Acupuncture

Origins and historical development :

The exact origins of acupuncture are undocumented, with its practice apparently preceding current historical records. The earliest evidence of this therapy comes from stone needles, dated from around 2500 BC and recovered from ancient Mongolian tombs. In 200BC needles of gold, silver & bronze were found, along with instructional writings on silk scrolls detailing treatment of the body using 11 meridian channels.

The Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine from around 400BC) is not only the foundation of the theory and philosophy of Chinese medicine; but also the earliest known text of acupuncture. The Nei Jing, as it is now known, has 2 parts. The Su Wen, translated as ‘Essential Questions’, is basically theoretical; where as Ling Shu meaning ‘Spiritual Pivot’, is more practical and still used by modern day acupuncturists.

The first written account of an acupuncture treatment is dated at 200BC; and tells the story of a Prince from the period of The Yellow Emperor who had been expected to die but was successfully brought out of his coma with acupuncture.

Through the centuries in China, the knowledge and practice of acupuncture was generally passed down through the generations of male family members. Traditionally acupuncture was used as a preventative measure; and the practitioner was only paid if the client remained healthy. Treatments were normally given 4 times a year, corresponding to the seasons, in order to prepare the body for climatic change. However, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) there was a significant decline in herbalism and acupuncture, while Western influence within China grew. In 1822 the Government enforced a ban on acupuncture in The Imperial Medical College. The reason given was because undressing (even for a medical examination) was considered improper. In 1929 the Government tried to ban all traditional medicine; but failed due to protests from doctors.

With the establishment of The People’s Republic in 1949, there was a national resurgence of interest in acupuncture. More books were published; and acupuncture wards were introduced into hospitals. During the 1950’s acupuncture became renowned for its use with pain control and anaesthesia for operations. Because of these dramatic effects, acupuncture caught the imagination of the Western World leading to a common misconception in the West that acupuncture was only useful for such purposes.

Between 1966 and ’76 the Cultural Revolution within China led to the persecution of Doctors practicing Western medicine; while traditional Chinese medicine was allowed to continue its development. Hospitals and training centres were established throughout the country. Today, the status of an acupuncturist within China is equal to that of a Doctor of Western medicine; and the practice of acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular throughout the World.

What to expect during a treatment :

An initial consultation will last about an hour and will typically start with the practitioner taking a detailed case history of the client’s health and emotional well being. The traditional 4 examination methods of looking, listening & smelling, asking and touching are used to diagnose a pattern of imbalance. Once this has been done the practitioner will apply sterilised needles to particular parts of the body along the meridians; and twist the needles to draw energy. The number of needles used will vary between 5 & 15, and the depth inserted can go from just below skin surface down to 12mm (half an inch). Subsequent sessions normally last around half an hour, with needles sometimes only needing to be applied for a period of 5 minutes.

In general, treatments are not painful. While the needles are applied, some clients report tingling sensations followed by numbness in the area of insertion, some feel an ache; others feel nothing. Whatever sensation is felt, it will usually only last a few seconds.

For best results a course of treatments is likely to be suggested, varying from 6 weekly sessions to longer with a more established condition. Some practitioners also prescribe herbs; as well as offer advice on diet and exercise regimes.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment that targets imbalances of yin and yang within the body, which will in turn result in the improvement of certain symptoms; particularly stress related issues, migraine, insomnia, joint problems, muscle strain, blood pressure abnormalities, respiratory problems (particularly asthma), sciatica, skin complaints, hormone imbalance (inc. menstrual problems), allergies and digestive disorders.