Acupuncture

As we already know Chinese Medicine uses a range tools to treat disease. The main ones are acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Most treatments involve a combination of the two but this depends on the diagnosis.

For example, a patient with frozen shoulder or sciatic pain would get sufficient benefit from acupuncture alone, while a patient with chronic tinea may only need to use herbs. In most conditions, however, acupuncture and Chinese herbs combined, achieves the best results.

Acupuncture in its pure form involves the insertion of a number of ultra fine needles into various points along the Qi (energy) pathways within the body. Since each pathway connects with an internal organ, the stimulation of these points can influence the functioning of that organ.

Any abnormalities to the flow of Qi through these channels, such as a stagnation or blockage, may result in disease. Needling the channel removes the blockages and encourages a smooth flow of Qi which, in turn, promotes health.

A modern variation is electro-acupuncture which is used most commonly to treat pain, musculo-skeletal and neurological disorders. It involves passing a mild current between two needles and is very effective at improving Qi and Blood circulation to an area.

Other techniques may also be used. For example:

• Cupping involves placing glass bulbs over the skin inside which a vacuum is created. One of its many traditional uses is to break up stagnant Qi and Blood.
• Moxibustion is the burning of a herb called Mugwort. It is used to simply warm the acupuncture point or channel. It treats “Cold” diseases and strengthens the Yang aspect of the body.
• Tui Na, this is traditional Chinese remedial massage.