| What is Acupuncture? |
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Traditional Chinese
Medicine (T.C.M.) has been in existence for many thousands of years. Acupuncture
was gradually developed during the last four to six thousand years, predominantly
in China, Tibet and Northern India. No one knows the exact origin of acupuncture
but it appears likely that originators wished to find a way of combining
a physical and an energy approach to the correction of human
disease. The Chinese based their working philosophy of Taoism on the concept
of YIN-YANG: the opposites within the perfect whole. The symbol below shows
how within the circle they eternally flow into one another. The principle
of acupuncture is that by inserting a terminal, e.g. a needle, an adjustment
can be made to the energy potential of the acupuncture point. These points
are known to act in several spheres at once:
1. Acu-points work
on the bio electrical field energy, the life force the Chinese call CHI.
Recent investigation shows that when examined by dark-field microscopy,
acu-points emit protons -particles of light. The physical
energy of life force so deeply appreciated by the ancients, can be seen
as real in the western scientific sense, the acupuncture meridian
system is really a stream of light particles flowing in the electro-magnetic
field of the body.
2. They work on the
nervous system.
3. They affect the
circulation of blood and fluids.
The adjustment
of a point then has a domino effect on the system, causing a catalytic
action to take place. Thus we stimulate the point Colon 4 and this will
increase the amount of activity in the colon, and also stimulate the resistance
of the body to disease.
Acupuncture
is capable of regulating dysfunction and correcting the onset of disease
providing gross pathology has not become established. However even in
the case, for example of gross arthritic change, it is possible to provide
assistance and easing of the condition, whilst not necessarily being able
to reverse it.
The best way to regard
acupuncture is to see it as a balance, stimulation and a tuning mechanism.
In a way, a comparison would be to that of a poorly tuned car engine always
giving trouble. After tuning the performance is greatly increased. Thus
with acupuncture a way of balance to restore the harmony of good health.
To the musician, a drawing together of notes to make a chord of energy.
The acute condition and pre-clinical state can usually be resolved
with acupuncture. The Chinese use it to treat successfully many conditions,
from acute bronchitis, pneumonia, back strain, through to the more common
degenerative disorders like arthritis. The treatment can be summarised
as the use of stimulation to acu-points, to set in motion the bodys
ability to heal.
The diagnosis of T.C.M. is based on the concept of the eight principles,
both in Herbalism and Acupuncture. The eight principles were mentioned
in the ancient classics of Chinese medicine as a complete diagnostic and
treatment system. The whole body of Chinese medicine is a complete system,
not just a bolt-on technique to augment other medical practice.
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| The Five Elements |
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When China was
closed to the West, until the 1970s, our knowledge of the real traditional
Chinese medicine was limited to one of their diagnostic techniques, the
concept of the five elements. The five elements, as the diagram shows,
is designed as a concept of matching natural elements to organs, seasons
and function. The Chinese use it as part of their diagnostic techniques.
In Europe, when acupuncture came to be used 20-40 years ago, much
propagated by the French Doctor Jules Lavier, the five elements and the
use of points related to elements assessed by the Chinese pulses,
was all we had. This system was very good at balancing the body-mind,
but often very time consuming or ineffective at correcting physical problems.
This diagram shows the flow of energy from one element
to another, the nurturing or shen cycle, with its controlling
counterpart, the ko cycle e.g. metal controls wood by cutting
it; fire controls metal by melting it. The five elements concept is a
pictorial way of describing an endless flow of nurturing and controlling
energies.
The Chinese being very pragmatic,
use only what works, they say to deal with the acute problem, e.g. frozen
shoulder, or spinal pain, then balance the system. It is completely erroneous
to imagine that continually balancing the system alone will
eventually correct all problems, both areas need to be dealt with.
The organs listed on the left and right sides correlate to 3 positions
held over the radial artery at the wrist. The rate, flow, strength and
character of the pulse in each of the three sectors, at two depths of
pressure, give 12 separate items of information, which correspond to the
12 primary organs and channels or Meridians of acupuncture. The pulse
helps us to determine the state of an organ as regards its function.
The
basic eight principles approach, coupled to the five elements, with a
thorough understanding of the concept of Yin-Yang, is essential to the
acupuncturist. He analyses the history of the patient, specific problem
areas, the pulses, the condition of the tongue, the modalities (what makes
worse, what better etc.), facial diagnosis, typology, blood tests, x-rays
etc. The information obtained is then fed into the analysis according
to the principles of T.C.M.
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| The Eight Principles |
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| Li |
(Internal) |
}
These classifications indicate site and extent of disease. |
| Piao |
(external) |
} |
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| Han |
(Cold) |
Denotes
the nature of disease. |
| Je |
(Hot) |
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| Hsu |
(Empty) |
Differentiate
extent of seriousness of disease level |
| Shih |
(Full) |
and
the body of resistance. |
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| Yin |
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The
primary base, Yin-negative. |
| Yang |
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Yang-positive. |
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The synopsis
of treatment in Chinese medicine is as follows:
| Analysis |
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Processing |
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Treatment |
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| Question |
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5 elements |
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Acupuncture |
| Listen |
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8 principles |
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Herbs |
| Palpate |
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Tongue |
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Exercise |
| Observe |
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Facial diagnosis |
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Massage |
| Scent |
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Type of discharge |
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Moxibustion |
The
Orientals pay great regard to the condition of parts e.g. tongue, face
etc. before arriving at an analysis of the problem and a treatment regime.
The
Oriental perception is much more to let the system unfold and demonstrate
its story rather than immediately to go 'digging in' as we do in the
West. I was particularly interested to see this when I studied in Japan,
their techniques were pragmatic and 'to the point', but their analysis
was wide ranging and deep.
