Acupuncture contd...
Tongue Diagnosis
Tongue Diagnosis is an important aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) both for assessing an individual’s current health and vitality, and providing a basis for prognosis. The tongue is like a “window” through which one can observe changes in the internal organs, body fluids and hormones within. Observation of the tongue – the shape, colour, coating and moisture consistency – informs the acupuncturist about the underlying strengths or weaknesses of the individual’s constitution. It is not at all unusual for the acupuncturist to spend some time assessing or re-assessing your tongue.
Pulse Diagnosis
Chinese pulse examination, used in conjunction with tongue diagnosis, can yield a vast amount of clinically significant data about an individual’s health and vitality.
The pulse is felt at the radial artery of each wrist and is divided into three distinct zones, each zone relating to a particular organ. The pulse is palpated at three different depths – superficial, middle and deep levels – thus enabling the acupuncturist to assess any pathological changes within the organ systems of TCM. Classically, there are 28 different pulse qualities and, by feeling the quality of the pulse on both wrists, an acupuncturist is able to assess the current energetic condition of the individual and the effect any adverse pathogenic factors may have on them.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the warming and stimulation of specific acupuncture points with the burning herb Mugwort. The heat produced warms the corresponding acupuncture meridian, invigorating the flow of Qi and blood, dispelling cold and dampness from painful joints, thus eliminating pathogens. This also strengthens the body's immunity.
Cupping
Cupping is a very old technique in which a spherical jar is attached to the skin by creating suction. The jars are made of glass, plastic or bamboo and the suction is created by removing the oxygen from the jar by using a flame. Cupping is very beneficial for relieving muscular tension, arthritic conditions and the onset of colds and flu.
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is a therapeutic method of preventing and treating diseases using a pulsed electric current to stimulate acupuncture points conducted through the acupuncture needles or directly onto the skin. Electro-acupuncture is indicated for treatment of conditions involving the musculo-skeletal system, for example:
- Tennis elbow
- Sciatica
- Acute low back pain
- Joint pain
As well as being used for conditions such as:
- Neuralgia
- Headaches
- Addiction problems such as smoking
- Insomnia
- Toothache
Auricular Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture is a therapy based on the theory that there are certain connections between the organs of the human body and the points or areas of the ear. The ears are related to the kidneys in TCM being of a similar shape. The ear is also believed to resemble the shape of the foetus lying in the uterus which can be seen more clearly pictorially. Ear acupuncture treats and prevents diseases by stimulating certain points on the auricle with needles or other implements.