ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the fundamental Principles of which were recorded in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine over 2000 years ago. 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.

Traditional healthcare includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet and exercise such as Chi Kung and T’ai Chi Chuan.

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 with a small electric current.

Herbal medicine has a long tradition using plants to cleanse, balance and fortify the system. Centuries of practice have led to a wide range of plants being used for certain conditions taken as teas or decoctions, powders and pills.

Diagnosis is arrived at during the first consultation which may last up to an hour. 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.

The examination reveals patterns of disharmony which are causing the symptoms and appropriate acupuncture points or herbs 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.

Follow up visits usually last up to 45 minutes 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 may conditions but some patients will need treatment over months or longer. Occasionally the condition may worsen before it resolves, this is not a bad sign and will not persist.

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

Therapists

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. She now 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.

Richard Farrer LicAc, BSc (Hons), MCSP, SRP
Chartered Physiotherapist, Traditional Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. Degree in Physiotherapy from Coventry University.
Member of the:-
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists
Acupuncture Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Richard has been in practice since 1984 and trained in classical 5 element acupuncture under Professor Worsley at Leamington Spa College of Traditional Acupuncture. Further study under Giovanni Maciocia in Traditional Chinese Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal Medicine at the London School of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Richard's areas of special interest include painful conditions, sports injuries and chronic complaints of the muscles, joints and nerves.

Mark Strawbridge BA (Hons) Acupuncture, MBAcC
Mark trained at The College of Traditional Acupuncture, Warwick. He practices the 5 Element style of acupuncture, which not only relieves symptomatic pain but also restores energy levels and promotes the client’s well being.