by Juliette Brickley and Kerry Woodham
Traditional Acupuncture, and the subtle diagnostic process used, allows the focus of treatment to be individual. Each patient is unique, with the physical, emotional and mental seen as interdependent.
A natural healing response
Acupuncture features the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on the acupuncture ‘channels’ or ‘meridians’. This aims to stimulate and re-establish the free flow of the body’s vital energy, to restore balance and trigger the body’s natural healing response. When our immune system functions optimally our health is maintained.
Wei Qi
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory ascribes that the immune system begins with our first line of defence, our “Wei Qi” (pronounced Way Chee) or “Defensive Qi”. This circulates outside the Acupuncture channels and in the space between the skin and the muscles.
Our Lungs control the distribution of Wei Qi and regulate the appropriate opening and closing of our pores – letting out heat by means of sweating, and conversely, by keeping our pores closed to prevent disease factors getting into our bodies. The strength of both our immune system and Wei Qi is vital for the prevention of disease.
Acupuncture support for specific symptoms
Acupuncture works by strengthening the body’s internal vital energy via acupuncture points, that lie in 12 main channel systems, each channel being aligned with an organ of the body. People recovering from respiratory infections may benefit by having points along the Lung channel tonified (or strengthened) to help rebuild their Lung health.
What about other symptoms of illness, such as fatigue for example? Our Kidney vital energy can be depleted by illness (in addition to physical and mental overwork and the ageing process itself). If this has been a main symptom of any illness you have suffered, treating points on the Kidney channel to replenish Kidney energy may be beneficial. Such points are routinely used to help rebuild general health after illness.
Acupuncture supports overall well-being
Given that Traditional Acupuncture treats the individual as a whole, it is important to also recognise the effects that this pandemic has had on our mental health. Many people have been left feeling anxious or stressed, and experiencing low mood or changes in sleep patterns, all of which may have a knock-on effect and be detrimental to our well-being
If you would like more information, or to discuss acupuncture as a treatment option for you, please contact the team at Oak Park Clinic. Acupuncture appointments are booking now – contact our fully trained and experienced staff to see how acupuncture can help you.