Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
Karen Glancey BA Hons,
Dip Ac, MBAcC
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FAQs
What is Traditional Chinese
Acupuncture and what can it treat?
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range
of medical conditions, and is an integral part of the rapid growth
of complementary therapy in the UK. With an increasing number of
people seeking acupuncture treatment it is important for patients
to know the differences between the two styles of treatment most
commonly on offer in this country – Traditional Chinese Acupuncture
and Western Medical Acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture takes an holistic
approach to the management of disease as well as the maintenance
of health. The skill of the traditional acupuncturist lies in their
ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex
pattern of disharmony. The exact pattern and degree of disharmony
is unique to each individual and with traditional acupuncture each
patient has a unique treatment plan. The richness and complexity
of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture means that it can be used to
not only treat pain but a wide range of other diseases and symptoms.
The British Acupuncture Council ensures that all its members have
had extensive training in acupuncture and biomedical sciences appropriate
to the practice of acupuncture in the UK, and that this training
shall have been for a minimum of three years. Karen Glancey is a
full member of the British Acupuncture Council.
The World Health Organisation has published a list
of diseases and symptoms that respond well to traditional acupuncture,
these are:-
- Pain relief
- Migraine and headache
- Anxiety, stress and depression
- Gynaecology problems
- Digestive problems
Western Medical Acupuncture is a relatively recent
development practiced predominantly by doctors and physiotherapists
and uses a limited range of acupuncture techniques based on a western
medical diagnosis. Training in this type of acupuncture is short,
sometimes as short as one weekend, because the practitioners generally
use their western medical knowledge to help their patients. Practitioners
who use this type of acupuncture generally use it to treat muscular
skeletal pain.
Consultation and treatment
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During the initial consultation a detailed case history will be
taken which covers lifestyle, diet, medical history, current ailments
and problems. Your pulses will be taken in three positions on both
wrists, and the structure colour and coating of your tongue will
also be noted. This initial consultation will usually last up to
one and a half hours. Subsequent treatments will be for approximately
45 minutes.
What happens during treatment
and what does it feel like? [ top
]
Very fine needles are inserted at key locations on the body to regulate
a natural homeostatic balance. Some patients may feel a mild ache
or tingling sensation when needles are inserted. Most people’s
experience of needles is of those used in injections and blood tests.
Acupuncture needles bear little resemblance to these. They are much
finer and are solid rather than hollow. Needles are usually left
in place for 20 minutes. Needles may also be supplemented with moxa,
a smouldering herb which is used to warm acupuncture points. During
treatment patients commonly experience a heaviness in the limbs
or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. The benefits of acupuncture
frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition.
Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels,
better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall
well being.
Fees [
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Initial Consultation £50
Subsequent treatments £32
How many treatments will
I need? [ top ]
An individual plan is designed for each patient to address their
particular problems. However, improvement is generally seen within
6-10 weekly treatments. It is usual for patients to attend less
regularly after these sessions and in certain circumstances it is
advisable to continue treatment at 4-6 weekly intervals.
About Karen Glancey
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Karen was initially introduced to traditional acupuncture by a friend
when she was suffering with chronic low back pain after the birth
of her two children, and was again advised to try traditional acupuncture
again when she developed clinical depression and bouts of anxiety.
The success of her own treatments led her to the decision to train
in traditional acupuncture herself. Karen has trained at the Northern
College of Acupuncture in York, one of the foremost educational
and research institutions for acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in
the UK. Karen holds both a Diploma and an MSc in aupuncture. She is a full member of the British Acupuncture
Council. Her first degree was in Western Philosophy and she has
an interest in educating the general public about the richness and
complexity of Chinese Medicine and its uses in the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What should I do before
treatment?
A: Try not to have a big meal within an hour of
your appointment as the process of digestion will alter the pattern
of your pulse. Also avoid alcohol and foods or drinks which colour
your tongue (such as coffee) immediately prior to treatment.
Q: How will I feel after
acupuncture?
A: Usually rather relaxed and calm. Occasionally
you may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment has
been particularly strong or their may be a short term flair up of
your symptoms.
Q: Should I tell my doctor?
A: If you are receiving treatment from your doctor
then it makes sense to tell him or her about your plans to have
acupuncture – Most G.P.’s are open to the idea of their
patients receiving acupuncture. The acupuncture treatment may enable
you to reduce or even stop taking some medication, but your doctor
should ALWAYS be consulted regarding any change of prescription.
You should always tell your acupuncturist about any medication you
are taking as this may affect your response to acupuncture treatment.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Acupuncture is not painless but neither can
it be described as painful. Most people’s experience of needles
is of those used in injections and blood tests. Acupuncture needles
bear no resemblance to these. They are much finer and solid rather
than hollow. When the needle is inserted the sensation is often
described as a tingling.
Q: What about the needles
used
A: Members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC)
use single use pre-sterilised disposable needles which are disposed
of after each treatment. BAcC members observe a Code of Practice
which lays down stringent standards of hygiene and sterilisation
for other equipment.
Q: Is it safe?
A: All BAcC members observe a Code of Practice
which lays down stringent standards of hygiene, these procedures
have been approved by the Department of Health, and provide protection
against the transmission of infectious diseases. Patients who have
been treated by BAcC members are eligible to donate blood through
the National Blood Service.
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