would see a GP and those for which western medicine has few answers, such as ME, eczema, stress, insomnia, depression.
What does it do ?
Acupuncture assists the body in its natural healing process and enables it to heal itself in body, mind and spirit, as far as Nature will allow. The process of healing takes place within our bodies all the time, and for the most part we are unaware; cuts heal, germs are rejected, temperatures rise and fall, infections come and go, as our bodies work endlessly to keep us well. There are times however, when this natural process falters and we feel unwell. Chinese medicine is based on the belief that the symptoms which result are not the disease itself and that there is an underlying energy imbalance. This sends out distress signals which we label with names such as asthma, heartburn, high blood pressure, or anxiety state.
By accurately diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of disease, acupuncture heals the body from within and makes it possible for the symptoms of which we complain to gradually fade away. For this reason acupuncture is a gentle recovery process which takes place from the inside to the outside and while some patients find their symptoms relieved almost from the first treatment, many others are aware that they feel generally better before the specific problem improves. Hence the frequent comment; “I’m feeling better in myself” which refers to such things as increased energy and vitality, improved sleep, balanced appetite, greater confidence and enjoyment of life.
What can acupuncture help ?
Traditionally acupuncture has been used to treat the entire spectrum of illness; physical and psychological, acute and chronic. Many people come for help with specific symptoms or conditions such as anxiety states, arthritis asthma, back pain, circulatory problems, depression, high blood pressure, indeterminate aches and pains, infertility, menstrual problems, migraine, rheumatism, skin conditions or ulcers. Extensive practice and Chinese research has shown acupuncture's effectiveness in helping these and many other conditions.
Many others come because they are feeling generally unwell; perhaps the pressures of modern living are building up, or they are suffering from the effects of mental or emotional conflict. Others are seeking a preventative form of treatment which can “nip imbalance in the bud” before the symptoms arise. Acupuncture treats the whole person, not just a specific symptom, and aims to bring balance to body mind and spirit as an integrated whole. It is this which allows it to be of benefit in all of the above. Although their study is grounded in Traditional Acupuncture all acupuncturists receive training in western medical sciences which allows them to recognise a situation where problems are best dealt with by, or in conjunction with, western medicine. You need have no fear that “something serious” will be missed if you decide to come for acupuncture treatment.
