| Acupuncture
is the ancient Chinese practise of inserting fine
sterile needles into specific acupoints along
meridians, in order to stimulate or suppress the
flow of “life energy” (qi) where there is an imbalance.
It is used most often in the West for pain relief,
and is one of the most accepted of eastern therapies.
| Acupuncture
is part of traditional Chinese medicine
and fundamental to it are the concepts of
Yin and Yang. Yin indicates ‘moon’ or shade,
and Yang ‘sun’ or sunshine, and they symbolise
opposing but complementary forces within
the body (and nature generally). It is essential
for well being that these forces are in
balance. The interaction of yin and yang
generates “life energy” (qi) that flows
around the body along channels called meridians.
There are 12 main meridians that are usually
named after the major internal organs that
they pass through, and 6 are primarily yin
(liver, lung, heart, kidney, spleen, pericardium)
and 6 primarily yang (small intestine, bladder,
large intestine, gallbladder, stomach, triple
burner). Problems on a meridian can create
illness at any point along it, and there
are around 365 acupoints along the meridians
at which qi is concentrated and can enter
and leave the body. |
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Acupuncture involves influencing
qi at these points, where fine needles are inserted
to stimulate or suppress the flow. The needles
vary in length and are made from stainless steel
tipped with either steel or copper. They are usually
inserted to a depth of 4 – 25 mm, depending on
where the acupoint is. The herb moxa may be placed
on a needle head and burnt to create heat and
stimulate the acupoint (usually where there is
a lack of qi). Cupping may also be used to stimulate
acupoints, using little glass cups that create
a vacuum and draw qi and blood into the cup.
Acupuncture can provide relief
from many conditions, for example:
- Providing pain relief and increasingly as
a natural anaesthetic.
- Musculo-skeletal problems and arthritis.
- Addictions.
- Allergies resulting in conditions such as
hay fever and asthma.
- Depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
- Nausea and digestive disorders.
- Migraines.
- High blood pressure.
- Women’s health problems.
Please note that a good Acupuncturist will always
do a thorough consultation before commencing a
treatment, and will also provide advice about
aftercare and homecare. They will use sterilised
or disposable needles.
Bibliography
The following books were referenced for this
section and are all available (via the links)
in association with Amazon.co.uk:
Encyclopedia
of Natural Healing by Anne Woodham and Dr David
Peters
Holistic Therapy – A Practical Approach by Francesca
Gould
See our full range of Holistic
Therapy books in the Further Exploration
section.
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