| Acupuncture forms part of traditional Chinese | | | | effects similar to morphine. The success of the |
| medicine. Included are Chinese herbalism, tai chi | | | | acupuncture also depends on the responsiveness |
| and chi kung. It is believed that traditional Chinese | | | | of the patient. Some people seem to be more |
| medicine originated around 2500BC and is one of | | | | responsive than others especially children that |
| the oldest forms of treatment. Acupuncture did | | | | receive treatment. |
| not really become well known in Western | | | | During the initial consultation the practitioner will |
| countries until the 1950s, except for the few | | | | ask questions about the patients history, the |
| Chinese practitioners treating Chinese patients in | | | | present complaint, life style, diet and exercise |
| those countries such as Britain. Today, even | | | | routines and emotional health. Skin colour, the |
| some orthodox physicians are trained in | | | | state of the nails, eyes and tongue, body odour |
| acupuncture and are incorporating it with western | | | | and careful examination of the pulse points form |
| medicine and achieving great results. | | | | part of the diagnosis. The human body contains |
| Acupuncture is centered on Tao philosophy, like | | | | 59 meridians and about 1000 pressure points. To |
| the other forms of Chinese medicine. It is based | | | | treat imbalances the acupuncturist will stimulate |
| on the philosophy that a vital energy (force) flows | | | | the pressure points that occur along the meridians. |
| along invisible channels in the body with the | | | | Inserting fine, solid needles into the skin, applying |
| inseparable opposing forces of yin and yang, | | | | heat and fingertip pressure form part of |
| which govern each person. 'Yin' is a masculine, | | | | stimulation. The points involved are usually found |
| active and positive force and 'yang', a female, | | | | on the forearms, hands, feet and lower legs. |
| passive and negative force. When this energy | | | | Sometimes all three methods of stimulation may |
| (chi) freely flows through these invisible channels | | | | be used. Treatment may include |
| (meridians) and the yin and yang are balanced, the | | | | recommendations on diet and exercise. |
| result is health. If the yin and yang are unbalanced | | | | Always ensure you choose a fully trained and |
| and the chi is blocked, the results become | | | | registered practitioner when seeking acupuncture |
| noticeable in the form of illness. The purpose | | | | treatment. Inform the practitioner of any |
| therefore of acupuncture is to correct these | | | | orthodox treatment you may be receiving before |
| imbalances and unblock the meridians, allowing the | | | | diagnosis or treatment in acupuncture. |
| chi to flow freely once again in the body restoring | | | | Acupuncture is most often used in conjunction |
| the patient to physical health. Another form of | | | | with Chinese herbalism, as it can be |
| acupuncture called auricular therapy is based solely | | | | contraindicated with some forms of |
| on the external ear, which contains its own | | | | complementary therapy. Parents should always |
| acupuncture points. This type of therapy is very | | | | consult an acupuncturist who has had special |
| useful for acute conditions. | | | | training in the treatment of children, before |
| People suffering from allergies, asthma, bronchitis | | | | embarking on a diagnosis in acupuncture. The |
| and other conditions may benefit by acupuncture. | | | | treatment for children will consist mainly of |
| Acupuncture is also helpful in relieving pain. | | | | fingertip pressure (acupressure) to the relevant |
| Acupuncture aids the body to release its very | | | | acupuncture points, rather than applying the more |
| own pain-reliever, known as endorphins, which has | | | | traditional method of needles. |