Auricular
Acupuncture
Ear points are sometimes used as well as, or instead of, body
points in an acupuncture session. Ear seeds are most commonly used
which are taped to the ear and left in place between sessions. The
seed are very small and quite discreet. Press needles may also be
used in the same way.
Electroacupuncture
Certain conditions may may make it appropriate to use
electroacupuncture. This works by stimulating the flow of Qi in
the channels by the use of specially designed portable machine
which produces a weak DC charge. Pairs of points are connected to
the machine via fine wires. Just one pair or several may be
connected in this way. The frequency and strength of the electric
pulse may be varied to suit the condition being treated.
Cupping
Glass 'cups' of varying sizes may be used to stimulate the flow of
Qi and Blood in particular areas of the body. A vacuum is created
within the cup with a suction bulb or a lighted taper before
placing it on the skin. The cup may be placed in one position of
moved with a sweeping motion over an area of the body. A cup may
also be placed over a point that has been 'bled' thus stimulating
the flow of blood (a few drops only are usually all that is
necessary).
Moxabustion
Acupuncture is very often used in conjunction with moxabustion
Moxa is dried herb (usually Atremisia Vulgaris) and is allowed to
burn slowly either by forming it into small cones and placed on
selected points of the body or it may be placed on the end of a
needle. Moxa in the form of a 'stick' may also be lit and held
close to the skin while it burns radiating its gentle heat to the
skin. 'Scarring' moxa is regularly referred to in Chinese texts
where moxa is allowed to burn down to the skin. A blister
subsequently forms which leaves a scar. The resultant scar can
take a long time to heal and must be kept scrupulously clean.
Scarring the skin was thought to enhance the effectiveness of the
cure. Western practitioners find that moxa can still be highly
effective without resorting to scarring the patient.
Tuina
and Acupressure
Acupressure massage or Tuina is an ancient healing art that uses
fingers to press key points on the body surface to stimulate the
body's natural self-healing abilities. The hands of the
practitioner may also 'hold' points (cover with the palm) for a
while until the appropriate reaction is felt. Certain conditions
(particularly musculoskeletal problems) benefit greatly from
massage and adding Tuina further enhances the effect. We often use
massage and Tuina prior to acupuncture to help you relax, treat
areas where there may be too little or too much Qi and to open the
meridians. Acupressure is particularly good for children.
Dietary
Advice (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
The saying 'You are what you eat' is as true in Chinese Medicine
as it is elsewhere. Acupuncturists believe a healthy digestive
system (Spleen and Stomach) is central to maintaining good health.
It is important for you take care with your diet and eat those
things which can help improve your condition and avoid those which
can make it worse. For example, a deficiency in the Spleen can be
made worse by excessive drinking of cold liquids and cold raw food
and helped by eating vegetables that are 'just' cooked or better
still, steamed.
Whether
you choose to adjust your diet or take Chinese herbs is simply a
matter of degree. Information on dietary therapy in the medical
classics is found in the same places as information on herbs. In
fact, the difference between diet and taking herbs is related to
the quantity of food ingested. It is important to understand that
Chinese dietary advice is given on an individual basis according
to the nature of your problem. The same advice is not given to
everyone who, for example, suffers from abdominal bloating but is
adjusted according to what food may be appropriate for your
individual condition.
Questions
If you have any questions please feel free to email them to info@EnergyHealthcare.com
or
post them to the discussion group at Acupuncture
Forum
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