About Acupuncture / TCM
Acupuncture is a part of a complete system of healing, usually referred to as TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). TCM has several distinct branches and has stood the test of time in that it has been practised for several thousands of years in China, its country of origin. In its present, classical form TCM has existed for at least 2000 years, with its earliest texts dating to the first centuries BC.
It involves the insertion of extremely fine, pre-sterilised, disposable, stainless steel needles on the body surface to restore internal health.
Acupuncture can be used alone or combined with other treatment methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine – your practitioner will frequently combine acupuncture treatment with moxibustion, dietary therapy and medical advice.
There are no specifics such as are often used in modern medicine for the labelling of symptoms. Acupuncture does not confine itself to treating only named diseases, rather it treats sick people by revealing the source of the trouble by using its own diagnostic methods and setting about its removal. The patient is always viewed as a unique individual. He or she is regarded as a whole and integrated personality with all that that implies.
Treatment subsequently is always geared to the specific requirements of each individual. This means that three patients complaining of what might at first sight appear to be the same symptoms may each receive entirely different treatment and each make a satisfactory and sound recovery.
Who Can Be Treated
There is no limitations in terms of age, sex, or condition regarding acupuncture treatment. The very young or extremely old can be treated. Pregnant women can be greatly assisted by acupuncture treatment.
It is entirely safe, and often useful, to have acupuncture alongside Western chemical treatment including chemotherapy.
What Acupuncture Treats
Acupuncture treats people who complain of a deficiency or breakdown in their health. It can focus on physical, psychological, emotional or even spiritual disorders with equal effect.
Acupuncture can be used alone or in combination with other treatment methods of TCM as well as alongside western medical treatment.
Safe & Effective
In the hands of a fully qualified TCM practitioner the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free from harmful side-effects.
It has stood the test of time over two thousand years and has not been found wanting.
“Acupuncture is one of the most popular and effective contemporary healing techniques, practised in almost every country on the globe. Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive medical system that has survived over the millennia. Not only is it safe, in the hands of fully trained practitioners, but its clinical applicability is enormous.
The World Health Organisation has compiled a huge list of medical conditions that are amenable to treatment with acupuncture, including chronic respiratory problems, such as sinusitis and asthma, neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, such as headaches and low back pain, digestive disorders, such as colitis and gastritis, and chronic menstrual problems. This is apart from the treatment of mental and emotional disturbances and certain behavioural problems, such as addictive habits.”
~ The Natural Family Doctor – A. Stanway, Century Publishers, London