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"I have had terrible hay fever for over 7 years and have found that even after one treatment of acupuncture my symptoms were significantly reduced"
TD, Manchester
Acupuncture involves the stimulating of acupuncture points which lie on energy channels (known as meridians), through the insertion of thin, fine and single-use needles at various points on the body. The acupuncture needles are used to access the energy channels, to simulate the body's own natural healing ability and restore the body's balance of energy. This energy is known as Qi (pronounced “Chee”). The Qi flows through channels known as ‘meridians’, each one corresponding to a different organ. For the body and mind to be healthy, Qi must be allowed to flow freely and sufficiently through the body. When the flow of Qi is impaired or is deficient, illness may occur.
The flow of the Qi can be impaired by physical trauma, poor diet and pent up emotions. After a consultation, the practitioner can then deduce which meridians and corresponding organs have been affected and carry out treatment accordingly. Through centuries of observation, the body's reaction to each stimulus point and the combination of such points has been noted for their effectiveness in treating different conditions. In recent years these actions have been systematically refined by modern scientific research methods.
Moxibustion is a warming and tonifying technique that involves the burning of herbs (usually mugwort) over acupuncture points. Moxa may be used indirectly by the burning of moxa held over the skin in the shape resembling a cigar roll. Other techniques the utilizes moxa are small rolls of moxa attached to the ends of inserted needles which project heat deeper into the acupuncture points and into deeper layers of the body thus having a more intense, yet pleasurable effect. Moxibustion can help nourish the tendons by increasing the flow of Blood and Qi to areas where these are deficient or by encouraging energy flow were they are stagnant.
Tui na is a traditional Chinese form of therapeutic massage and is regarded alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet and qi gong as one of the fundamental therapies that is included in traditional Chinese medicine. Thus it uses the same meridian system as acupuncture and is considered to effective in the treatment of similar conditions listed in the ‘Benefits of Acupuncture’ section.
Cupping refers to the ancient Chinese practice which involves a glass or plastic cup is applied to the skin and the pressure inside the cup is increased causing the skin and superficial muscle layer to be drawn into and held in the cup. The pressure in the cups is increased either by using heat to remove oxygen from inside the cup or suctioned out by the use of a hand pump. The cups may be moved up and down the back causing a regional pulling of the skin and muscles involved. Cupping is believed to stimulate the flow of Qi, blood and lymph to the affected area and is used to relieve muscle pains, aces and stiffness and also for clearing congestion in the chest.
Gua sha (pronounced Gwah Shah) is a traditional eastern practice that involves the use of a blunt object, usually the edge of a porcelain spoon, and the methodical application of pressure and stimulation of the skin using the instrument, which results in the appearance of small red or purple marks. The skin is not damaged in any way and the redness usually fades within a few days.
Plum blossom needling, otherwise known as Seven Star Hammers, involves the light tapping of the skin with a small and light plastic hammer containing seven very small and fine needles. Plum blossom needling is used to encourage Qi and blood flow to an affected area whilst also used to release heat. Plum blossom needles may be effective in the treatment of skin disorders i.e. eczema and encouraging nerve function i.e. loss of sensation or numbness in a limb. Each hammer is sterile and single use only and may leave small red marks on the skin that should disappear within a few days.
Auricular acupuncture is a used on the premise that the ear contains points that represent a micro-system of the body and involves the use of inserting small and fine needles into certain points on the ear that relate to certain organs and body systems. This form of acupuncture has been known to be effective in the treatment of addiction cessations such as smoking, food cravings and drug and alcohol detoxification. Occasionally small flesh coloured plasters containing vaccaria seeds may be used which stimulate the points between treatments. This may be implemented to extend treatment effects of reducing cravings between treatments.
Electroacupuncture involves a small electrical current being ran through two inserted acupuncture needles. The intensity and frequency of the electric pulse varies depending on your condition but the electroacupuncture unit is powered only by a 9 volt battery therefore electrocution is avoided. This form of stimulation may be effective in the treatment of stubborn musculoskeletal disorders such as post-stroke paralysis or lower back pain.
TDP lamps are a new type of heat lamp which does not emit any visible light. TDP is an acronym for "Teding Diancibo Pu" which loosely translated means special electromagnetic spectrum. The key part of this lamp is its heat-treated black clay, which contains 33 different essential mineral elements for the human body. This ceramic plate emits unique spectrum-electromagnetic waves in the infrared range of 2 to 25 microns-which is compatible with the BIO-spectrum waves released by the human body. This allows for maximum absorption. The absorbed energy promotes microcirculation, metabolism and strengthens the immune system as well as tranquilize pain in the body.
Reflexology is a therapy that involves massaging and manipulating areas on the feet to encourage relaxation and the easing of tension by encouraging the free flow of energy. The theory of reflexology is that the functions and structure of the body is represented on the feet and the practitioner may provide benefit to problematic areas of the body by manipulating the corresponding areas on the feet.