Chinese tui na massage Worcester, Worcestershire UK

About Traditional Acupuncture

Traditional Acupuncture is a healthcare system based on ancient principles which go back nearly 2,000 years. At its core is a positive model of good health and function, with pain and illness being read as signs that the body is out of balance. The overall aim of acupuncture treatment is to restore the body's equilibrium. What makes traditional acupuncture uniquely suited to modern life is that physical, emotional and mental are seen as interdependent. In this it reflects what many people now perceive as the connection between the different aspects of their lives.

Traditional Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine - a tried and tested healthcare system that has been practised for thousands of years in China. It has been developed, tested, researched and refined over centuries to give us a complex and detailed understanding of the body's energetic balance.

The first known book of Chinese Medicine, ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic’, dates back to between the first century BC and the first century AD. All styles of acupuncture currently practised around the world trace their roots back to this text. Without the help of modern scientific equipment, ancient Chinese scholars discovered many now familiar aspects of biomedical science, such as the effect of emotional stress on the immune system. Traditional Acupuncturists are no less scientific or sophisticated than western clinicians in their understanding of how the body functions, although to this day they use terminology that reflects Chinese medicine's cultural and historic origins.
In China during the early part of the twentieth century traditional medicine fell out of fashion as symptomatic healthcare treatments were imported from the West along with other cultural influences. Calls by western trained doctors to ban traditional Chinese medicine were rejected by the National Medical Assembly in Shanghai on the 17th March 1929. This day is still celebrated every year as Chinese Doctors' Day.
Traditional Chinese medicine remained in the shadow of western medicine until the Long March of 1934-5. Without drugs, anaesthetics or surgery vast numbers of sick and wounded soldiers faced death until doctors of traditional Chinese medicine achieved amazing results using Acupuncture and other traditional methods of treatment. From this point on, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine were practised side by side in China. Under the People's Republic of China, established in 1948, all branches of TCM were nurtured and encouraged to grow. By 1978, whole hospitals and research departments were devoted to the practice of TCM.

The first known book of Chinese Medicine, ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic’, dates back to between the first century BC and the first century AD. All styles of acupuncture currently practised around the world trace their roots back to this text.

Without the help of modern scientific equipment, ancient Chinese scholars discovered many now familiar aspects of biomedical science, such as the effect of emotional stress on the immune system. Traditional Acupuncturists are no less scientific or sophisticated than western clinicians in their understanding of how the body functions, although to this day they use terminology that reflects Chinese medicine's cultural and historic origins.

In China during the early part of the twentieth century traditional medicine fell out of fashion as symptomatic healthcare treatments were imported from the West along with other cultural influences. Calls by western trained doctors to ban traditional Chinese medicine were rejected by the National Medical Assembly in Shanghai on the 17th March 1929. This day is still celebrated every year as Chinese Doctors' Day.

Traditional Chinese medicine remained in the shadow of western medicine until the Long March of 1934-5. Without drugs, anaesthetics or surgery vast numbers of sick and wounded soldiers faced death until doctors of traditional Chinese medicine achieved amazing results using Acupuncture and other traditional methods of treatment.

From this point on, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine were practised side by side in China. Under the People's Republic of China, established in 1948, all branches of TCM were nurtured and encouraged to grow. By 1978, whole hospitals and research departments were devoted to the practice of TCM.

Can Acupuncture Help Me?

