Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is part of an ancient and sophisticated form of medical treatment which originated in China but which has increasingly spread throughout the world. This system of medicine is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (often abbreviated to TCM). Acupuncture is one of the many forms of medical treatment which are used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Acupuncture and TCM is the principle form of medical care available to a large portion of the world's population. Traditional Chinese Medicine, through the use of Acupuncture and other classical medical therapies, aims to establish energetic harmony in the whole person and thereby not only treat illness but also promote active health and vitality and thereby increase resistance to disease.
One of the most attractive and distinctive features of TCM is that, from its earliest days, it has emphasised the promotion of positive health and has not restricted itself merely to the treatment of disease.
The scope and range of ailments amenable to TCM care is enormous. It can focus on physical, psychological, emotional or even spiritual disorders with equal effect. All ages of client can be catered to, from the tiny infant to the very old. Pregnant women are prime candidates for TCM and much can be done to promote both ante and post natal care of mother and baby. Those properly qualified can treat animals with TCM therapy.
TCM in general and Acupuncture in particular can be combined with or used alongside other medical therapies and disciplines, such as western medicine.
Treatment Methods used in TCM
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of treatment used by qualified TCM practitioners and it involves the insertion of extremely fine pre-sterilized, stainless steel needles at pre-determined points on the body surface (known as acupuncture points) to restore internal health.
In the hands of a fully qualified professional practitioner the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free of any harmful side-effects.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment. The treatment is carried out by burning a substance known as "moxa" over a particular area or acupuncture point on the body of the patient. This introduces heat into the area for therapeutic effect.
Dietary Therapy
This form of therapy is specialised in TCM terms and involves careful monitoring of food and drink intake in order to eliminate disease and speed recovery. The TCM practitioner may advise a patient regarding the type of food eaten, the time and manner in which it is eaten, or the manner in which it is prepared.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
This is a very extensive part of TCM and includes the dispensing of various Chinese herbal prescriptions in the form of natural herbs, pills, tablets, powders, ointments and other medical preparations.
Medical advice
This forms a crucial part of TCM treatment and concentrates on eliminating factors in the patient's lifestyle or daily living activities that contribute to the cause of or prolongation of a health complaint. For example, advice might be given regarding forms of exercise.
Qi Gong
Qi Gong is a form of Chinese exercise and therapy which uses a combination of breath, mind and movement in order to restore internal health.
What can I expect from a Treatment?
The initial treatment involves taking a full history from the client and taking down every detail regarding the presenting complaint. This takes 45 mins to 1 hour. Subsequent treatments take between 30 and 40 minutes. Most people find acupuncture treatment calming and relaxing. Many people find that when they begin a course of acupuncture treatment they experience positive changes in their overall state of health. They may, for instance, find that they sleep better, feel more relaxed and have a more positive outlook. Occasionally 24 to 48 hours after treatment some people may experience slight mood changes as well as physiological changes such as alterations in bowel and bladder function. It is possible in some cases for symptoms to become temporarily worse. This usually indicates to the practitioner that the body is responding to treatment.
Number of Treatments
Since each person is unique the number of treatments required will vary. Generally, chronic, long term conditions can take longer to treat than acute conditions that have just occurred. If the patient is in general good health recovery may be quicker. Initially treatments are given once per week and then become less frequent as the condition improves. The adherence of the patient to the instructions provided can also influence the speed of recovery.
What can Acupuncture Treat?
The World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a viable means of treatment for a wide range of conditions. Some of the most commonly seen complaints in the acupuncture clinic are as follows:
Infections: Colds, Flu, Viral Infections.
Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions: Sinusitis, Hay fever, Rhinitis, Catarrh.
Dermatology: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne.
Psychological: Depression, Stress, Insomnia, Anxiety
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, Sciatica, Pain Relief, Sports Injury, Bells Palsy.
Internal Disease: Asthma, Bronchitis, Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Bowel Problems, Diabetes, M.E., Headaches/ Migraine, M.S, Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Genitourinary/Gynaecology: Infertility, Impotence, Premenstrual Syndrome, Menstrual Problems, Menopause, Cystitis.
(This list is by no means exhaustive. See www.tcmci.ie for more conditions which can respond well to acupuncture).
Cost of Treatment
50 euro per session (includes the most effective combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, dietary advice, lifestyle advice and Qi Gong).
Chinese herbs in the form of pills 10-15 euro (if necessary).
