Acupuncture is an extremely ancient therapeutic art. It developed in China around two thousand years ago, and has been empirically used since then on many many millions of people to treat all sorts of illness and disease. It remains one of the world's longest continuously practised holistic therapies.
In the West, acupuncture is a relatively recent import, generally known for its modern application of controlling pain, and even as a substitute for anaesthetic in surgical operations.
Traditionally in the East, however, acupuncture has been, and is still used to provide relief from all manner of disease and disorder, utilising its time-proven capacity to prompt and promote the body's ability to conduct its own healing processes.
This happens through the slightest interventions within the body's energy
systems, by the application of the finest of needles (or with moxibustion)
at specific points on the body. Modern technology and practitioner skill
means that the patient only experiences the most minimal amount of discomfort
from the treatment - and indeed it is often experienced as an extremely
relaxing form of treatment. In competent hands the treatment is extremely
safe and without side-effects.
On both sides of the Atlantic, respected organisations have recently given qualified endorsements of acupuncture's efficacy. The U.S. National Institutes of Health in 1997, a BMA report in the UK in 2000, and the report by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee in 2001 have all recently come out in favour of acupuncture as an effective treatment, although there are varying opinions as to exactly how effective it is. These are principally dependant on differing understandings as to how acupuncture works.
Firm techniques will relax and work away areas of tension and muscle tightness.
A "traditionalist's" view as to how it works
In traditional oriental medicine, health and illness are seen in terms of the condition of an individual's qi. This is best expressed as a 'subtle essence' or energy which circulates around the body, providing life to what would otherwise be inanimate, and promoting health and well-being. Acupuncture points are the surface locations where this qi can be accessed and regulated.
In this context of balancing and regulating health-promoting qi, a vast array of complaints can be (and have been) successfully treated by acupuncture. It has been said that any disease which is physiologically reversible can be treated by acupuncture. We would add to this that any complaint that has a "psychological" factor within it may also be improved.
A general summary of conditions it treats
Types of conditions which can benefit fall into the following categories:
· musculo-skeletal
· respiratory
· dermatological
· stress-related
· gynaecological
· gastro-intestinal
· ENT
· auto-immune
· genito-urinary
Many people find acupuncture beneficial with conditions where other forms of treatment have been unsuccessful. Some find it useful to help get them back on their feet after operations. Additionally, some people are actively investigating realistic alternatives to long-term prescription medication, with its associated consequences.
Does it help in all cases? No. We wish it did - but in our experience it helps in the vast majority. Sometimes one needs to persevere. We are all unique, and often we carry complex underlying conditions which can make diagnosis and treatment frustrating. This is not unique to acupuncture, it is characteristic of all forms of medicine. The advantage (and the beauty) of acupuncture is the fact that it is safe, effective, and free of the types of side effects so commonly seen in modern medicine.
In some instances, we may consider it unlikely that acupuncture is the best therapy, and may recommend other forms of treatment as being more likely to help. In every case, we are happy to discuss treatment possibilities over the phone, giving our best (and honest) opinions.
Acupuncture is not painless but neither can it be described as painful. Most people's experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much finer, and are solid rather than hollow. The acupuncturists at the "BAC" Centre are trained in extremely delicate needles techniques which create only the minimum sensation necessary.
What happens on my first visit?
This will be longer than subsequent sessions, vital for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment formulation. We take into account not only the presenting complaint(s), but also any other problems, as well as medical and life history. It will also include a physical examination, involving traditional oriental diagnostic skills. This includes palpation of the radial (wrist) pulses, examination of the tongue, and palapation of the abdomen.
How often will I need treatment?
This varies between patients. Certainly a course of treatment is required, one off miracle cures are unusual! Some changes either in yourself generally, or in your condition directly should be noticed after 4 - 6 treatments.
What about the needles?
Both Mick and Merlin are members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). All members use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles, which are disposed of after each treatment. British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) members observe a Code of Practice which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation for other equipment. Additionally, its membership provides comprehensive insurance protection for patients.
