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addictions to osteoporosis,
also obesity and insomnia |
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beyond health, wellness
at
work, nutrition |
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| a-z
wellness professionals: acupuncture |
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Acupuncture
is part of traditional Chinese medicine and dates back thousands
of years. It involves inserting fine needles into specific
points on the skin or applying various other techniques to
the acupuncture points to bring about healing.
The foundation of Chinese acupuncture is
the belief in an energy force called Qi (pronounced ‘chee’).
This energy, or life force, circulates around the body through
invisible channels called meridians. If the flow of Qi in
the meridians is disrupted, then disease may follow. By inserting
fine needles into particular acupuncture points, the disruption
can be corrected and the flow of Qi restored. Whether or not
you believe in the philosophy of Qi makes no difference to
the effects of acupuncture. Scientific trials around the world
have found that acupuncture is a safe and useful treatment
for many different disorders.
Yin and Yang
The ancient Chinese proposed that a balance of two opposing
yet complementary forces of energy, called Yin and Yang, sustain
every living thing. Half the body’s organs and meridians are
defined as Yin in relation to the other half, which are defined
as Yang. When Yin and Yang are out of balance in the body,
disease may occur.
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Research
has found that acupuncture is effective in treating
a range of disorders. Some of these include: |
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Digestive
- colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, gastritis, ulcer.
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Emotional
- anxiety, depression. |
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General
- chronic fatigue syndrome, giving up smoking, muscle
injuries, obesity, stress management, tiredness, travel
sickness. |
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Gynaecological
- heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, menopausal
symptoms, pre-menstrual syndrome. |
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Musculo-skeletal
- back pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tennis
elbow, whiplash. |
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Neurological
- Bell’s palsy, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, Meniere’s
disease, migraine, pain, paralysis, shingles. |
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Respiratory
- asthma, bronchitis, common cold, hayfever. |
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Vascular
- haemorrhoids, high blood pressure, varicose veins. |
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How
acupuncture is performed
Pre-sterilised disposable needles are used. Depending on the
location of the treatment, the patient will either sit or
lie down. Properly done, acupuncture is painless because the
needles are very fine (around 0.2mm in width). Once inserted,
the patient may feel mild tingling around the site, warmth
or heaviness, or even nothing at all. An acupuncturist may
use other techniques including:
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Cupping
- suction designed to bring Qi and blood to the acupuncture
point. |
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Chinese
herbs - either mixed by the acupuncturist or
in pre-prepared tablet or granulated form. |
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Laser
- used instead of the needles to activate acupuncture
points. |
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TCM
remedial massage - techniques applied to specific
acupuncture points or meridians. |
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Moxibustion
- burning herbs held over or applied to acupuncture
points. |
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A
feeling of relaxation
After a session of acupuncture, the patient normally feels
relaxed and refreshed, but specific responses depend on the
individual. For instance, some people feel energised, while
others feel sleepy. Occasionally, the symptoms get a little
worse before they improve. The number of treatments you need
depends on your condition. In most cases, patients experience
a reduction in symptoms within a few sessions. The idea of
acupuncture is to restore the natural balance of energy inside
your body. Once the balance is restored, the body can take
care of itself and no further treatments are necessary.
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