Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), encompasses a health care system, originally from China, that includes Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese Massage (Tuina), exercises with breath (Tai Chi / Qi-Gong), nutrition, meditation and lifestyle advice.
TCM is based on the theory of balancing ones Energy or Qi to regulate a person’s physical, mental and spiritual health. Illness or injury is due to this flow of Qi being disrupted.
TCM treatment, including acupuncture, seeks to restore the balance of Qi for either prevention of illness or to improve one’s health.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin at specific points. These acupuncture points are mostly located along channels (or meridians), however can also be found elsewhere. Each of these acupuncture points has an effect on the flow of Qi.
The term ‘Acupuncture’ can also have a broad meaning in a clinical setting. In the clinic, acupuncture treatments may also include moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, cupping, acupressure, scrapping and micro system acupuncture such as ear acupuncture.
Acupuncture is known to treat a wide range of disorders including:
- Neurological conditions: headaches, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nervous tension, peripheral neuropathy and dizziness
- Cardiovascular disorders: high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, chest pain, palpitations, poor circulation, cold hands and feet, and muscle cramps.
- Respiratory conditions: bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough, laryngitis, sore throat, influenza and the common cold.
- Digestive system disorders: toothache, post-extraction pain, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, constipation, reflux and weight control.
- Urogenital disorders: cystitis, low sexual vitality, urinary retention.
- Gynaecological and obstetric disorders: premenstrual tension, painful, heavy or irregular, or the absence of periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, hormonal disturbances, disorders associated with menopause, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, difficulty with conception, and morning sickness.
- Skin conditions: eczema, dermatitis, acne and scar tissue
- Eye conditions: visual disorders, red, sore, itchy and watery eyes
- Musculoskeletal disorders: osteoarthritis, sciatica, lumbago, weak back, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, shoulder and neck pain, knee pain, ‘frozen shoulder’, and ‘tennis elbow’.
- Sporting injuries: sprained ankles and knees, cartilage problems, corking and tearing of muscles, torn ligaments, bruises and sports prevention.
- Psychological conditions: depression, anxiety, nervousness and addictions such as smoking.
What happens in a treatment?
During an acupuncture appointment, there are three stages: an interview ( to determine a diagnosis), the treatment and TCM advice. Diagnosis involves Nicole looking, hearing, asking and feeling. A study of the tongue and pulse will also be used. Nicole will then take this information and decipher a pattern according to Chinese Diagnostic Principles. These may include theories such as Five Elements, Yin/Yang, Qi / Blood / Fluids, 8 Principles and/or Organ Patterns. At the appointment, Nicole will openly discuss these theories with you, as well as any future advice she may recommend. This may involve dietary, lifestyle changes or exercise recommendations.
Acupuncture appointments usually last 1 hour initially, 45 min subsequently. Acupuncture needles in adults are retained for approximately 20 minutes; however each client and treatment may differ. Acupuncture treatments involving musculoskeletal conditions may also require a longer appointment as Remedial massage is usually beneficial.
If you have any questions regarding acupuncture or wish to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call Nicole. She is always happy to answer any questions you may have.