Acupuncture
None of us can influence Nature but if we become aware of the interconnection between us and Nature (we are a microcosm of the macrocosm) then we are well on the way to health and well-being. Whilst it is said that a system of medicine is only as good as the person who practises it, it is also important to note that no man or woman can cure any disease, only Nature can do that. The practitioner can only assist by becoming a channel for Nature’s healing powers to work.
How it Works
Traditional Chinese medicine states that it is the ‘Vital Energy or Life Force’ that controls the workings of the organs and systems of the body. This vital energy or Chi moves from one organ to another through pathways (known as meridians) and they follow a very specific route. There are twelve main pathways, each responsible for sending energy to one of the main organs: heart, small intestines, bladder, kidney, gallbladder, liver, lungs, colon, stomach & spleen. For these organs to function properly, the energy in these pathways must flow freely & be of good quality & strength. In health, the pathways are all connected & interact with each other, allowing energy to flow with ease: Each pathway passing energy on to the next one. This energy influences not only the physical body but also the mind & spirit.
When illness appears, it means that the natural flow of energy is no longer working. The experience inside is now ‘dis-ease’ and manifests in the form of symptoms & pain. These symptoms are distress signals from body, mind or spirit, telling us of the imbalance.
The practitioner of Acupuncture can directly control the energy at special points along a meridian to return the energy to its natural flow, allowing Nature to rebalance the person. This is done by inserting very fine needles into specific points. By gently manipulating the needle, the energy is either drawn to a meridian or dispersed from it. The aim is to restore the energy to a natural balance & flow, thereby re-establishing its rhythm with the natural Laws of Nature. Harmony & balance is back within the body, mind & spirit of the person and between the person & Nature. Once imbalance is corrected, we begin to heal on all levels.
Different types of Acupuncture
The type of acupuncture most practised in the West is what is known as ‘barefoot doctor’ or ‘local doctor’ acupuncture. Needles are inserted into various parts of the body & left in for 15-30 minutes and the pain can be removed. This really works. However, after a period of time the pain can return because this ‘formula’ type acupuncture gives only symptomatic relief. A bit like taking aspirin for a headache. The trouble is the headache has an underlying cause, it will come back again. What is needed is to get to the root of the problem: the Cause.
Local doctor Acupuncture was important in China as many people lived in remote villages unable to travel long distances to a hospital or Traditional Physician. So the ‘local doctor’ would administer ‘first aid Acupuncture’ to take the pain away (temporarily), to allow the patient time & energy to travel to the town or city & be treated in hospital by a Traditional Doctor. This type of acupuncture can be learned in a couple of weeks. Many western GP’s do it. It is simple to learn as it is ‘formula’ acupuncture: First Aid.
Another type is ‘Acupuncture Anaesthesia’. Needles are placed in specific points and continuously stimulated while the surgeon carries out his operation. The patient is fully conscious while the surgeon is operating & he/she feels no pain. (It can be done on animals also, so it has nothing to do with hypnosis). It’s very valuable if a person is allergic to anaesthesia or their heart or lungs are too weak. However, it is said that in three out of ten cases the anaesthesia will wear off. The Doctors are aware of this & are ready to switch over to Western anaesthesia. In that switch over one can experience pain…. that transition is not one I would like to experience!
Classical 5 Element Acupuncture on the other hand treats the whole person as a unit: Body, Mind & Spirit. The patient is seen as very individual & has a unique relationship with the environment. The practitioner will seek the cause of the ‘dis-ease’, seeing symptoms as only distress signals or messengers. So getting rid of the symptoms (first aid) would be like killing the messenger; resulting in the underlying cause being left untreated. Causing/creating more imbalances later on.
By addressing the cause of imbalance, the change in energy is confirmed in many ways: pulse change; colour change; emotional change to name a few, resulting in a better sense of well-being. Patients can notice many changes too often feeling ‘lighter’, ‘calmer’ ‘more relaxed’ & ‘zen-like’, even after one treatment. They can feel pain diminish; a sense of relaxation & clarity may return. They may find themselves better able to deal with life's situations. These are all signals/indications that balance is coming closer to normal & energy (‘Chi’) is restored.
It’s a very simple system of medicine in one way because it follows the Laws of Nature. However, it’s made complicated by the fact that we are all so unique & different. Each of us experiences life’s journey in different ways. It’s because of these differences that no two people will be treated the same way. Even with the same symptoms! The Practitioner may use same or similar points but the result/outcome is different for all of us - because of our uniqueness. I quote many times during my practice: that ‘No two people are the same’ & ‘You never dip your toe into the same river twice’. The practitioner must see the full ‘picture’. See this person. Must sit back, look, listen & hear the unique ‘story’ that is unfolding. Make a connection, gathering a case history & decide on the right treatment.
Classical 5 Element Acupuncture is based on the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal & Water. It is said that we develop (or are born with) an imbalance in one of these elements. This is known as the “CAUSE of illness” or “Causative Factor of disease”. It is important that the practitioner of Classical Acupuncture is well qualified and is able to act as a channel so that Nature works through her/him. A minimum of 3 years training is recommended before setting up practice. Professor J.R Worsley brought Classical Five Element Acupuncture to the West and is universally acknowledged as the father & master of Five Elements Acupuncture. He trained many practitioners from all over the world. He died in 2003.
Your First Appointment:
Your first appointment will take approximately two hours (+/-). Don’t plan anything too soon afterwards in case your time goes over. At this first meeting the practitioner compiles a case history to find the cause of your imbalance & may look at ways to guide you towards a healthier lifestyle, e.g changes in diet, lifestyle &/or exercise etc. This can also facilitate a quicker & more longterm rebalance. A physical examination is also done: This involves taking the pulse reading (12 pulses: each representing an organ or function); checking skin tone, temperature balance, joint mobility and BP.
The first visit will also include (possibly your first) Acupuncture treatment. Needles are inserted into points on your back to check & clear the energy. Then other points on the body will be used to build & ground the energy. The treatment is now very specifically for you - the unique individual.
Subsequent treatments take approximately one hour . Weekly treatments are recommended initially to gain control of the changes being made. The goal is to reconnect you with your own healing powers & once your energy begins to feel strengthened & able to hold its own, the appointments can be spaced out more: Over time only needing to check up during Seasonal Changes or at times of stress & major changes in your life.