ACUPUNCTURE AND ACUPRESSURE

Acupuncture originated in China and is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (see previous post). Acupuncture usually involves the insertion of very thin needles into the skin to adjust the flow of energy in the body. The needles are inserted at carefully selected 'points' in the meridians, or energy channels. These points have been likened to whirlpools energy that develop where the energy flow along the meridian is disrupted. Some of the points are tender when pressed, but acupuncturists find others by using methods of measurement that have been developed over many centuries. It is believed that the insertion of the needles and their gentle manipulation disperses stagnant energy and restores the normal energy balance.

In China, acupuncture is used to maintain health rather than treat illness, but in the West few people consult an acupuncturist until something has gone wrong, and usually not until other treatment has failed. Despite this delay, acupuncture can often heal or alleviate the problem.

Scientific Acupuncture
Some acupuncturists believe that acupuncture can be explained in terms of modern scientific knowledge, ignoring the traditional belief in the meridians. They accept that it has long been noticed in the West that the gentle massage of small areas of tenderness on the skin can relieve pain in distant parts of the body. These areas have been likened to acupuncture points, and practitioners of 'scientific acupuncture' believe that the Chinese have developed the recognition of these points far more extensively than in the West. Scientific acupuncturists use Chinese acupuncture points without accepting the underlying philosophy of Chinese medicine (briefly mentioned on previous post).

The Acupuncture Needles
Acupuncture needles are made of stainless steel, silver or gold, and many practitioners now use disposable needles. If needles already used on you are to be reused, however, they should be sterilized first. Make sure that the practitioner never uses needles that were used on another patient first.

Acupuncture needles are solid and much finer than the
hollow needles used for injections.

Acupuncture needles come in various sizes, but they are all solid and much finer than the hollow needles used for injections. They have rounded tips, which divide the flesh, rather than piercing it. When inserted they rarely cause bleeding. In general, acupuncture sessions last 20 to 45 minutes. The size of the needles varies according to the size where they are used. Longer, larger needles are inserted more deeply onto fleshly areas, such as the buttocks. Finer, shorter needles are used for areas where the flesh is thin, such as the forehead. The acupuncture points that are chosen may remain the same at each treatment, but they may need to be changed when the patient's health alters or improves.

The Acupuncture Consultation
The initial diagnosis can take up to an hour and you will be asked:

• To provide information about your current problems, your medical history and that of your family. The acupuncturist will also want to know more about how your body is functioning generally, such as how you are sleeping, whether you have any other symptoms or health problems - either physical or psychological - and how you react to heat or cold. The acupuncturist will also assess your psychological health.
• To undergo a physical examination. This may be similar to an examination by your doctor, but acupuncturists often examine your tongue in greater detail and use the Chinese method of assessing the pulse. This is more complex than a conventional Western examination, because it includes feeling the wrist pulse in 12 different positions and noting up to 28 different aspects of the pulse.

T'ai Chi
T'ai chi consists of a sequence of gentle flowing movements that are precisely performed, and coordinated with breathing. Conventional scientific studies have revealed that t'ai chi can have benefits that are similar to aerobic exercise, but less physical stress and strain. It can benefit high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety, muscle tension and various other causes of chronic ill health.

Acupuncture needles can be left in place for up to 20
minutes.
The acupuncturist will then decide whether acupuncture is an appropriate treatment. Acupuncturists who are fully trained in traditional Chinese medicine may also prescribed herbal treatment. In addition to the use of acupuncture needles, your therapist may suggest cupping (see previous post) or moxibustion (see later post).

Assessing The Results
Some patients feel a change immediately after treatment but others only become aware of results after a number of sessions. It is often difficult to remember exactly how you felt at the start of treatment; your therapist may jog your memory by reminding you of how you described your initial symptoms. Your acupuncturist will assess your progress by observing your appearance and manner as well as by re-examining your pulse.

The number of sessions that are needed varies from person to person. Acute symptoms usually clear up within four treatments, but chronic conditions generally take longer.

Conditions where acupuncture may be helpful:

• Respiratory problems.
• Arthritis and rheumatism.
• Circulatory problems.
• Digestive disturbances.
• Ear, nose and throat problems.
• Menopausal symptoms.
• Mental and emotional problems.
• Urinary problems.

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own condition, or ask your doctor's advice.

Chi Kung
Chi kung (pronounced chee goong)is an ancient Eastern exercise that is believed to aid the free flow of energy through the body by means of movement and balance. This allows healing to occur and good health to be maintained. The chi kung practitioner aims to avoid stress on the joints and muscles, and encourages an inner awareness of the movement of energy within the body. Chi kung can help overcome stress, sexual problems and conditions associate with ageing.

