Acupuncture by Kim Wells

How it Works
Moxibustion
Healing Mind and Body
Conditions that Respond to Treatment with Acupuncture
Can Acupuncture Help Me to Stop Smoking?

Acupuncture originated in China several thousand years ago. Although "traditional" in the sense of being long-established (and hence well tried and tested) its theories and methods have been continually revised and extended in the light of new research and clinical experience. Although best known for its treatment of painful conditions, it can be used to treat a very wide range of acute and chronic conditions.

How it Works
Acupuncture uses small, fine, flexible needles to stimulate or to regulate life energy - known as qi (pronounced chee) - that flows along invisible channels beneath the surface of the skin. There are twelve main channels or "meridians", most of which are associated with an organ of the body. Points on the Bladder Channel, for instance, may be used to treat bladder problems such as cystitis and also to treat problems (such as back and neck pain) that occur at other locations along the course of this channel.

Moxibustion
Another way of stimulating acupuncture points is moxibustion. This involves warming the point by burning a herb called "moxa." It can be very useful for treating certain kinds of arthritis and back problems and for those who have insufficient "yang" (warming and activating) energy.

Healing Mind and Body
As well as healing the body, acupuncture can also help to harmonise the emotions, calm and clear the mind and strengthen the spirit. It can treat depression, anxiety, insomnia and irritability. It is ideal for treating stress-related problems and for premenstrual syndrome.

Conditions that Respond to Treatment with Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used to treat a wide range of complaints including headaches; ear, eye and throat problems; toothache; sinusitis; asthma; bronchitis; hay fever; heart disease; angina; hypertension; ulcers; indigestion; diarrhoea; constipation; cystitis; thrush; prostatitis; period problems; menopausal problems; arthritis; back pain; sciatica; RSI; sporting injuries; weak immune system; lack of energy ME; anxiety; insomnia; depression; addictions; eczema; acne; psoriasis; children's diseases.

Can acupuncture help me to give up smoking?
Acupuncture can be very effective in helping to relieve the withdrawal symptoms experienced by those giving up tobacco. As a result of treatment, the craving and other symptoms such as irritability and agitation become less pronounced. However, these symptoms will still often be noticed, so a person's determination to succeed is still called for. This is why Kim offers counselling and support during this process and advises people to prepare for giving up. As part of this preparation, he recommends reading "The Easy Way to Give Up Smoking" by Alan Carr. Most people find this book enormously helpful both before and during the giving up process.