Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Acupuncture has been an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for several thousand years. As such it can be used alone or in combination with other therapies such as herbal medicine or Tuina massage, therapies which are practised within the same theoretical framework. TCM Theory is firmly rooted in the ancient philosophical principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements where man is considered as an integral part of nature and as such should follow natural laws. The aim of treatment is to maintain or restore balance within the body in order to maintain or restore health.

In ancient China teaching was often in the form of Master to student and a lot of the original written material has been lost. As Western medicine continues to evolve so too does Chinese medicine and in modern day China the two methods are practised side by side. As Chinese medicine is becoming more accepted in the West it must adapt to the requirements of a different culture as well as to the regulations surrounding ‘alternative’ forms of treatment. In recent years a lot of research has been carried out to try to explain the mechanism of action of acupuncture in scientific terms but so far science has been unable to fully explain the theory as it is practised within the context of Chinese medicine. It is a comprehensive and coherent system of medicine which, when practised within the context of Chinese medicine does not require scientific explanation.

In the West acupuncture has found a place in the treatment of pain conditions, in particular chronic pain. However it can be useful for treating many conditions where there is functional instability such as stress, migraine, irritable bowel, bladder problems, gynaecological and fertility problems. While it will help the body re-balance in functional disorders it is not a substitute for conventional medicine in serious medical conditions and in such situations, in our practice, can only be used with medical approval.

The therapy involves the insertion of fine needles at certain points under the skin known as ‘acupoints’. The points lie along channels known as ‘Meridians’ in which the Qi and Blood flow thus connecting all parts of the body together as a functional whole. In the context of TCM the actions of these points and the effect of combining them has been learned through observation over several thousand years. When the points are stimulated the person feels the sensation of ‘de Qi’, a sensation which may travel along the associated Meridian and thus obtain therapeutic effect at a distance from the site of stimulation.

In Western terms acupuncture stimulates nerves which travel to the spinal cord and to the brain and this helps explain its local (segmental) and distant (non-segmental) effects. The effects on the brain also help explain why acupuncture can relieve stress as well as its effect on hormone systems.

Acupuncture can also be used to help establish labour when the baby is overdue. If used in the last few weeks of pregnancy it can help labour to come on at the expected time and to proceed smoothly. 

Pre-birth acupuncture

Acupuncture given in the last few weeks of pregnancy can help prepare women for childbirth. Research into the technique has shown reduced mean duration of labour in the group given acupuncture. Midwives have reported that women who have received acupuncture tend to go into spontaneous labour at their due time or, if induction is required, respond well to acupuncture for induction of labour. The general effects of acupuncture are well known to promote relaxation and emotional well-being.