The
Orientals believe, as a cornerstone to their philosophy, the principle
of keeping systems running properly by regular 'tuning' often long after
a specific problem has been dealt with. System toning once a month or
once a quarter when the seasons change, is regarded as being very beneficial.
I have followed this philosophy for many years and can see in the people
that I do this for a positive benefit in their health and well being.
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| New Techniques |
Electro-Acupuncture
- developed in the 1930's as a means of stimulating acu-points to save
on time and manual-needling - I feel that this technique is good for 'gross'
situations e.g. analgesia for surgery or treating intractable or post-operative
pain and I use it for such, but I feel it has little to do with the subtle
flow of life energy.
Laser Acupuncture
- use of Helium - neon/Gallum-Arsenide lasers to trigger acupuncture points,
particularly useful for treating children at ear points. Laser can also
be used for speeding wound healing and ulcers etc. particularly.
Treatment of addictions
- the popular treatment for anti-smoking, alcoholism and food cravings
are all based on the principle of using ear acu-points which link to the
nervous system and directly affect the appetite centre of the brain. The
treatment causes a gentle balancing of the chemistry which governs the
body's 'perception' of need for stimulants.
The Holistic concept,
is to endeavour, when possible, to intercept the course of disease before
it becomes irrevocable, and stimulate the system to take corrective action.
Detailed questions
can be answered as regards specific conditions by qualified practitioners.
Be sure to check on a practitioner to make sure he is registered with
the national controlling body. No properly qualified person will mind
this. Also, be sure to check that your potential practitioner is properly
qualified to practice acupuncture, as few short courses exist to give
basic training to people qualified in other fields of medicine, which
gives them about as much grasp of acupuncture as an acupuncturist would
have of brain surgery!
Acupuncture is
a great meeting ground for the energies of two people through the medium
of a set of needles. A great opportunity to receive balance and enhancement
of health. I look forward to sharing this with you and being of service
with this most ancient of healing arts.
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| Acupuncture and the Addictions |
Acupuncture has been used in mainland China and the
Far East for many years in the treatment of addictions, primarily, hard
drugs. The work of Western researchers like Meg Patterson, has highlighted
its usefulness in this field. I will deal with each of the main addictive
problems in turn and the treatment that acupuncture can offer.
Acupuncture and Smoking
Probably the most common addiction the acupuncturist
is called upon to treat is smoking. The basic principle as with all anti-addiction
treatment is that the person should be willing to receive the help to
give up - you cannot force someone to give up, nor should you, against
their will.
The fundamental treatment is to stimulate acu-points which are
capable of transmitting messages down nerve pathways to the brain, and
instituting change in the chemistry of appetite. If you take in a substance
for long enough which is addictive, the encephalins or "brain chemical
messengers" make room for it and allow it to become necessary to the chemical
balance. If you then remove the substance e.g., nicotine, and do not balance
the chemistry, the brain is thrown into shock which causes what we all
know as withdrawal symptoms. The acupuncture technique basically rebalances
the chemistry, thus avoiding withdrawal symptoms. In effect, acupuncture
balances and restores conditions to that which applied when you were a
non-smoker.
Most addiction treatment points, odd as it may seem, are located
on the ears - this is because the ears are traversed by masses of micro-nerve
fibres which all originate in the brainstem, giving in effect an access
to the wiring diagram of the central nervous system.
The ear points are stimulated either by a helium-neon laser beam
(in conjunction with 2 points either side of the nose - to raise the sense
of taste and smell), or by electro-acupuncture stimulation. The choice
of technique depends upon the patient and the amount of nicotine they
consume. Having carried out the initial stimulation, small ear-needles
are put in place for a few days before the second half of the treatment
is done one week later. The method is straight-forward and gets the job
done. If you follow the guide-lines below, there should be no particular
problems.
What you have to do:
1) Stop input of all nicotine products - cigarettes/cigars/nicorette.
2) Increase supply of Vit. C - orange juice or tablets.
3) Take care with alcohol input since this can link to smoking,
also coffee.
4) Beware of friends who say - 'have just one - it doesn't matter'.
It does - one is where you started.
5) If in doubt or difficulty, call me.
Acupuncture and Alcoholism
The same principle of "appetite" control applies to alcohol addiction
as it does to smoking - but due to the deep acting nature of alcohol,
the treatment takes longer at each session and several more treatments
are required to balance the chemistry. Alcoholics Anonymous or physco-therapeutics
are often of great help alongside the physical treatment.
Acupuncture and food appetite
Again the focus is on appetite control linked to diet and exercise.
Also balancing of any emotional/metabolic factors which may precipitate
overeating.
Acupuncture and drug addiction
All drugs from Valium to Heroin, from Tricyclic antidepressive
drugs to Mono amine inhibitors; all of them alter the brain chemistry
but can with diligence be balanced out using electro therapeutic techniques
to get out of withdrawal symptoms when the drug is removed from the patient.
Sometimes a drug can gradually be removed as the electro-acupuncture is
stepped up.
Please contact me if any further details are required.
Chris
Acupuncture reading list 1
Modern Techniques of Acupuncture, Kenyon J, Harper Collins, 1983, ISBN: 0722507496.
Zang Fu: The Organ Systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ross J, 1986, ISBN: 0443034826.
Acupuncture reading list 2
Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text, Hseuh C. C., Shanghai College of Tradional Medicine, Eastland Press Inc, 1981, ISBN 0939616009.
Tung's Orthodox Acupuncture, Carson P, ISBN: 09530 789 06.
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