Acupuncture by Michelle Austin-Marriott
Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of healing which has been practised
in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although
often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat
people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall
wellbeing of the patient, rather than the isolated treatment of specific
symptoms.
According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent
on the body’s motivating energy – known as Qi – moving
in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath the
skin. Qi consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang
– and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting
very fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate
the body’s own healing response and help restore its natural balance.
The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors. These include
emotional states such as anxiety, stress, anger, fear or grief, poor nutrition,
weather conditions, hereditary factors, infections, poisons and trauma.
The principal aim of acupuncture in treating the whole person is to recover
the equilibrium between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects
of the individual.
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Many people come to acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions.
These might include anxiety states, arthritis, asthma, back pain, chronic
fatigue syndrome, depression, digestive problems, hayfever, headaches,
infertility, insomnia, low energy, menstrual problems, migraines, neck/shoulder
problems, rheumatism, sciatica, sinusitis or visual disturbances.
Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all. It has also proved to be effective
in pregnancy management and for menopausal support.
Some people may have acupuncture as a preventative measure to strengthen
their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without
being “ill” in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside
conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.
As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can vary from one person
to another.
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Most people’s experience of needles is of those used in injections
and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to these and
are very fine. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described
as a tingling or dull ache. During treatment, patients commonly experience
a heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
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The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from
a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased
energy levels, better digestion and improved sleep as well as an enhanced
sense of overall well being.
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I will ask you about your current symptoms and what treatment you have
received so far, your medical history and lifestyle.
I may supplement the needle treatment with Moxa, a smouldering herb which
is used to warm acupuncture points to encourage the body’s energy
to flow smoothly. Electro-acupuncture is a method used to stimulate points.
Cupping or Gua Sha is an effective therapeutic technique which can be
used alone, or in conjunction with needling to enhance the treatment of
certain conditions, such as neck or back pain, shoulder tension or cold
& flu symptoms.
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As each person is unique, the number of treatments required depends on
the individual. Some change is usually felt after just a few treatments.
Normally I recommend treatment once a week at first, although some conditions
may need less frequent attention.
Sometimes the effects of the treatment are dramatic, and only one or two
treatments are required. With other individuals, the effects are more
subtle and they may need treatment over several months.
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As a member of the British Acupuncture Council I observe a Code of Safe
Practice, amongst others, which lays down stringent standards of hygiene
and requires the use of sterile disposable needles.
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Michelle Austin-Marriott
has a special interest in using acupuncture in the fields of Gynaecology,
Infertility & Obstetrics.
For Clinic times, contact details and information about the Haelan
Clinic practitioners see The
Practitioners page.
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