Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other eastern countries for thousands of years. It is used to treat a wide range of illness though it is often only known for its ability to treat pain. Its focus is on improving the overall well-being of the patient, rather than isolated treatment of specific symptoms.
Traditional Chinese philosophy states that our health is dependent on our Qi moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath our skin. Qi is a motivating energy and it consists of equal and opposite qualities symbolised by Yin and Yang. If these forces become unbalanced, often caused by emotional imbalance, illness or disease may result. By inserting needles into the channels an acupuncturist can stimulate the body’s own healing ability and help restore this imbalance. Rebalancing the Qi not only makes us feel physically well and able to resist disease, but it also cultivates a balanced state of mind, often described as feeling in touch with ourselves and our surroundings.
Your first visit…
Your first consultation may be longer than subsequent sessions. The acupuncturist needs to gather information in order to assess your general state of health as well as the specific problem you are presenting. This helps the acupuncturist to identify any possible underlying patterns of disharmony that may influence your current state of health. This also allows the acupuncturist to give you the most effective treatment.
You will be questioned about your current symptoms and what treatment you may have received so far, your medical history as well as that of your family, parents and siblings, your diet, sleeping patterns and emotional experiences. The acupuncturist will also feel your pulse and look at your tongue. The pulses are felt on both wrists and there are a number of qualities that give information to you practitioner about the quality and movement of your Qi and Blood.
The tongue colour and coat also gives valuable diagnostic material to enable your acupuncturist to make a diagnosis.
Once this information is gathered together a diagnosis is made of your condition and treatment can begin. Acupuncture points will be selected on the appropriate channels and the rebalancing of the Qi will begin.
Treatment may also include the use of a herb called Moxa which used it warm the acupuncture points or is burned on the needle to draw the warmth into the body.
How often do I need treatment?
As each person’s health is considered individually this will vary considerably. This will depend upon the severity and chronic nature of your problem and your body’s own ability to heal itself. This may therefore vary from treatment once or twice per week for up to 20 treatments or 3 -4 sessions for something as simple as a recent sprain. Treatment is some times carried out over a short period with lots of treatments in a short time or longer period with less visits in between.
At Woodlands the Acupuncturists use pre-sterilised and individually packed needles, which are disposed of once they have been used, and are subsequently incinerated.
Woodlands’ acupuncturists are members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). The BAcC maintains common standards of ethics, discipline and practice to ensure the health and safety of the public at all times. BacC members are covered by Medical Malpractice and Public/Products Liability insurance.