- Holistic medicine
- Humanistic therapy
- Holistic Western acupuncture
What’s in a name? Acupuncture is, of course, using needle treatment to help people – but it is much more than that.
It is a science and art of healing with a long and venerable tradition originating from East Asia. The central idea is to balance the vital energy (Qi, pronounced ‘Chee’) moving around the body and mind along recognised pathways (meridians). An acupuncturist assesses the pattern of energies by means of questions, observation and examination (including the Chinese Pulses and tongue), then carries out treatments at specific spots (acupoints) in the skin. Very fine needles are usually involved, but not always – finger-pressure, cupping, electrical stimulation, soft lasers and the application of warmth (moxibustion) can be used instead, especially when there is a dislike for needles.
Acupuncture has evolved greatly as East and West have come together over the last century or so. I first learned acupuncture from naturopaths practising in the European tradition, with much French-Vietnamese influence. Since then I have been influenced by the new teachings from China (“TCM”) as well as other complementary therapies and biopsychosocial medicine. The application of scientific scrutiny and medical pragmatism are helping us to build on the wisdom of the ages, to adapt acupuncture to the context of today’s healthcare. We are beginning to understand some of how acupuncture works in terms of nervous system physiology. I aim to integrate ‘the best of both worlds’.
I am recognised as an acupuncture specialist by the major medical insurance companies, so patients can self-refer or be referred by their GP.
