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Reflecting Thoughts on the Acupuncture Process and how this Informs Treatment

July 26, 2024

With acupuncture, there are many theories which can be used by practitioners. Aside from the standard meridian theory of acupuncture treatment, there are other health professionals that use alternative needle insertion therapies, such as dry needling. These treatment types have similar intrusive techniques to acupuncture, and they have many different names throughout the different regions of the world.

The Hologram Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture

In the TCM inclusive form of muscular based acupuncture, the needling technique is used to reduce tension, tightness, and to relieve certain conditions which have blocked energy.

With the TCM holistic holographic concept (or hologram theory), practitioners gain a broader understanding of the body as a whole. This is applied by viewing the extremities or units of the body as individual microecosystems. Acupuncturists can then use this information to visualise a complex image of how the body’s systems function independently, and then how they can affect and interact with each other. Acupuncture can penetrate and treat many independent units of the body such as the head, forearms, neck, hands, knees, abdomen, and feet. This theory provides practitioners with the convenience, efficiency, and comfort necessary to consider the personalised treatment of clients. Acupuncturists when using this approach can easily take into consideration the preferences of clients. For example, some clients don’t want acupuncture in certain areas due to skin issues, pregnancy, fears, or discomfort. The holographic theory of acupuncture can provide different patterns for the treatment of clients in these situations, which is why this theory is broadly used in acupuncture treatment.

Factors which can Influence Your Treatment

Acupuncturists take many factors into consideration when determining the appropriate treatment for clients. For example, the age of clients, their sensitivity, and their individual body clocks are all aspects which should be considered by practitioners to provide a proper and flexible approach.

The environment in which we live, and the seasonal changes that occur can also affect our bodies, our feelings, and our acupuncture needs. In Spring, the energy in our bodies is lifted up, in Summer the energy is spread throughout our bodies, in Autumn this energy begins shrinking within our body, and then as we enter into Winter, the energy falls down into our bodies. In the warmer seasons, the energy is near the body’s surface, whilst in the colder months the energy is much deeper inside the body. This has many implications for acupuncture, as different techniques and points can be chosen to consistently match the treatment approach to the changing seasons. This is not a ‘one size fits all’ standard approach, but rather an approach that takes the individual’s unique health and medical history, environment and geographical setting, travel plans etc. into consideration.

How Acupuncture Focuses on the Flow of Energy within the Body

The different regions of the body that acupuncture is applied to (such as the front, back, and sides), the numbers of needles used, and whether the lower or upper parts of the body are targeted, can all impact the benefits of the treatment. Using these different approaches means that specific meridians and focus points can be targeted. Having multiple acupuncture approaches available provides acupuncturists with the flexibility needed to focus on interacting with, and influencing the flow of energy within the body. This can be viewed similarly to how streams are guided towards rivers, and how the rivers then proceed to flow into the ocean.

This way of understanding how energy flows throughout the body is an alternative to a disease and diagnostic based understanding. TCM doesn’t necessarily claim that certain parts of the body are wrong, but rather, focuses on whether the nerves and energy in the body are limited or restricted in certain ways, and whether there is pain or discomfort in specific places, to identify potential blockages of qi. By following the flow of energy in the body through nerves and sensations, acupuncturists can still recognise the local area problem, whilst gaining a holistic understanding. This healing practice is user-friendly, and helps clients to maintain a positive mindset as it supports a way of thinking that views their body as not “broken,” but something that can be improved through a holistic understanding of the body and the energy which flows within it.

Practitioners in TCM interpret facts in nature and healing to craft a caring approach for each individual client. In acupuncture, clients can focus on improving their breathing techniques, and can practise mindfulness, whilst certain acupuncture techniques and postures are utilised, contributing to an effective healing journey.

Written By Lili Henderson-Clark

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Herbal and Food Combined Therapy

November 18, 2024

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a combination of good foods and Chinese herbs is essential for overall health and wellbeing. A small amount of traditional herbs can be eaten daily alongside a healthy diet, for additional nutritional support and for maintaining balance, and good health. This is known as food therapy and medical diet therapy in TCM, and this helps to balance the Yin and Yang through a combination of nutrition and exercise. Traditional Chinese herbs are an edible type of medicine that have been used in TCM for many years. The herbs are used for healing, and for providing many health benefits. Herbs often have a bitter taste, putting off some people from trying this simple way to improve your lifestyle. A core feature of TCM is the belief that a combination of the five flavours in our diet supports our vital organs and overall health, which are Sweet, Salty, Spicy/Pungent, Bitter, and Sour . So, herbs can often be eaten in combination with special fruits, nuts, and seeds to make for a more pleasant, and slightly sweet taste. This can also help you to gain additional nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This combination of food and traditional Chinese herbs is a remedy that can support your immune system and vital functions. These small portions of combined seeds, fruit, and Chinese herbs, can be eaten daily and through a variety of methods. It is common for these to be eaten in bread, porridge, or through forms of steaming.

What is Reflexology?

October 24, 2024

Reflexology is one of the most popular treatment methods for natural healing within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Before your reflexology appointment, a health evaluation and consultation will be carried out to identify your health needs and concerns for treatment. It is very common for clients to be treated with a foot massage. However, although this treatment option can be effective, it can also be limited. The reflexology approach that is often used for the foot massage can also be applied to the rest of the body. The basic theory behind the treatment is the Hologram theory , which treats the body as an interconnected system. The treatment approach to reflexology that works best for you will be determined by your health consultation. Practitioners use different techniques and areas of the body for reflexology to balance chronic physical, emotional and mental concerns. Although foot reflexology has become popularised, the ear, face, head, spinal column, back, abdominal area, hands, and feet all have reflecting points to massage and stimulate, and thus can be treated with this approach. Reflexology is a concept based on energy flow. Different units of the body are connected to different pressure points. When these points are targeted and massaged, they can assist in helping the balance of qi within that area. Through reflexology, blockages in qi can be targeted and prevented, and this can help in relieving stress or discomfort.

Tai Chi and Qi Gong: Holistic Healing Through Ancient Chinese Practices

September 2, 2024

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are traditional forms of exercise in Chinese culture. They are related exercises that are offered at the Woden clinic, and can contribute to the holistic healing of clients as these exercises can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. Many of our clients turn to natural healing methods including TCM when they're ready to take an active role in their health journey. This style of practice requires clients to review their lifestyle, and fitness and activity for their long term health. TCM supports this mindset.