The Diagnosis?
Acupuncture begins with a diagnosis of the individual's energy imbalance.
The energy of the body, mind and spirit is distributed through 12 main
energy pathways (also referred to as meridians). Each pathway is associated
with an organ. The chronic over or under activity of any of these pathways
will cause the organ to work less effectively and disease will result.
Whether an energy pathway is malfunctioning is revealed in many ways, for
example by facial colour, odour, sound in the voice, emotional state, taste
preferences, the nature of the symptoms and the distribution of heat and
cold in the body. Each organ also has a pulse associated with it, which
informs the practitioner about the energy of that organ. The pulses are
located on the radial artery at the wrist. These signs, together with
several others, form the basis of diagnosis. The purpose of the diagnosis is
to establish the underlying cause of a person's condition and the
practitioner therefore has to determine which pathways require adjustment
for a specific condition to improve and which require adjustment for your
overall energy and vitality to improve.
The Treatment
Treatment is the process of re-establishing the energy balance. This is done
in two ways. One is the insertion of fine, stainless steel needles into
acupuncture points, either stimulating or sedating the energy of a specific
pathway. The other is the application of warmth to the acupuncture point.
These methods are often used in combination. As the balance improves, health
improves.
The Effect
Many people come to acupuncture for help with a specific symptom or
condition and indeed, extensive worldwide practice and Chinese research have
shown acupuncture's effectiveness in helping a wide range of physical,
mental and emotional conditions. The effect of good acupuncture, however, is
to do more than simply cure a given symptom. Holistic Traditional
Acupuncture, where the whole person as well as the symptom is taken into
consideration, is directed at restoring the person's overall energy balance
and will deal with the condition and also help the patient feel
better in a general way. Hence the frequent comment, 'I'm feeling better in
myself', which refers to such things as increased energy and vitality,
greater enjoyment of life, greater confidence, better sleep or more normal
appetite. Many patients use holistic Traditional Acupuncture as preventative
treatment. An experienced acupuncturist can often detect and treat an energy
imbalance before the patient is aware of any symptoms. The aim being to
maintain health rather than overcoming a specific condition.
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