Acupuncture
Emma recognizes and appreciates that a phobia of needles prevents many Westerners from trying Acupuncture and would like to reassure you that many Chinese patients are needle phobic too. However the Chinese 'fear' the actual disease more than the needles and favour Acupuncture treatment as a preventative measure to strengthen their constitution and overall energy and vitality. This can be best summarised by the following Chinese saying:
'Treating a person when they become ill is like starting to dig a well when you are thirsty.'
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a procedure by which disease can be prevented and treated through proper insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points accompanied by different manipulations in order to stimulate the body's healing energy or 'Qi' (pronounced 'chee' as in cheese). Qi flows beneath the surface layers of the skin in channels of energy known more popularly as 'meridians' or 'channels'.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Contrary to popular belief, acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to the conventional hypodermic needles used in modern medicine and are forty times finer, almost 'hairlike'. When performed by a qualified acupuncturist, the needles are gently and painlessly inserted into the selected acupuncture points. Once the needle reaches the acupuncture point, a sensation of Qi is obtained. The clinical sensations typically felt by the patient includes:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Distension
- Soreness
- Heaviness, rather like a dull ache
This should be a painless and pleasurable experience, often accompanied by a deep feeling of relaxation.
How many needles are used during treatment?
This depends on the individual and will vary according to the condition being treated. Only sterilised needles are used which are designed to be disposed of after a single application.
How long are the needles left in?
Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or more commonly, left in place for up to 20 minutes or longer, depending on the effect required.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat a variety of specific symptoms or conditions, but it is important to realise that Traditional Chinese Acupuncture recognises that each person’s diseased state is unique, therefore the treatment emphasis is on the individual person, rather than the actual disease process itself. In this way, the patient is treated on a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual level.