For more information contact Janice on 087 4128342 and see the following website: www.tcmci.ie
Acupuncture is part of an ancient and sophisticated form of medical treatment which originated in China but which has increasingly spread throughout the world. This system of medicine is known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (often abbreviated to TCM). Acupuncture is one of the many forms of medical treatment which are used by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Acupuncture and TCM is the principle form of medical care available to a large portion of the world's population. Traditional Chinese Medicine, through the use of Acupuncture and other classical medical therapies, aims to establish energetic harmony in the whole person and thereby not only treat illness but also promote active health and vitality and thereby increase resistance to disease.
One of the most attractive and distinctive features of TCM is that, from its earliest days, it has emphasised the promotion of positive health and has not restricted itself merely to the treatment of disease.
The scope and range of ailments amenable to TCM care is enormous. It can focus on physical, psychological, emotional or even spiritual disorders with equal effect. All ages of client can be catered to, from the tiny infant to the very old. Pregnant women are prime candidates for TCM and much can be done to promote both ante and post natal care of mother and baby. Those properly qualified can treat animals with TCM therapy.
TCM in general and Acupuncture in particular can be combined with or used alongside other medical therapies and disciplines, such as western medicine.
Treatment Methods used in TCM
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of treatment used by qualified TCM practitioners and it involves the insertion of extremely fine pre-sterilized, stainless steel needles at pre-determined points on the body surface (known as acupuncture points) to restore internal health.
In the hands of a fully qualified professional practitioner the use of acupuncture is entirely safe and free of any harmful side-effects.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat treatment. The treatment is carried out by burning a substance known as "moxa" over a particular area or acupuncture point on the body of the patient. This introduces heat into the area for therapeutic effect.
Dietary Therapy
This form of therapy is specialised in TCM terms and involves careful monitoring of food and drink intake in order to eliminate disease and speed recovery. The TCM practitioner may advise a patient regarding the type of food eaten, the time and manner in which it is eaten, or the manner in which it is prepared.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
This is a very extensive part of TCM and includes the dispensing of various Chinese herbal prescriptions in the form of natural herbs, pills, tablets, powders, ointments and other medical preparations.
Medical advice
This forms a crucial part of TCM treatment and concentrates on eliminating factors in the patient's lifestyle or daily living activities that contribute to the cause of or prolongation of a health complaint. For example, advice might be given regarding forms of exercise.
Qi Gong
Qi Gong is a form of Chinese exercise and therapy which uses a combination of breath, mind and movement in order to restore internal health.
What can I expect from a Treatment?
The initial treatment involves taking a full history from the client and taking down every detail regarding the presenting complaint. This takes 45 mins to 1 hour. Subsequent treatments take between 30 and 40 minutes. Most people find acupuncture treatment calming and relaxing. Many people find that when they begin a course of acupuncture treatment they experience positive changes in their overall state of health. They may, for instance, find that they sleep better, feel more relaxed and have a more positive outlook. Occasionally 24 to 48 hours after treatment some people may experience slight mood changes as well as physiological changes such as alterations in bowel and bladder function. It is possible in some cases for symptoms to become temporarily worse. This usually indicates to the practitioner that the body is responding to treatment.
Number of Treatments
Since each person is unique the number of treatments required will vary. Generally, chronic, long term conditions can take longer to treat than acute conditions that have just occurred. If the patient is in general good health recovery may be quicker. Initially treatments are given once per week and then become less frequent as the condition improves. The adherence of the patient to the instructions provided can also influence the speed of recovery.
What can Acupuncture Treat?
The World Health Organization recognizes Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a viable means of treatment for a wide range of conditions. Some of the most commonly seen complaints in the acupuncture clinic are as follows:
Infections: Colds, Flu, Viral Infections.
Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions: Sinusitis, Hay fever, Rhinitis, Catarrh.
Dermatology: Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne.
Psychological: Depression, Stress, Insomnia, Anxiety
Musculoskeletal: Arthritis, Sciatica, Pain Relief, Sports Injury, Bells Palsy.
Internal Disease: Asthma, Bronchitis, Blood Pressure, Indigestion, Bowel Problems, Diabetes, M.E., Headaches/ Migraine, M.S, Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Genitourinary/Gynaecology: Infertility, Impotence, Premenstrual Syndrome, Menstrual Problems, Menopause, Cystitis.
(This list is by no means exhaustive. See www.tcmci.ie for more conditions which can respond well to acupuncture).
Cost of Treatment
50 euro per session (includes the most effective combination of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, dietary advice, lifestyle advice and Qi Gong).
Chinese herbs in the form of pills 10-15 euro (if necessary).
For more information contact Janice on 087 4128342 and see the following website: www.tcmci.ie