ACCUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture?
Traditional Acupuncture is a holistic method of healing which was developed over four thousand years ago in China and has become increasingly popular in Europe during the last forty years as well as being the stable form of medicine for over 25% of the population of the world.

This ancient and beautiful art is practiced on the principles of the natural world, the concepts of Yin and Yang were derived from observing nature and her cycles. Similar principles were used to describe human beings and illness was seen as a disharmony in the normal functioning of the body or mind. Acupuncture provides a means of dealing effectively with a wide range of health problems, free from side effects. It enables the body and mind to heal itself, as far as nature will allow.

In Chinese medicine any illness or symptom, either physical or mental is associated with an imbalance of the persons Qi or vital life energy. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s own natural healing by rebalancing this energy.

When the body sends out distress signals in the form of any symptom it is a sign that there is an imbalance of Qi, which must be rebalanced to restore health. The principle is important because it means that the underlying cause of the disease is being dealt with, rather than the symptom merely being swept under the carpet only to reappear in the future.

Tina Allen BA (Hons) Acupuncture, MBAcC
The Zen Clinic's Principal Consultant, Tina Allen qualified from The College of Traditional Acupuncture, Warwick, obtaining a First Class Honours Degree in Traditional Acupuncture. Tina also offers the 5 Element style of acupuncture, which, as well as relieving symptomatic pain, also restores energy levels and promotes well being throughout the whole body.

Tina runs her clinic from Stapleford as well as conducting home visits around the Leicestershire area. Her future plans include running a clinic one week a month in Falmouth Cornwall as from the March 2011.

For more information or to organize a consultation do not hesitate to contact Tina at the Zen Clinic.

The Benefits of Acupuncture:
There is very little that Acupuncture cannot help you with, by balancing your natural energy we promote the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture can relieve pain and help with symptomatic problems as well as dealing with problems on a physical and emotional level.

Some of the conditions that respond well to acupuncture are . . .

An Acupuncture Treatment:
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into the acupuncture points which are located along a network of channels called meridians. The insertion is usually painless and when manipulated a definite sensation can be felt but quickly passes. The traditional view is that Qi or energy circulates along the meridians and if this energy stagnates it results in illness. Moxibustion, the warming of points, can be used to supplement the treatment as can the stimulation of the needles.

Diagnosis is arrived at during the first consultation which may last up to an hour and a half. A detailed record is made of the symptoms, past medical history and family history, lifestyle and diet, and behaviour of the body systems such as the digestion and circulation. Diagnosis also includes examination of the pulse at the wrist to record quality, rhythm and strength, and the tongue for shape, colour and coating.

All consultations are of course totally confidential.

The examination reveals patterns of disharmony which are causing the symptoms and appropriate acupuncture points are selected to start balancing the system and obtain progressive relief from the symptoms. During treatment the needles may be left in place for a few seconds or for up to 30 minutes depending on the effect the practitioner requires. During this time the patient usually feels pleasantly relaxed and calm.

Each individual is unique so the response to the treatment varies. In most cases initial improvements are felt in the overall state of health and wellbeing and then improvements in the main complaint follows. Occasionally the condition may worsen before it resolves, this is not a bad sign and will not persist. There are no side effects from acupuncture, unlike conventional Western medicine, the only one possibly being a feeling of tiredness for a few hours after treatment.

Follow up visits usually last up to an hour at which time the practitioner will initially ask how the patient has been and reassess progress before proceeding with the treatment. Some conditions resolve rapidly but it is more usual for a course of treatment to be required, usually once a week. Research has shown that 6 treatments gives the optimum initial improvement in many conditions, but some patients will need treatment over months or longer to assist in a maintenance plan depending on the condition.