What is Acupuncture?
- One of the oldest systems of recorded medicine
- Based on the concept of Qi or vital energy - what keeps us alive and breathing!
- Uses fine pre-sterilized single use needles
- Treats the whole person
Every system of medicine is defined by its perception of health and disease. Whereas the Western physician starts with a symptom, then searches for the underlying cause, the attention of a traditional acupuncturist is first of all on the whole person and all symptoms are seen in the context of the patient’s unique physical and psychological first make-up. For this reason, your first consultation with a fully qualified Acupuncturist is likely to be about 90 minutes long while your practitioner makes a detailed diagnosis of the cause and most effective treatment of your symptoms.
Explaining the Five Elements
As human beings we are intricately linked to and affected by, the world around us. It was the close observations of the elements which constitute life: Water, Wood, Earth, Fire and Metal that led to the beliefs that we, as human beings also reflect these qualities. However, each of us tends to reflect one element to a greater degree than the rest. For example, in Spring, the Wood time of the year, we are surrounded by the renewed drive for growth and change and a Wood type of person may really like (or sometimes dislike) the Spring. He/She may feel particularly alive and well at this time, or could feel out of sorts. Just as a tall tree needs both flexibility and firmness in the face of strong wind, Wood imbalance in us may show us as having issues around flexibility.
As well as taking a detailed note of all symptoms and health concerns, by using the 5 elements in diagnosis there is an opportunity to assess a patient's 'constitutional' type. Together with all other signs and symptoms of illness, this enables an Acupuncturist to plan the best treatment for each individual.