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As an acupuncturist, I think it's important to understand the philosophy of Chinese medicine, which includes the belief in Chi, the body's energy flow. If you have an even flow of Chi, you are in good health. What acupuncture offers in an ability to tap into the Chi. It is then possible to readjust a person's flow of energy, if it has become unbalanced. Before I treat somebody I take some time to study a patient's medical history. I also read the body's pulses. We can take the pulse at twelve different places, and each place relates to a different organ. From this information I can decide if there are any blockages in the flow of energy or indeed any surges or energy. It is at this point that I decide where I am going to insert the needles. These needles increase or reduce the flow of energy when they are inserted and twisted at the appropriate meridian points. Don't worry - it does not hurt and you will not bleed! There is great interest and acupuncturists have a long waiting list. The reason for this is partly because conventional medicine has become increasingly impersonal. Ordinary doctors are over-worked and don't have enough time to spend on each patient. It is often easier and quicker for them to hand out pills than to give proper personal attention.
What acupuncture does in encourage the body to heal itself, which is, after all, a natural tendency. There is nothing drastic about the treatment, and people feel more in control of their bodies than when they are subjected to all that high-tech equipment in a modern hospital.
A great many people have headaches. To many they are merely a nuisance that can easily be cured by taking a couple of aspirin. For some headaches become a nightmare. Headaches of such severity are nearly always due to migraine. Cases of migraine are on the increase, largely due to stressful city living, where noise and pollution are contributing factors. In addition it is recognised that particular foods and wine can bring on a migraine, as well as inadequate sleep.
Conventionally treatment is with painkillers which are usually ineffective, especially if the patient suffers from nausea. A more successful approach is to use alternative therapy. Mild bouts of migraine can be relieved by homeopathic remedies. Usually in the form of tablets which dissolve under the tongue and do not irritate the stomach.
Acupuncture produces excellent results in cases of severe migraine. Four needles applied to points of the face give rapid relief, and freedom form attacks can be achieved after as few as six treatment sessions.
Hypnosis is another technique which can be used. Many people misunderstand hypnosis. A hypnotic state is simply one of deep relaxation. You are still in complete control and can not be made to do anything against your will. Hypnosis is an effective cure for migraine, as it induces a trance in the patient.
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