The use of Acupuncture for healing and methods of treatment

Acupuncture Treatment

In acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist inserts thin needles at specific points in the body. Although slight discomfort may occasionally be felt upon insertion of the needle, the treatment is virtually painless. The needles may be left in place for anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. To support the acupuncture therapy, the practitioner may recommend taking herbs in the form of teas and capsules, and may also suggest specific lifestyle changes and exercises. Relief may be experienced after only one treatment, or after a series of treatments.

What happens during treatment

On your first vist, Angela will take notes on your lifestyle and medical history, and assess your condition using the "Four Examinations" of TCM - asking, observing, listening (and smelling), and finally touching, in which the most important test is taking the pulse. This is a skilled method of checking the rhythm and strength of all 12 meridian pulses (six on each wrist).

There are 28 descriptions, such as "wiry" or "choppy", to categorise the state of each pulse. To aid diagnosis, Angela may examine other parts of the body. She will then discuss treatment options, which, as well as acupuncture, often include advice on diet and lifestyle, and may involve herbs or acupressure. You will then be asked to lie on a treatment table, after removing any clothes covering needle sites (acupoints). The site depends on the disorder and whether the flow of chi is to be "warmed", reduced, or increased. Several acupoints may be used: those on the hands and feet are often treated, but sites on the back, abdoment, shoulders, and face are also widely used.

The physical examination in the final stage of the Four Examinations used by TCM, certain areas of the body are examined, including the area below the navel, the dantien, which is the central store of the chi of the body.

Inserting the needles

The practitioner generally inserts the acupuncture needles to a depth of 1/8 - 1 inch (4-25 mm) depending on the position of the acupoint being treated, although in some cases, practitioners may insert needles to a deeper level. Treatment often involves a combination of acupoints; usually 6 to 12 needles are used, varying according to the type of acupuncture and the condition of the individual patient. Acupuncture needles may be left in position for a few minutes, as little as a few seconds (especially along the back), or as long as an hour. At the end of the session they are withdrawn swiftly and gently, usually painlessly, without bleeding and leaving no trace on the skin. Insertion is quick and usually bloodless and painless, although there is often a pinprick as the skin is pierced. The period for which the needle is left in place depends on its site - here on the kidney meridian - and the condition being treated.

Twisting the needle gently between thumb and forefinger, once it is in position, allows the practitioner to regulate the flow of chi. This procedure should not hurt, although it may cause a slight numbness or tugging feeling.

An alternative to using needles is moxibustion.

Click here to read about the use of moxa and moxibustion to stimulate accupoints during acupuncture treatment.

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