Traditional Acupuncture is successfully used for a very wide range of conditions. Among the more commonly treated disorders are: • Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs and colds. • Skin Disorders: Acne, allergies, eczema, psoriasis and shingles. • Eye, Nose & Ear Disorders: Conjunctivitis, rhinitis, hay fever and tinnitus. • Digestive Disorders: Colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, gum disease, IBS; haemorrhoids, heartburn, hiatus hernia and ulcers. • Musculo-skeletal Disorders: Arthritis, rheumatism, frozen shoulder, muscular pain, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, repetitive strain injury, sciatica and tennis elbow. • Psychological & Emotional Disorders: Addictions, anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic attacks and stress. • Circulatory & Heart Disorders: Angina, high & low blood pressure, palpitations, stroke and Raynaulds disease. • Genealogical disorders: Menopausal Issues (hot flushes, night sweats), menstrual issues (PMS, pain, irregularity), fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease and pregnancy. • Miscellaneous Disorders: Cystitis, dizziness, headaches, migraines, fatigue, tiredness and infertility. Acupuncture Treatment: There is no 'one size fits all' Acupuncture treatment because no two people are identical. Traditional Acupuncture is a holistic healthcare system that treats the whole person, not just your symptoms. Consultation: During the initial consultation we will take a complete medical history in order to understand your unique physical profile and lifestyle. You will generally be asked about your current symptoms, medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The practitioner will take your pulse on both wrists, examine your tongue and palpate for areas of muscular tension or pain. Treatment plan: Following diagnosis we will put together your personalised treatment plan which may include lifestyle and dietary advice. We use ultra-fine, sterile acupuncture needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians cover the whole body, the points used are not always close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand. We may suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment, such as by making changes to your diet and daily routine. In addition to needling acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncture treatment may include other Chinese therapeutic techniques such as: Moxibustion: Treats and prevents diseases by the application of heat to points or certain locations on the body. The material used is mainly ‘moxa-wool’, which is a dried herb related to Mugwort and usually in the form of a cone or stick. It is mainly is used to warm, expel cold and damp and keep good health. *Gua Sha: A popular treatment in China whereby the patient’s neck, chest or back is rubbed vigorously to cause local stagnation which increases blood flow clears energy blockages and clears excess heat. Cupping Therapy: A jar is placed on the surface of the skin to cause local congestion, through the removal of the air in the jar. This method promotes the free flow of Qi and Blood in the channels, diminishes swellings and pains and dispels cold and dampness. Chinese ‘Tui Na’* Massage: to relieve muscle tension, stimulate acupressure points, open energy meridians and stimulate the flow of Qi. Safety** Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK. The Acupuncturist will set up a 'clean field' for needles and other equipment. Needles are individually wrapped in sterile packaging and are used only once. Used needles are deposited in a sharps box to be collected by an authorised carrier and safely disposed of as clinical waste. The treatment couch is covered with fresh paper couch roll for each patient, and used couch roll is disposed of as clinical waste. Your practitioner will wash their hands several times before, during and after your treatment. We have full medical malpractice and public liability insurance cover.
Questions & Answers (FAQ) Who has traditional Acupuncture? Many people use Acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose Acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. It can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine. Is it safe for babies, children and teenagers? Yes. Children and adolescents usually respond very well to Acupuncture. How can traditional Acupuncture help me? Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy. How many sessions will I need? That depends on your individual condition. At first we will normally ask to see you once a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments. Traditional Acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'retuning' session at the change of each season throughout the year. What does it feel like? Most people find Acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body's Qi (vital energy), has been stimulated. I’m scared of needles – can I still have Acupuncture? Yes. Acupuncture needles are much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable. What should I do before a treatment? Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the Acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible. How will I feel after a treatment? You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards. Are there any unpleasant side effects? Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Any that do occur are mild and self-correcting. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needle point. Should I tell my doctor that I’m having Acupuncture? If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor it is sensible to mention that you plan to have Acupuncture. Your Acupuncturist will need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response. Acupuncture treatment. Yes. The Acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. DO NOT stop taking medication without professional guidance. Is Acupuncture available on the NHS? A handful of GP practices offer integrated healthcare with complementary therapies including Acupuncture, however this is not yet commonplace. I have private medical insurance – will it cover the cost of my treatment? That depends upon your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional Acupuncture. You should check your individual policy details.

Traditional Acupuncture is successfully used for a very wide range of conditions. Among the more commonly treated disorders are:

• Respiratory Disorders:

Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, coughs and colds.

• Skin Disorders:

Acne, allergies, eczema, psoriasis and shingles.

• Eye, Nose & Ear Disorders:

Conjunctivitis, rhinitis, hay fever and tinnitus.

• Digestive Disorders:

Colitis, constipation, diarrhoea, gum disease, IBS; haemorrhoids, heartburn, hiatus hernia and ulcers.

• Musculo-skeletal Disorders:

Arthritis, rheumatism, frozen shoulder, muscular pain, low back pain, neck pain, knee pain, repetitive strain injury, sciatica and tennis elbow.

• Psychological & Emotional Disorders:

Addictions, anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic attacks and stress.

• Circulatory & Heart Disorders:

Angina, high & low blood pressure, palpitations, stroke and Raynaulds disease.

• Genealogical disorders:

Menopausal Issues (hot flushes, night sweats), menstrual issues (PMS, pain, irregularity), fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease and pregnancy.

• Miscellaneous Disorders:

Cystitis, dizziness, headaches, migraines, fatigue, tiredness and infertility.

Acupuncture Treatment:
There is no 'one size fits all' Acupuncture treatment because no two people are identical. Traditional Acupuncture is a holistic healthcare system that treats the whole person, not just your symptoms.
Consultation: During the initial consultation we will take a complete medical history in order to understand your unique physical profile and lifestyle. You will generally be asked about your current symptoms, medical history, diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The practitioner will take your pulse on both wrists, examine your tongue and palpate for areas of muscular tension or pain.

