To the Point

Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years. Although often described as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to treat people with a wide range of illnesses. Its focus is on improving the overall well-being of the patient rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. It is a wonderfully natural system of healthcare which can bring about lasting improvements to an individual's health. It can also be a very positive force for change and help us to achieve a more balanced way of living.

Traditional Chinese philosophy states that our health is dependent on the body's motivating energy Qi (pronounced Chee) moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of meridians (channels) beneath the skin. It consists of equal and opposite qualities – Yin and Yang – and when these become unbalanced, illness may result. By inserting fine needles into the channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help to restore its natural balance. The meridians run through the various organs in the body and the points along a channel can have an effect on the harmonious function of that organ, both on a physical and emotional level. There are many, many reasons why the flow of Qi can be disturbed leading to ill-health and during a consultation an acupuncturist will try to determine the pattern of disharmony by asking questions about lifestyle, medical history, diet, work and emotional state.

In today's current climate it might be useful to explain Qi in terms of a bank account and how well it is functioning. There are three basic types: parental Qi, which could be called the deposit account; acquired Qi, the current account; and inherited Qi which could be likened to a nest-egg or money for a rainy day. In your deposit account (parental Qi) is the health you are given at birth by your parents. It is determined by their state of health at your conception and by the mother's health during pregnancy and labour. This account can be used occasionally for special things or big events when the supply in your current account has run out. If you become consistently overdrawn you will need to fall back on your nest-egg to survive. This Qi cannot be replaced.

Your current account contains the Qi derived from the things you consume after you are born. Poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, hard living conditions and smoking all contribute to bad health even in those with strong parental Qi. This account covers day-to-day living expenses – work, play, exercise, studying. It can fluctuate according to how busy your life is, whether you live a balanced life and can be affected by the seasons. This Qi can be depleted and renewed. If you lead a fairly balanced life then you will not have to dip into your deposit account too often. Keeping an eye on your 'standing orders' – things that happen every day to deplete your supply of Qi – and making sure that when something is 'paid out' it is balanced by something being 'paid in' will keep your Qi in credit. By eating properly, resting and exercising you will keep your account in the black. Over time this will lead to a surplus of Qi which can be siphoned off into a deposit account for use at a time of need.

Your nest-egg is the essential you. It is largely determined by the general constitution of your family. Once this is used up, that's it and over time this basic store of Qi gradually erodes. In Chinese medicine some natural aspects of ageing may be related to the gradual depletion of Qi. Jing "knits" Yin and Yang together – the eventual decline in Jing leads to the separation of Yin and Yang. Yang ascends to heaven and Yin returns to earth.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) has found that more people are turning to traditional acupuncture to alleviate symptoms caused by the emotional strains of everyday life. A recent survey suggests that the tolls of the 21st century are affecting younger people. 57% of those citing emotional issues are under 40 and with people working longer hours and dealing with the pressures of today, many are finding it hard to cope. Research also shows that the top three emotional issues for which acupuncture treatment is sought are depression (18%), anxiety (12.8%) and insomnia (10.4%) with stress following closely behind.

An acupuncture session completely focuses on the patient. It involves one-to-one time in order for the practitioner to understand the patient as an individual with their treatment plan being tailor-made. Traditional acupuncture has a successful 2000 year history of treatment based on recognising the unique nature and balance of each individual. With over 3000 members, the BAcC is the UK's largest professional body for traditional acupuncturists. Membership of the BAcC guarantees excellence in training, safe practice and professional conduct.

Acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions – too many to list in this article. It is always worth asking to see if acupuncture can help you and most acupuncturists will be able, after a short conversation, to tell you if they can help, or if not they will be happy to suggest an alternative.

Kate Alden-Smith is a member of The British Acupuncture Council and practises in Cranbrook and Goudhurst. She can be contacted on 07880 564642.

To find a BAcC practitioner in your area contact: The British Acupuncture Council

www.acupuncture.org.uk or email info@acupuncture.org.uk