What is Acupuncture & what are the benefits?
Acupuncture began with the discovery that stimulating certain points on the the skin affects the function of internal organs. This discovery evolved into a system of medicine for enabling the smooth flow of blood and energy through JingJin tendo muscular channels and their corresponding organs. When a strong and vital flow of energy does not flow through the body we feel a loss of energy and pain. Our immune, hormonal, nervous and endocrine systems operate below par. Through the skillful, and painless insertion of fine needles into the appropriate points the flow in these channels is restored. Then the body’s natural self healing abilities kick in and we feel freedom in body and mind; calm, yet invigorated.
Acupuncture treatments are sometimes combined with moxibustion; the heating of a herb called moxa which strengthens and moves the energy by warming acupuncture points.
The Treatment
During the initial treatment I will gather information about your symptoms, any other treatments to date, your medical history and lifestyle (sleep patterns, appetite, diet etc). I will then feel the 12 pulses at the wrist and look at the tongue. Taken together this information gives an integrated Chinese medicine diagnosis, which is unique to you and your condition.
Treatment is performed on a massage table. Fine, sterilised stainless steel needles are inserted into acupuncture points and retained for approximately 30 minutes. Needles are used once only.
In our one to one consultations we use several diagnostic tools (e.g; your date of birth, pulse, tongue, posture, use of language and others) to provide a window into what mental and emotional patterns are creating stress and what organs and systems of the body need attention. With this knowledge we can prescribe individualised programmes of yoga, meditation, herbal medicine, nutritional and lifestyle advice. This is sometimes supported by on-going healing conversations using Karam Kriya, Shiatsu and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
