Integrated Health Practice
Acupuncture
Five Elemental Acupuncture
Acupuncture stems from an age-old system of healing that originated in China. Its theory is contained in ancient texts, and its practice has been the subject of continuous study and clinical assessment over thousands of years and billions of patients. It has truly stood the test of time. Acupuncture theory derives from two fundamental concepts: yin/yang theory and the Five Elements. These two profound ideas have shaped Oriental medical theory and practice for many years, and continue to do so today.
This style brings together the strengths of yin/yang theory (using Traditional Chinese Medicine) and the Five Elements (using Five Element constitutional diagnosis) in one integrated whole.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Based on yin/yang and Eight Principle theory, is the mainstream style practised in China. It concentrates on the symptoms of a patient's illness. It is well suited for treating a wide range of physical and psychological conditions. It is also very effective when treating musculo-skeletal problems, which many of my patients suffer from. Based on a combination of questioning and observation, as well as pulse and tongue diagnosis, it provides an effective framework for treating complaints such as headaches/migraine, menstrual problems, digestive complaints, coughs, colds, backache and many other illnesses.
To diagnose the problem the practitioner asks specific questions and looks for patterns arising from the signs and symptoms. For example, in the case of headaches, the practitioner may ask: "When does the headache come on?", "Where exactly do you feel it?", "What does it feel like?", "Is it affected by bright light?". The answers help the practitioner to find the cause of the patient's disharmony, and treat it.
Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture
Five Element Acupuncture focuses on the person who has the illness - rather than the illness itself. A combination of our genetic inheritance and the first few years of life leave all of us with subtle imbalances in our qi (person's spirit/energy/force) that affect our health and wellbeing
The practitioner detects these imbalances by observing a person closely, concentrating on four crucial aspects:
- the emotion they are expressing most inappropriately
- the colour that can be observed on their face, particularly on the lower temples beside the eye
- the odour emitted by their body
- the sound present in their voice, particularly a tone that does not fit with the emotion being expressed
Together these indicate which of the Five Elements is the constitutional imbalance of the patient: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood.
By incorporating both styles, the practitioner creates a wider range of treatment possibilities and touches the patient deeply. Patients feel better in themselves, have more vitality and deal with the problems that caused them to seek treatment.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Telephone consultation (if required 10 - 15 mins)
Short discussion of reason for treatment, a chance to ask any questions you may have about the treatment process or the practitioner.
First session (approximately 1 hour)
A case history will be carried out where the practitioner will ask various questions related to their health, family health history, operations, childhood illnesses, etc. A pulse and tongue diagnosis will be taken and recorded. Blood pressure, peak flow and physical examinations of joints, muscles and limbs could occur (if necessary) for assessment purposes.
No treatment will take place until a full traditional diagnosis has been taken, this allows for any questions you may have to be answered and a treatment plan to be arranged.
Further treatments (approximately 30 mins)
Acupuncture may include one or any of the following treatments:
Needles - Insertion of a needle into the skin to the required depth. There are three main types of needle technique used in acupuncture:
- Tonifying
- Reduction
- Even
The needles can be inserted and then removed almost instantly. However, they may also be retained for up to 20 minutes or so dependant of the response to treatment.
Moxibustion - Moxa is prepared from the leaves of artemesia vulgaris latiflora (similar to mugwort) and is the herb that is used to warm regions and meridians. The grade of the Japanese moxa is much finer than the Chinese, and is used to treat conditions such as Cold.
Cupping - The creation of a vacuum by glass cups to move Qi and Blood in Chinese medical terms. Cupping is an ancient treatment that involves a glass cup and a small flame to create a vacuum which in turn pulls the skin slightly.
The types of cups used are glass and bamboo; they come in various sizes dependant on the size of area to be treated. After treatment you should expect to have cup markings - this is part of the treatment and normal.
If you do have any questions about treatment do not hesitate to contact us