Cautions
Acupuncture should never be performed on a person with a high fever, or who is under the influence of either alcohol or an illicit drug. Acupuncture should be performed with caution on patients taking blood-thinning medication. It is a safe treatment when performed by a fully qualified practitioner who takes special care when treating elderly or frail people. If you are concerned bout the use of unsterile needles, discuss this with your acupuncturist, who will be able to explain the procedure he or she follows.

Auricular Therapy
Acupuncture points on the ear are used for auricular therapy, either alone or in conjunction with the acupuncture points elsewhere on the body. It is most often used for the treatment of addiction or the relief of pain. The acupuncture points on the ear have to be very carefully located. There are more than 300 auricular points and they are very close together. Small needles are used and they are sometimes kept in place for a few days with surgical adhesive tape.

Auricular therapy is most often for the treatment of addiction or relief of pain.

A weak electrical current is sometimes used to stimulate the acupuncture points on the ear, but other points elsewhere on the body are also sometimes stimulated in this way. Since the 1950s, techniques of electro-acupuncture have been used in China to provide anaesthesia for surgery. This form of anaesthetic is of particular benefit for surgery of the upper part of the body. It is useful for old or frail patients since it is less risky than conventional anaesthetics, and the recovery time is usually quicker.

Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a technique that is used to supply warmth. The affected part of the body may be described as feeling cold, or the pain may have been relieved by the application of heat, such as in a warm bath or with a hot water bottle. The herb moxa is also used to nourish Qi(vital energy) and the blood, when the symptoms include general weakness and a lack of energy.

Moxibustion involves burning a small amount of herb moxa (Artemisia vulgaris), also known as mugwort, in one of four ways:

A moxa stick being used by a therapist to relieve pain.

• The dried herb is attached to an acupuncture needle already inserted in the skin and then lit to supply deep heat.
• To replenish energy, cones of moxa are allowed to smoulder on specific points on the skin (called direct moxa), being removed by the therapist when heat is felt by the patient. This treatment can cause scarring and many experts recommend against it.
• When the therapist wishes to apply heat to a larger area, moxa is burned in a box placed on the appropriate ate area of skin.
• A moxa stick is lit before being held over the body to warm it. This method of moxibustion can also be done by the patient at home.

Using A Moxa Stick
The moxa stick looks somewhat like a cigar, and is best lit from a candle, which can take about half a minute. Ash will form as you are using it, and this should be tapped off into an ashtray. The lit stick is then held over the skin at a distance that provides you with comfortable warmth. You may choose to move the stick closer to the skin with a dabbing movement for extra warmth, but you should take care not to burn the skin. Once the area being treated feels warm you can move to another area, or extinguish the stick by cutting off the end. You can use moxibustion once or twice a week, but take a couple of weeks off every month or so. The application of moxa should be relaxing and pleasurable: if it is not, you should not continue to use it.

Cautions
Moxibustion is generally safe. However, it should not be used:

• To treat inflammed tissues or during acute illness, especially if you have a fever.
• If you have a skin rash or if the skin is broken, cut or grazed.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you find that the smoke given off by the burning herb is an irritant.
• Near sensitive skin, such as on the face.

Seitei
Seitei is an Eastern combination of acupressure, manipulation and nutritional therapy. It is based on the theory that the body can be made stronger if its energy system is stimulated, and that the correct nutritional support enables the body to heal any structural problems more quickly.

Acupressure
Like acupuncture, acupressure uses the points on the energy meridians, but here they are stimulated by the application of gentle pressure either in a sustained manner, intermittently (by alternately pressing and releasing) or with small massage movements. Acupressure is related to massage, reflexology and shiatsu.

Promote Your Health
The most important role for acupressure is the maintenance of health, although, as with acupuncture, a professional therapist can use the technique for treatment. It is most effective when it is used frequently and for short periods and is therefore a therapy that is ideally suited for self-treatment. Your therapist may teach you how to continue the treatment he or she has started. Or you may start to apply acupressure after learning the positions of the acupoints from a book or even a friend. Once you have gained confidence you will be able to use the acupoints for immediate first-aid treatment for acute conditions, as well as for maintaining your health.

Conditions that may be helped by acupressure include:

• Headaches
• Back pain
• Constipation
• Asthma
• Fatigue

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own condition, or ask your doctor's advice.

Cautions
Acupressure can alter symptoms and may mask the early symptoms of serious conditions, such as cancer. You should, therefore, seek advice from your doctor before consulting a therapist for any condition other than an acute problem, such as a cold or a cough, so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. Always start treatment very gently, especially if you are feeling weak or fatigued. Acupressure should never be used when you are under the influence of alcohol or non-medicinal drugs. Acupressure must not be practised on broken or inflammed skin, or over scars, bruises or veins that are enlarged or painful.