Treatment plan: Following diagnosis we will put together your personalised treatment plan which may include lifestyle and dietary advice. We use ultra-fine, sterile acupuncture needles to stimulate specific acupuncture points on your body. Because energy meridians cover the whole body, the points used are not always close to where you experience pain or discomfort. For example, if you suffer from headaches needles might be inserted in your foot or hand. We may suggest ways in which you can enhance the long-term effects of your treatment, such as by making changes to your diet and daily routine.

In addition to needling acupuncture points, a traditional acupuncture treatment may include other Chinese therapeutic techniques such as:

Moxibustion: Treats and prevents diseases by the application of heat to points or certain locations on the body. The material used is mainly ‘moxa-wool’, which is a dried herb related to Mugwort and usually in the form of a cone or stick. It is mainly is used to warm, expel cold and damp and keep good health.

Gua Sha: A popular treatment in China whereby the patient’s neck, chest or back is rubbed vigorously to cause local stagnation which increases blood flow clears energy blockages and clears excess heat.

Cupping Therapy: A jar is placed on the surface of the skin to cause local congestion, through the removal of the air in the jar. This method promotes the free flow of Qi and Blood in the channels, diminishes swellings and pains and dispels cold and dampness.

Chinese ‘Tui Na’ Massage: to relieve muscle tension, stimulate acupressure points, open energy meridians and stimulate the flow of Qi.

Safety
Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments, both conventional and complementary, on offer in the UK.

The Acupuncturist will set up a 'clean field' for needles and other equipment.
Needles are individually wrapped in sterile packaging and are used only once.
Used needles are deposited in a sharps box to be collected by an authorised carrier and safely disposed of as clinical waste.
The treatment couch is covered with fresh paper couch roll for each patient, and used couch roll is disposed of as clinical waste.
Your practitioner will wash their hands several times before, during and after your treatment.
We have full medical malpractice and public liability insurance cover.

Questions & Answers (FAQ)

Who has traditional Acupuncture?
Many people use Acupuncture for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose Acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution or because they just feel generally unwell. Acupuncture is considered suitable for all ages including babies, children and the elderly. It can be very effective when integrated with conventional medicine.

Is it safe for babies, children and teenagers?
Yes. Children and adolescents usually respond very well to Acupuncture.

How can traditional Acupuncture help me?
Acupuncture is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms, from clearly defined complaints to more general feelings of ill health and low energy.

How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your individual condition. At first we will normally ask to see you once a week. You may start to feel benefits after the first or second treatment although long-standing and chronic conditions usually need more time to improve. Once your health has stabilised you may need top-up treatments. Traditional Acupuncture is also very effective when used as preventive healthcare and many people like to go for a 'retuning' session at the change of each season throughout the year.

What does it feel like?
Most people find Acupuncture to be very relaxing. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache. This is one of the signs the body's Qi (vital energy), has been stimulated.

I’m scared of needles – can I still have Acupuncture?
Yes. Acupuncture needles are much finer than the needles used for injections and blood tests. You may not even feel them penetrate the skin and once in place they are hardly noticeable.

What should I do before a treatment?
Try not to have a large meal within an hour of your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern of your pulse, and you may need to lie on your stomach. You should also avoid alcohol and food or drink that colours your tongue such as coffee or strong tea. It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes so that the Acupuncture points, especially those on your lower limbs, are easily accessible.

How will I feel after a treatment?
You are likely to feel relaxed and calm. If the treatment has been particularly strong you may feel tired or drowsy and it is worth bearing this in mind if you plan to drive or use any other machinery soon afterwards.

Are there any unpleasant side effects?
Acupuncture has virtually no unpleasant side effects. Any that do occur are mild and self-correcting. Occasionally there may be minor bruising at the needle point.

Should I tell my doctor that I’m having Acupuncture?
If you are currently receiving treatment from your doctor it is sensible to mention that you plan to have Acupuncture. Your Acupuncturist will need to know about any medication you are taking as this may affect your response.

Acupuncture treatment.
Yes. The Acupuncture treatment may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some forms of medication but you should always consult your doctor regarding any change of prescription. DO NOT stop taking medication without professional guidance.

Is Acupuncture available on the NHS?
A handful of GP practices offer integrated healthcare with complementary therapies including Acupuncture, however this is not yet commonplace.

I have private medical insurance – will it cover the cost of my treatment?
That depends upon your insurer. As the demand for complementary medicine increases more private health insurance companies are beginning to offer cover for traditional Acupuncture. You should check your individual policy details.

Kui De Tang