Are the acupuncturists insured?
Membership of the BAcC includes a comprehensive liability insurance. Additionally, there are formalised complaint procedures..
Should I continue my prescribed medication while undergoing a course of acupuncture treatment?
Yes, at least until careful discussion is had with your doctor or the practitioner who prescribed the medication. Many people seek the help of an acupuncturist because of dissatisfaction with drug treatment - because it does not seem to be working or because the side effects are unacceptable. DO NOT stop taking any medication without professional guidance.
Is Acupuncture available on the NHS?
Not generally. In cases where your local Primary Care Group(PCG) or Primary Care Trust(PCT) have agreed a contract with a local acupuncturist, your GP may make a referral. This is not currently the case with the "BAC" Centre. Nevertheless, you should always enquire as to the training of an acupuncturist and ensure that they have studied for a minimum three years full-time or the part-time equivalent. Many GP's/Physios have just done a weekend or two training, and use acupuncture only for very specific complaints. Some health protection schemes, however, do support acupuncture treatment by BAcC members. You are welcome to check this, either with the scheme organisers, or with the BAC Centre acupuncturists.
What can acupuncture do for me?
It depends on whether you have specific symptoms or want to use acupuncture as a preventative treatment. Contact one or more of the practitioners in your area to discuss your condition. They will be able to answer specific questions and will be providing and monitoring your treatment.
What should I do before treatment?
Try not to have a big meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and food or drinks which colour your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.
How will I feel after acupuncture?
Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours after treatment, in which case you are advised not to drive or do anything that can put you at risk. There may also be a short term flare up of your symptoms as your Qi clears and resettles itself.
(This takes around 2 hours)
Subsequent treatment: £35
(This takes around 1 hour)
He is a member of the British Acupuncture Council.
Some of the conditions he treats on a regular basis are:
· Anxiety and allied symptoms such as palpitations
· Arthritis pain
· Conception and fertility difficulties
· Clinical depression
· M E and allied illnesses of physical fatigue
· Migraine
· Muscular and structural problems such as sciatica and non-specific
back and leg pains
· Stroke recovery
I originally learnt my acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture
in Leamington. Since then I have actively researched and studied some of
the methods of acupuncture and moxibustion currently in use in Japan, particularly
those developed in the last four hundred years. Amongst them are the extraordinarily
delicate but effective techniques developed by blind master practitioners
who have been at the forefront of the development of acupuncture in Japan
in this time.
My studies have taken me to Holland and Japan, and have resulted in my registered
membership of the Toyohari Medical Association, whose home is in Tokyo.
My background is hardly medical. I spent my early working life with inner
city kids before working in the cut and thrust construction industry. I
discovered the power of acupuncture as a (reluctant!) patient when I became
unwell, and subsequently decided to explore its mystery for myself and for
the benefit of those I might treat with it.
I also spent over ten years as a part-time counsellor.
I have a motto which I learnt from one of my teachers, and I try to live
by it in my treatment room. It goes: "Whilst you should take what you
do with your life with the utmost seriousness, you should never take yourself
seriously (otherwise you will be destined for a sad and unhappy life!)."
My intention is to create a space in my treatment room where my patients
and I can share our humour and humanity.
BAcC - the website of the British Acupuncture Council, the body which regulates standards of education, ethics, discipline and practice in "traditional" acupuncture in the UK. This is the professional organisation which we belong to.
Acupuncture and Moxa - the homepage of Merlin Young's own personal website. This site describes some of the subtle and gentle Japanese techniques which he uses in treatment.
Vilberto's acupuncture links - for anyone with a keen interest in acupuncture, this page from Sao Paolo, Brasil, is a great place to catch a wave and surf. Grab a board!
Toyohari - Toyohari is a method of acupuncture originally developed in Japan. Practitioners who have studied this approach in the UK are already qualified as acupuncturists, and have undergone further training in order to become registered Toyohari practitioners.
