 Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Chinese physicians theorize that there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin, which communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures at over 1,000 "Acupoints" on the body. They also believe that this energy works in harmony with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other systems of the body. These physicians also believe that when this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the body is said to restore harmony to the affected area. In the past 30 years, because of the huge public interest in the subject, considerable scientific research on acupuncture has been carried out although much more remains to be done. As doctors learn more about it the possibilities of using acupuncture alongside orthodox medicine increases. The modern theory of acupuncture is that there is a connection via the central nervous system that induces the production or secretion of chemicals in the body, such as endorphins, neurotransmitters, hormones, lymphokines, etc., and since acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, most conditions can be corrected or improved. Dr Bernard Willis has over 20 years experience of using medical acupuncture with great success but only treats those conditions that have scientific research to support its use. The World Health Organization, working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training centre of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has indicated acupuncture is effective in the following conditions:
But this is only a partial list of the numerous conditions acupuncture has been credited with helping.  The Acupuncture needles are very, very fine, about the size of a thick hair and honed to a gently tapered tip. The needles are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, very refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enables a skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation. Whilst not always completely painless, insertion of acupuncture needles is often less painful than stimulating points with finger pressure. Most patients say they cannot feel the insertion of the needles. After inserting the needle, its subtle manipulation may cause a feeling of fullness, warmth, pressure or a propagating "electrical" sensation. These sensations may be surprising or strange but are usually not painful. Most patients find acupuncture treatment very relaxing. A small number of patients will initially experience a worsening of symptoms. This is not unusual and is no need for alarm. Another common "side effect" of acupuncture is the feeling of drowsiness or euphoria following a treatment. Obviously the number of treatments varies with different conditions and individuals but researchers internationally agree the usual number of treatments per condition is between six and twelve. If you have a course of acupuncture you should feel some relief by the third or fourth treatment. The usual frequency is about two treatments per week. Even though is possible to achieve success after one treatment, a programme of six to twelve visits would have a better chance for success. Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing process. For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system or tissue damage, results are often permanent but for chronic conditions, symptoms may recur from time to time. Generally a few additional treatments are sufficient to obtain relief. It is suggested that patients with severe or chronic conditions return for an additional treatment two or three times a year. It is important to note that 75% of all people will get some benefit from acupuncture treatment. They may lose their pain completely, or they may find it is much improved. Unfortunately, about a quarter 25% of patients do not seem to respond to acupuncture and results can never be guaranteed.
|
